Desert Haven

(N. Meade)

Curragh, July 16th

This Oasis Dream colt struggled to make an impression on his debut at Fairyhouse earlier in the month but did far better when turning out 10 days later in a maiden won by the potentially top-class Hans Andersen.

He was eventually beaten four and a half lengths into fifth, but this run represented a marked step in the right direction and he might be up to making his mark in a maiden before long.

Derry Lad

(K.T. Coleman)

Curragh, July 16th

Since moving into handicaps 11 months ago this gelding has finished outside the first three just once in seven starts.

Those efforts include victories on testing ground and good to yielding going, so he looks well equipped for the second half of the season. He achieved his latest placing when beaten by just a length into third in the Ladies Derby last Saturday.

He can certainly be placed to further advantage on the flat.

God Knows

(R. Brabazon)

Curragh, July 16th

This filly, who is out of a three-time winner for her trainer, didn’t go ignored in the betting prior to being sent off at 28/1 for the fillies’ maiden won by Benitoite.

She finished outside the placings but the caught the eye with a strong-finishing effort which meant that she was beaten by less than two and a half lengths into seventh.

She should be all the better for this run and will be of distinct interest next time.

Shelton

(P. Twomey)

Curragh, July 17th

This newcomer was unable to land a telling blow in the maiden won by Vernet on Sunday in which she was beaten by just over five lengths into seventh.

However, she didn’t run at all badly and her cause wasn’t helped by meeting some early trouble in running. She appeals as being able to leave this form well behind wherever she turns out next.

One For Bobby

(J.P. Murtagh)

Curragh, July 17th

After winning her first two starts she bounced back from a disappointing showing in the Naas Oaks Trial to finish a fine third in last Sunday’s Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes.

This was much more in keeping with the promise she showed on her first two runs and would also suggest that she shouldn’t have to wait too long for the first stakes race success of her career.