Great chance for Posing to get off the mark
David Wachman’s four-year-old has had just one start to date and on that occasion, at Gowran Park in August of last year, the daughter of Medicean was just touched off by the experienced Ebayya. The winner gave the form a real boost on each of her two subsequent outings, finishing in the frame in a Listed race on each occasion.
If the selection takes to the all-weather surface, she will surely prove too good for her rivals. Queen Alphabet looks the best alternative. Peter Fahey’s mare was a useful sort in bumpers and over hurdles, and on her only outing on the flat she finished second behind Here For The Craic. That was over a mile and six furlongs, and the drop back in trip is a step into the unknown. Nevertheless, she looks the most likely alternative.
The feature event on the card is the Listed Paddy Power Stakes over seven furlongs and marginal preference is for Most Beautiful, over Washington DC.
David Wachman’s filly was a smart sort last term and, after winning her maiden at the second time of asking and following up in a Group 3 at the Curragh, she found Classic prospects Ballydoyle and Minding too good in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on her final start of the season.
On that occasion she travelled well but was run out of second place in the closing yards. That was her first try over seven furlongs - the same trip as today’s race - and she ought to prove stronger over it this year. She is taking on colts today but is classy enough to cope and gets the nod ahead of Washington DC.
The latter is highest rated in the race, courtesy of his second place finish behind stable companion and Newmarket 2000 Guineas favourite Air Force Blue on his final start of the season, in the Phoenix Stakes. The step up to seven furlongs isn’t certain to suit, but he gained experience at this track, when runner-up to Blood Moon on his debut, and is likely to travel strongly through tonight’s race. If he gets home, he will likely prevail, but Most Beautiful will be no pushover, and on value grounds and the fact she should have no problem with the trip, she is preferred.
