Irish Racing News and previewsAidan O'Brien could be fined tomorrow for Black Sam Bellamy's declaration in the Mooresbridge Stakes but that will count for little if the colt can win the Prix Ganay at Longchamp.The French Group One is the first option for the full brother to Galileo - if ground conditions in Paris are suitable.
"I was not able to get a proper going report from there before the declaration time so I left him in the race at the Curragh as well just in case.
"We're looking for safe ground and the forecast over there is for rain for the next two days. If they get it we will be happy to run. He is in very good form," explained O'Brien yesterday.
Black Sam Bellamy's opposition in the Ganay will include the Japan Cup winner Falbrav and the German Group One scorer Kaieteur.
With Michael Kinane committed to France, it leaves the ride on the colt of the same name in the Tetrarch Stakes open to Seamus Heffernan.
France got an unlucky run behind Refuse To Bend in the Guineas Trial but ran on well and has a visor on for the first time. That could swing the Group Three pot his way ahead of Abunawwas.
The Mooresbridge will cut up to four in Black Sam Bellamy's probable absence and maybe Wrong Key could be the one to emulate Rebelline last year.
One of the most interesting contenders in the Group Three Athasi will be Vintage Tipple, unbeaten in two, and a classic hopeful for the 84-year-old training legend Paddy Mullins. Significantly Jamie Spencer takes the ride.
Navan hosts an all-flat card today but the focus next week will be very much on the Punchestown festival. However, it will go ahead without one of the stars of Irish racing, Limestone Lad.
Trainer Micheal Bowe confirmed yesterday that Limestone Lad is finished for the season and will not run in the Champion Stayers' Hurdle.
"I worked him at the Easter weekend and I wasn't really happy with him. Call it instinct but he looked a little off colour to me.
"It's a long season going into May so we'll let him off and please God it will be the same sort of campaign next season," Bowe said.
Today's Navan feature is the Listed Vintage Crop Stakes where Holy Orders tries to repeat last year's success in the race.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse did best of those behind Black Sam Bellamy in a Stakes race at Leopardstown and the return to form of the Mullins string can only help his chances too.
Mick Kinane looks a significant booking for the Curragh runner up Miss Odlum in the fillies handicap but those who believe in the course specialist theory will be looking at Galloway Boy in the opener.
Twice a course and distance winner, the former black type sprinter is rated 8lb lower than his last start of the previous season.
At Sligo tomorrow Field Marshall and Walk Over look reasonable options to win both legs of the bumper for JP McManus.
