Aahayson set for Curragh challenge

Aahayson has the chance to show he is up to Pattern class when he tackles Sunday’s Patrick P. O’Leary Memorial Phoenix Sprint at the Curragh.

The three-year-old, trained by Karl Burke, has won three of his last four starts in lesser company and now tries to graduate to Group Three level.

“It’s a step up in class and he’s taking on older horses so there’s a few things against him but he’s a horse on an upward curve and we think he’ll run a big race,” said Burke.

“The ground is yielding after a couple of dry days but there are showers forecast over there and any further rain would be a help rather than a hindrance as he likes a bit of cut.

“It’s a big ask but he’s rated 105 now, so handicaps are going to be very tough for him.”

Richard Fahey is hoping there is going to be plenty of pace to help his runner, Fonthill Road

“He’s in good order but he’s drawn nine and he could do with some cover. I just hope they go a gallop,” said the Malton-based handler.

“He ran in a Group race the other day, but they walked in the early stages which does not suit him. The faster they go the better he’ll run.

“It’s very tough for him at the moment but I just hope they go a good gallop as it will suit him well.

“He ran well other day considering it developed into a two-furlong race which is no good to him. The ground will be perfect for him.”

A powerful six-horse British challenge is completed by Benbaun, Al Qasi, Assertive and Advanced while the trio of Osterhase, Grecian Dancer and Evening Time make up the home contingent in a field of nine.