Shakespearean makes play for Curragh jackpot
The Shamardal colt got off the mark in Group company with an impressive win in the Solario Stakes at Sandown last month, form which was boosted by a subsequent French Group Three victory for the runner-up Buzzword.
Trainer Mark Johnston has also given his charge a precautionary entry in Saturday’s Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot, but a trip across the Irish Sea remains his primary objective.
“We left him in just in case the Curragh had to be abandoned or something, but that’s not going to happen so the Goffs Million is the plan for him,” said Johnston
A total of 20 horses have been left in the race at the latest entry stage with Johnston also leaving in Bintalaleumydarlin. Azmeel, Cadley Road, On The Cusp and Private Story are other interesting challengers from Britain, while dual winner Cabaret looks the pick of four runners for Aidan O’Brien.
The Dermot Weld-trained Stunning View and Kevin Prendergast’s Crystal Gal are other interesting contenders.
Tommy Stack’s smart filly Walk On Bye features among 22 possible runners in the Goffs Million Sprint at the Curragh on Sunday.
The daughter of Danehill Dancer lost her unbeaten record when third in the Phoenix Stakes over course and distance on her latest outing but had previously posted an impressive win in the Anglesey Stakes.
Stack appears to have a strong hand in the valuable contest having also left in Capulet Monteque and Gibraltar Blue.
Aidan O’Brien’s consistent Air Chief Marshal is one of three Ballydoyle contenders along with Beethoven and Reggae Dancer, while Laureldean Spirit, King Ledley and Rigid Rock are other notable entries.
Impressive debut winner St Nicholas Abbey is likely to head Aidan O’Brien’s assault on the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Montjeu colt was sent off a warm order for his racecourse debut at the track just over a month ago and he readily pulled four lengths clear of his nearest pursuer.
O’Brien has seven of the 19 horses remaining at the latest entry stage with Banyan Tree, Fencing Master, Fighting Brave, Lastofthemohicans and Mikhail Glinka also possibles for the one mile contest.
Jim Bolger has left in National Stakes runner-up Chabal, as well as Maverick Man and Reiteration. Other contenders from the home team include Elusive Award and Montecchio, while the two British contenders are Godolphin’s Passion For Gold and the Mark Johnston-trained Layali Al Andalus.
