CURRAGH PREVIEWSHIMAH CREATED quite an impression on her racing debut earlier this month and the Kevin Prendergast-trained filly can build on that with a Listed success at this evening's opening session of the Curragh's Derby weekend.
A total of eight juvenile fillies line up for the Saoire Stakes but anyone who witnessed Shimah's victory over the course and distance three weeks ago won't stray too far despite there being easier ground conditions this time.
It was fast ground when she put four lengths between herself and Connie Mac, who subsequently made the frame in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. There have been other form boosts since from horses that finished further behind.
The difference for Shimah will be the going which won't be as quick as she experienced first time up.
However, her Diadem Stakes winning half-brother, Haatef, was able to win on heavy, while a half-sister was able to land an Athasi Stakes here on easy ground.
Aidan O'Brien has a history of unveiling smart two-year-olds in the opening seven-furlong maiden and the Galileo colt Rip Van Winkle looks the best of the Ballydoyle trio of newcomers tonight with Johnny Murtagh aboard.
The champion trainer has won this in the past with the likes of the Leger hero Brian Boru (2002), the ill-fated Horatio Nelson (2005) and Duke Or Marmalade two years ago.
John Oxx's juveniles seem to be much more forward than usual this season so the well bred Tarankali must be respected, but O'Brien's record in the race is formidable.
The first Derby of the weekend down for decision will be the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Derby where Kaprun could emerge best of a competitive looking field.
Brian Nolan's three-year-old won a Ballinrobe maiden in good style on his last start and has the services of Christy Geoghegan, one of the most experienced riders in the race, who tasted Stakes glory earlier this season on Mustameet.
The Jim Bolger-Kevin Manning team unveil Teofilo's full-brother Slaney Wave in the concluding mile and a quarter maiden, but reports indicate that he doesn't possess nearly the ability of his famous relative.
New Approach's connections could have a much better time in the mile handicap, however, with Wednesday night's Naas winner Ard Fheis.
The well bred filly had only a neck in hand on the line, but has just a 5lb penalty for that and looks worth supporting against another Naas winner, Le Citadel.
