Prendergast eyeing Maybe revenge
La Collina has a neck and 6lb to find on Maybe from their run in the Group Three Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown in July.
However, Prendergast is optimistic of turning around the form.
Not only is La Collina younger and had less racecourse experience when they met for the first time, but she has notched a Group One success.
That came in the six-furlong Phoenix Stakes on this course three weeks ago at the main expense of the previously unbeaten colt Power, who like Maybe, is trained by Aidan O’Brien.
“She’s very well. The last time she met Maybe that filly had been to Ascot and had plenty of experience,” said Prendergast.
“Maybe is a February foal and La Collina is an April foal, so she had a couple of months on us, so we might make it up this time.
“We have beaten the winner of the Coventry (Power) so she’s entitled to be there or thereabouts. We think she has a fighting chance.”
Maybe stretched her 100% record to four when lifting the Group Two Debutante Stakes over this course and distance on the same card as the Phoenix Stakes.
Rubina was back in fourth place that day, but that was only her second start after she made a winning debut at Leopardstown.
Her trainer John Oxx fears the big two in the race but hopes she can pick up some place money.
“She ran well in the Debutante. Obviously she’s up against it with Maybe who beat her easily the last day, and La Collina as well,” said Oxx.
