Final Frontier can successfully step up in class
The Jessica Harrington-trained colt was the subject of a substantial gamble on his debut, in a Curragh maiden, and delivered in some style. The strength of the form is still unclear, but he could hardly have done it more easily and, with natural progression, should take beating.
The danger must be the highly regarded Queen Of Sicily, who also justified market confidence on debut. She looked an exciting sort on that occasion, holds a Moyglare entry, and shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.
Curvy has progressed remarkably through the season and, following her victory in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, where she accounted for Irish 1000 Guineas winner Pleascach, she can make the breakthrough at the very top level by landing the Darley Irish Oaks.
David Wachman’s filly began the year on a mark of 72, but has climbed 40lbs up the rankings for four consecutive successes. There’s no reason to believe she has yet reached her peak and, being quite straightforward, can be delivered late to give jockey Wayne Lordan a first Classic victory.
Mecca’s Angel has very strong claims in the Invincible Spirit Sapphire Stakes, over five furlongs. A progressive filly, she won a Group 3 on her final start of last season, and repeated the feat at Longchamp on her return, in May. She hasn’t been seen since, but the short break is of no concern.
A little bit of cut in the ground suits the daughter of Dark Angel, and she can prove too sharp for her rivals, headed by Wind Fire.
On tomorrow’s card at the Curragh, Sovereign Debt gets the nap to land the Friarstown Stud Minstrel Stakes for trainer Dandy Nicholls.
The grey gelding wasn’t seen to best effect when fifth behind one of today’s rivals, Flight Risk, at this track in April, nor was the race run to suit when third behind another rival, Convergence, at Leopardstown last month.
However, he excelled at the Curragh on his most recent outing, when readily reversing previous form with Flight Risk.
With last year’s winner, Ansgar, and Home Of The Brave in the field, the race is almost certain to be run at a very fast pace, and that can set it up for Sovereign Debt.
Another who could be suited by the run of the race is last year’s third, Eastern Rules. He could go well at a price.
At Tipperary, tomorrow, Sandymount Duke can comlete a hat-trick, in the three-mile Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort Hurdle.
The six-year-old was a ready winner on his first try over this trip, last time out, and may be strong enough to concede weight to lightly raced eight-year-old mare Daisy’s Gift.
Lilly The Lioness makes plenty of appeal in the Packie Downey Memorial Handicap Chase. A winner over hurdles last time, she has winning course form over larger obstacles, and looks primed for a big run.
