Alberto can establish Derby credentials
Alberto Giacometti and Alamshar promise a fascinating clash in the Ballysax Stakes, Refuse To Bend runs in the 2000 Guineas Trial, while current Derby favourite, Brian Boru, will be put through an extensive work-out after racing.
Alberto Giacometti, the medium of some inspired ante-post support for the Epsom classic this week, is fancied to beat Alamshar in the Ballysax.
The selection won his maiden in very testing conditions at the Curragh in October and the ground was again heavy when he stepped way up in class to land a Group One at Saint-Cloud in November.
Despite the fact he is by Sadler’s Wells, Aidan O’Brien is adamant a far better surface is what’s needed and he looks certain to get that for the first time in his life.
Alamshar, successful in an ordinary maiden at Listowel, also made a big leap when following up by beating Brian Boru in the Group Three Beresford Stakes at the Curragh in October and is a worthy opponent.
The O’Brien trained L’Ancresse, a useful sort when in the care of Roger Charlton last season, is a hopeful choice to take the 1000 Guineas Trial.
Dermot Weld has a particularly powerful hand through much of the rest of the card. His Refuse To Bend has to be fancied to give weight all round in the 2000 Guineas Trial.
He is another who made the graduation from maiden company to Group One Class, scoring first time up at Gowran Park, a moderate contest, and then showing fine battling qualities to beat Van Nistelrooy in the National Stakes at the Curragh.
Weld’s Former Senator gets the nap to win the Leopardstown Golf Centre Maiden. This full-brother to Dance Design is highly rated by his handler.
Former Senator made an excellent start, when fourth to Tomahawk at the Curragh, and will know more of what’s required now and will also be suited to stepping up three furlongs in trip.
A fourth Weld possibility is the newcomer, Military Option, in the Palmer McCormack Maiden. The son of Red Ransom has also been the medium of favourable mention from his trainer.
Weld’s Maid To Order gets the nap to take the second division of the EBF Fillies Maiden at Listowel this afternoon.
She was just touched off by John Oxx’s Kiteflyer on this track in September and then ran a cracker when fourth to Powerscourt at Punchestown subsequently. That race has been working out really well.
Weld could also supply the answer to the first section of the the same event with the once-raced Hymn Of Love, who showed some promise when fifth of six behind the smart Vintage Tipple at the Curragh.
Michael Grassick’s American-bred Southern Style should prove hard to beat in the Kerry Median Auction Maiden.
She went off a largely unconsidered 14-1 shot at Leopardstown last month, but belied the apparent lack of confidence by running Ballydoyle’s Roosevelt to a short head.
