Darwin poised to continue evolution
The former American horse has made a big impression in two outings in this country and, if he can now cope with Gordon Lord Byron, will have to be regarded as a possible Group 1 winner of the future.
The pair clashed over seven furlongs at the Curragh in another Group 3 last month, Darwin beating his rival by a length and three parts into second place.
But Gordon Lord Byron is now 8lbs better in and has since gone on to produce a cracking effort when third behind super filly, Moonlight Cloud, and the flying Lethal Force in a Group 1 over six furlongs at Deauville.
This evening’ renewal, however, is over a mile and that should greatly favour Darwin, with Gordon Lord Byron never having won beyond seven furlongs.
David Wachman’s Three D Alexander gets the nod in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Maiden.
She made an excellent start when a close third behind Tapestry and Chroussa at the Currragh and the form was boosted when the former took a Group 2, back at headquarters, last Sunday.
The market will be the best guide to the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden and it is surely long odds-on it will go to a newcomer.
The most interesting, at least from this range, is Jim Bolger’s County Wexford, who is a full brother to the Irish Derby hero, Trading Leather.
At Tramore, the Pat Flynn-trained Storm Away can get punters off to the perfect start to their four days to by taking the opening Brennans’ Pharmacy Maiden for lady riders.
The consistent four-year-old should find this a little easier, after being grabbed late and beaten half a length by Cullentry Royal at Ballinrobe.
Passage Vendome, a very useful hurdler, has always shaped like a chaser and is fancied to overcome an absence of 312 days in the Sunnybank Hotel Beginners Chase.
