When In Doubt has pedigree to go well in Roscommon

Step up in trip can prove crucial for Qatar Racing’s filly

Jockey Colin Keane rides the Ger Lyons-trained Azzuri in the opening maiden at Roscommon. Photograph: Cyril Byrne.
Jockey Colin Keane rides the Ger Lyons-trained Azzuri in the opening maiden at Roscommon. Photograph: Cyril Byrne.

Roscommon’s mile-and-a-half maiden is worth less than nine grand to the winner but it could be priceless to When In Doubt if Qatar Racing’s filly gets her head in front.

The daughter of Montjeu is a half sister to the multiple Group One winner Moonlight Cloud who excelled between six furlongs and a mile during an illustrious career.

It is a step up in trip though that can prove crucial to When In Doubt who displayed some promise as a juvenile in France before missing out on all of 2014. Transferred to Ger Lyons she made her Irish debut at Navan over a mile last month and made most of the early running in the maiden won by Fluff until fading in the closing stages.

This task looks easier and a daughter of Montjeu should relish more of a stamina test and also be okay on ground which could turn soft given forecast of heavy showers in the west.

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Lyons and jockey Colin Keane can also strike in the opening maiden with Azzuri given a decent third at Gowran on softish going.

Any rain would help Madeira Classic who has had problems but bounced back to win well at Navan last month and looks up to defying an 8lb hike in the ratings given the right conditions.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column