Central looks just Grand in Derrinstown
The selection is on something of a retrieving mission after failing to land the odds on his seasonal bow here last month, finishing second behind Alayan in the Group 3 2000 Guineas Trial.
Grand Central looked in need of the run and Kieren Fallon was easy on him after he failed to raise his effort from around a furlong and half down.
He has three and a half lengths to find with John Oxx’s Alayan but, over a longer trip and with Down Mexico Way in the line-up to ensure a strong pace, there is every liklihood he can leave that form well behind.
Alayan’s success in the Guineas trail surprised connections and whether he can continue to progress at this level remains to be seen.
David Wachman’s unbeaten Fracas followed up a smooth maiden win with victory in a Group 3 at Sandown, the form of which was boosted by Hattan at Chester on Thursday. He is clearly going the right way but this looks tougher.
The well regarded Bobs Pride reads a bigger danger.
Unbeaten in two starts this season, Dermot Weld’s Marju colt showed a professional attitude when landing a Group 3 over this course and distance last month and gives the impression of being open to further improvement.
The Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial can go to Jazz Princess.
Jessica Harrington’s Bahhare filly rattled off a hat-trick from as many starts last season, culminating in an impressive Group 3 success at the Curragh last October.
Virginia Waters, four and a half lengths behind Jazz Princess in third on that occasion, gave the form a huge boost when landing last weekend’s 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden can go to Jioconda.
Edward Lynam’s Rossini filly was friendless in the market when a length second behind Sandie, the pair clear, over this course and distance last month and is sure to come on from the race.
At Killarney tomorrow, Diaconate is one to note in the Killarney Towers Hotel Maiden Hurdle.
Representing the formidable Willie Mullins-Ruby Walsh combination, Diaconate shaped well when third over flights at Gowran in January and the drying ground will be in his favour.
Stutter gets a hopeful vote in the Murphy’s Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle.
The versatile seven-year-old ran well when scoring at the Punchestown Festival and still looks on a favourable mark.
Punters can enjoy a winning start at Kilbeggan tonight by supporting Iktitaf in the Sponsor A Race at Maiden Hurdle.
A winner on the Flat when trained by John Gosden in Britain last year, Iktitaf acquitted himself well when fourth of eight to Majlis in a Grade 3 juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse in February. He can make the most of a major drop in class.
