Fascinating Rock looks another for Dermot Weld
Dermot Weld couldn’t have his string in better shape and, having saddled four-timers at both Gowran Park and Leopardstown at the weekend, hopes will be high that Fascinating Rock, last seen in the Irish Derby last summer, can cope with both a significant drop in trip and the concession of weight to some highly-rated rivals. Winner of a ten-furlong maiden at today’s venue last spring, he followed-up by landing the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes, run last year in Navan, and went on to foil Ebanoran in Leopardstown’s Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.
The son of Fastnet Rock took his chance in the Investec Derby at Epsom and, having held every chance, faded to finish eighth behind Australia. He made little impression in the Irish Derby four weeks later finishing last of five behind Australia. Probably at his best over a mile and a quarter, Fascinating Rock must prove his effectiveness over a mile today and he must give 5lb. to Ger Lyons’ 112-rated German import Chopin and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Cougar Mountain, which campaigned in Group 1 sprint company last season, but has never raced beyond six furlongs. In the belief that Fascinating Rock might enjoy a fitness advantage, he’s expected to continue the superb form of the Weld/Smullen combination.
The Jim Bolger-trained Ringside Humour came from last to first to land a seven-furlong handicap in Gowran Park on Saturday and, 4lb. well-in, might follow-up in the Spin 1038 Handicap while Corbata, a close third to Sunday’s Guineas trial heroine Stormfly in the Madrid Handicap at the Curragh, might be capable of defying top-weight in the Leopardstown Club Summer Membership Handicap and giving John Oxx his first success of the season.
Limerick also stages a Student day and the booking of Ruby Walsh might prove the key to Crystal Pearl’s chance of gaining an overdue win in the opening mares maiden hurdle.
