WEEKEND PREVIEW:CONNECTIONS of Long Lashes are optimistic she will handle the expected testing conditions in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh tomorrow.
The Rock Hard Ten filly joined the Godolphin operation from Jessica Harrington’s stable following her debut success at the Kildare track in June.
Long Lashes showed she had effortlessly adapted to her new surroundings when lifting the Group Three Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket three weeks ago.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “The ground is very soft out there. She won on soft before so we don’t think it should inconvenience her, although obviously there is a risk attached to it.”
Kevin Prendergast is upbeat about the prospects of Termagant, winner of her only start when accounting for Aidan O’Brien’s well-regarded Cabaret, and the more experienced Wrong Answer.
“We are expecting both of them to run well,” said the Friarstown trainer. “The going is very testing and I think Wrong Answer will have the better chance in the ground. She’s handled it before. The other one is a good-ground filly but we are going to let her take her chance. If she handles the conditions she will go very well.”
O’Brien is double-handed with 1,000 Guineas ante-post favourite Lillie Langtry and Famous, while Jim Bolger runs Gile Na Greine and Gold Bubbles in the seven-strong field.
Lillie Langtry is the even-money favourite with William Hill to follow up her victory in the Group Two Debutante Stakes at Leopardstown earlier this month, with Long Lashes next best at 5 to 2.
“We haven’t seen too many big clashes between Coolmore and Godolphin in recent years, but this Sunday’s clash should be a cracker,” said Hills spokesman Tony Kenny. “Lillie Langtry and Long Lashes look like they are the two best horses in the race, and it’ll be fascinating to see how the race pans out at the Curragh.”
Ger Lyons is delighted the Danehill Dancer Tipperary Stakes has been rearranged for Dundalk today. The Co Meath handler saddles Invincible Vibes, who won his only start to date on the same Polytrack surface in July.
The meeting kicks off at 2.25 with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, which looks an ideal opportunity for Queen Of Troy.
Mountain Mama did well to repel Green Utopia at Leopardstown last time and will be out to follow up in the Racing Post Yearling Bonus Fillies Auction Race.
Musical Rain is the only other filly to have tasted success already and she should be on the premises, while support for newcomer Your Groovy could prove significant.
Liberty Island will bid to follow up his recent success when he tackles the Duleek Handicap, while the Drogheda Maiden could prove between Sampers, Good To Follow and Discreet Affair.
A seven-race mixed card at Galway features the Deacy and Associates Novice Chase, in which Montero will be looking for a fourth straight win over obstacles.
A 10-length winner on his last start at Ballybrit, the seven-year-old could give weight and a beating to the smart Wins Now and recent Ballinrobe scorer Let Yourself Go.
MOYGLARE STUD STAKES (William Hill bet): Evens Lillie Langtry, 5-2 Long Lashes, 6-1 Gile Na Greine, 8-1 Termagant, 20-1 Wrong Answer, 40-1 Famous, Gold Bubbles
