Trojan set for hat-trick
Third to Space Telescope in a Leopardstown maiden in his only juvenile start, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Montjeu colt opened his account in a Galway maiden six weeks ago.
He followed-up when winning ‘Her Majesty’s Plate’ at Down Royal, displaying plenty of stamina and a good attitude as he slammed Hunting Tower.
Trojan War looks an improver and, although his rating of 99 might be a little flattering on the basis of what he has achieved to date, he might be capable of extending his winning sequence here, if coping with Dundalk’s fibresand surface.
Dermot Weld’s Daasij and the Ger Lyons-trained Ashka look likely threats. But Trojan War is a three-year-old, open to plenty of improvement and gets the vote.
The Andy Oliver-trained Luck Or Design got valuable experience of the all-weather surface when chasing home Moonreach on his recent debut.
The Dubawi colt showed signs of inexperience, or temperament, when ducking behind his rival at a crucial stage. If he has learned from that experience, Pat Smullen’s mount should prove tough to beat, despite his high draw.
The listed Star Appeal Stakes is tonight’s feature and looks a very competitive affair, with five course winners in the field.
Aidan O’Brien relies on Fighting Brave, winner of a course and distance maiden on Sunday while Bobbyscot and Mister Tee, both rated 103, theoretically, set the standard. But there was a lot to like about the manner in which Free Judgement opened his account over a mile at Dundalk last Friday, a vast improvement on his disappointing and unlucky effort in the Goffs Million Sprint.
The selection had earlier gone close against Crystal Gal in a hot Curragh maiden and might be capable of landing this prize.
