Curragh ClassicIf Jim Sheridan directed a racing film with the sort of storyline Vinnie Roe provides he would probably be accused of being overly fanciful. But fact can match up to sentiment at the Curragh today as the great stayer bids for a remarkable five-in-a-row in the Irish Field St Leger.
Never before has a Group One race been dominated to such an extent and it would be entirely appropriate if Sheridan again can fill the roll of proud winning owner. He, along with Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen, and indeed the rest of us are unlikely to ever see such a horse again.
Flat racing's headquarters rarely sees a raucous Cheltenham-style outpouring of emotion in the winner's enclosure, but if there isn't a Hill 16-like roar to greet a Vinnie Roe victory this afternoon a collective pulse check should be carried out. The good news is that the horse looks more than up to fulfilling his own usual role.
An eight-strong opposition includes the 2003 runner-up Gamut as well as three other cross-channel raiders. But it is the home duo of Yeats and the sole three-year-old Shalapour who look to provide the sternest test. Around here, however, Vinnie Roe is the benchmark.
"I think he's better at the Curragh than anywhere else. He is inclined to lug a little to the right and he likes going right-handed," said Smullen. "He is probably losing a little pace but he has got it in his heart and that should be enough to get him by."
It's that slight loss of speed that probably accounted for Vinnie Roe's third last time to Chelsea Rose and Shalapour but an extra quarter mile around the Curragh should even things up considerably with his younger rival. A problem with a haematoma was a brief concern last week but closer to the day there have been encouraging reports of some excellent work-outs and Vinnie Roe's proven ability around here makes him hard to oppose yet again before a likely career finale in the Melbourne Cup.
Yeats is trying the trip for the first time and it's worrying that no reason emerged for a poor run last June in France. Shalapour looks a different proposition and Christophe Soumillon will fancy his chances of a second Curragh Classic of the year. However, the head as well as the heart leans towards one last Leger barn-storm for Vinnie Roe.
Today's main support is the Group Three Ballygallon Stud Renaissance Stakes where the Flying Five winner Benbaun tries six furlongs for the first time in over a year. Kieren Fallon's mount has won at six but his best form is at the minimum distance and maybe Miss Sally will be a value alternative.
Aidan O'Brien provides a Storm Cat newcomer Kamarinskaya in the opener and also Hawk Wing's half sister Race For The Stars in the concluding fillies race. She finished last in the Moyglare and still managed to run a decent race.
