Lady Gloria team pray for rain

James Given is praying for rain to aid Lady Gloria’s bid in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Lincolnshire trainer admits he may be aiming high, but believes it is a gamble worth taking, especially as it gives the four-year-old filly a chance to increase her value before her likely engagement at the Tattersalls December Sales.

Lady Gloria is already a Group Three winner and the ground was unsuitable when she finished in the rear behind Nahoodh in the Group One Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last time.

“The ground wasn’t soft enough for her at Newmarket despite it raining when she ran at the July meeting. The ground was too quick and the times supported that,” said Given.

“We have been waiting for a suitable opportunity, but I was slightly disappointed to hear they missed some of the showers on Tuesday.

“Heavy rain is forecast at the end of the week and we’re just hoping it falls on Leopardstown.

“We are slightly tilting at a windmill with her but if she was able to run into a place, it would enhance her value enormously.

“She is more likely than not to go to the December Sales, so if she can enhance her value further, so be it.”