Prendergast smitten by Kissable
After having opened her account in a Leopardstown maiden, the juvenile went on to finish a creditable third in the Group Three Silver Flash Stakes at the same track.
Prendergast saddled Termagant to win the Group One prize 12 months ago.
“Kissable has come on well and we’re hoping for a good run. I think the track will suit her better than Leopardstown,” said the trainer.
“Leopardstown was a bit tight for her and she got a bit far back and came home well.
“She definitely needs a good dig in the ground, which hopefully we’ll get on Sunday. It’s a Group One and we’d be delighted if we’re in the first three or four.
Prendergast also has Seeharn engaged in Sunday’s race, but revealed she will not be taking her chance.
The famous maroon and white silks of Sheikh Mohammed are a rare sight these days, but they will be carried with distinction by Fred Archer in the Go And Go Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Iffraaj colt, who is named after the former champion jockey of the 19th century, made an eyecatching winning debut at Leopardstown.
“He did everything right and he was very professional at Leopardstown,” said Marnane. “We are dropping him back one furlong, but he is from a speedy family and I’m hoping he runs a nice race. He would only run if the ground was good or better.”
Among the opposition could be Jim Bolger’s highly-regarded Glor Na Mara, second in the Phoenix Stakes and Futurity Stakes, and the Richard Hannon-trained Big Issue.
Meanwhile, Shay Barry fractured his pelvis in a fall at Killarney last Thursday – after being sent home from hospital just hours afterwards.
Barry was partnering Hairy Molly in the Owens McCarthy Claims Specialists Handicap Chase when the 10-year-old suffered a horrendous last-fence fall, which left Hairy Molly fatally injured.
After hospital x-rays came back clear, the jockey was sent home at 2am the following morning.
But Barry later experienced severe pain in his lower abdomen and, after further investigation, a fracture was revealed.
