Purpose can get off the mark at third attempt
This Galileo filly, trained by Dermot Weld, was narrowly denied in listed company last time and looks more than capable of success in maiden company.
Third to Sagacious at the Curragh on her debut, Sense Of Purpose stepped into listed class for the Flame Of Tara Stakes over a mile last time and, after a protracted duel, was pipped by Corcovada, with Ballydoyle filly Lady Lupus, a rival again today, back in seventh spot.
The Weld filly has about six lengths in hand on Lady Lupus on that form. The latter did the form no harm when, raised to Group 3 level in the C L Weld Park Stakes, she made late headway to finish fifth behind Lady Springbank.
Aidan O’Brien’s filly looks an improver but Sense Of Purpose, proven over a mile and with an ease in the ground, is expected to confirm her superiority.
Five Ballydoyle inmates are set to contest the one-mile colts’ maiden, an event won by Soldier Of Fortune in 2006 and over a course and distance over which Fame And Glory made a successful debut twelve months ago.
After some last minute chopping and changing before declaration time yesterday, Johnny Murtagh is due to ride one of the debutants, September Moon, a Montjeu half-brother to Purple Moon and Vespone.
If running plans remain unchanged and the market speaks in his favour, this colt will probably set the standard.
Later, Chief Lone Eagle will be the highest-rated contender for the Newgrange Race over a mile and a quarter.
His rating of 102 hinges largely on his second to Vocalised in the Group 3 Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh on his seasonal debut back in early May and a later sixth to She’s Our Mark in the Meld Stakes (Group 3) at Leopardstown.
Some of his other form is less impressive and his most recent third behind stable-companions Man Of Iron and Crowfoot in a Dundalk handicap is not inspiring.
But, well-suited by the conditions of today’s race - in which he’ll be receiving weight from all but one of his seven rivals - he might have the edge over the Dermot Weld-trained Galileo’s Choice (rated 94), easy winner of a moderate Listowel maiden last time but a progressive-looking type.
