Classic date for La Collina

La Collina is set to try her luck in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 27 following her creditable effort in the Newmarket equivalent.

Trainer Kevin Prendergast was pleased with his charge’s performance in finishing fifth behind Homecoming Queen in the Qipco 1000 Guineas considering the ground was too soft for her.

Prendergast reports last year’s Phoenix Stakes winner to have come on for her first run since she filled third place behind Maybe in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh last August.

“She’s come out of Newmarket very well and runs in the Irish Guineas on Sunday week,” said the Co Kildare handler.

“We’ll just keep her ticking over. She’s in good shape and seems to have come out of the Guineas well.

“The ground was too soft for her for a start, but then again it was soft for them all.

“She likes fast ground and hopefully it’s supposed to be dry next week and we might get a good track.”

Prendergast also has Bulbul entered in the Irish Classic, but feels the mile may stretch her stamina.

Bulbul was well-beaten by Newmarket heroine Homecoming Queen in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial before finishing second in the Athasi Stakes at the Curragh earlier this month, with both races being over seven furlongs.

“I’m not so sure she’d get a mile, but she’s not a definite non-runner in the Irish Guineas,” said the trainer.

“I’ve got to discuss it with the owners. She’s been left in and we’ll see what happens.”

Prendergast has ruled his other Irish 1,000 Guineas entry Aaraas out of the race.

The Haafhd filly has already had three starts this term and was second to Princess Highway in the Group Three Blue Wind Stakes over a mile and a quarter at Naas on Wednesday.

“Aaraas ran well there. She just got chinned by one of Dermot Weld’s in the stakes race,” said Prendergast.

“At the moment I’ve got to play it by ear and see how she comes out of the race.

“I think I might have to avoid the bigger races with her and go for a Listed race.”