CAN patience pay off for connections of Crypto Force in today’s Group 3 Tote.ie Alleged Stakes (3.55) at the Curragh?

It has been a whole 574 days since the Amo Racing-owned four-year-old was last seen in action, winning the 2022 Beresford Stakes at this venue when trained by Michael O’Callaghan.

The Time Test colt was switched to be trained by John and Thady Gosden in Britain last season but never managed to make an appearance and is now back in Ireland with the Adrian Murray team.

Amo’s 107-rated performer, who beat none other than Auguste Rodin on his debut in a maiden here two years ago, had to wait even longer than expected to return in 2024 due to the original Alleged Stakes card being called off due to waterlogging earlier this month.

He takes on a useful field on his first try at a mile and a quarter, facing rivals such as Derby third White Birch, Prix Greffulhe winner Greenland and blacktype fillies Maxux and Village Voice.

Murray told The Irish Field: “I’m very happy with him heading into the weekend. It will be his first run for a while but he looks sharp. It looks like the ground will be testing and I suppose you never fully know whether they will handle it until they get to try it for the first time, so we’ll see how he gets on. I think and hope he’ll run a big race.”

It has been a fine start to the 2024 season for Murray’s Co Westmeath operation, including feature race wins with Dallas Star and Elegant Man. No firm plan has yet been decided for stable star Bucanero Fuerte, however.

“We haven’t made any decision on him at the moment,” said Murray.

“Thankfully the horses have been running great for us so far. Hopefully it looks like we have some right horses.”