Murtagh on trial at Leopardstown

Johnny Murtagh has forecast an informative afternoon at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The star Irish jockey rides Famous in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes and Black Quartz in the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes.

Famous, trained by Aidan O’Brien, posted her best effort to date last August when finishing second in the Moyglare.

“She ran very well in the Moyglare at the Curragh in testing ground,” said Murtagh. “She’ll improve for the run but she’s an honest, tough filly.”

Black Quartz, also in the care of O’Brien, was last seen in competitive action when landing a Galway nursery last August.

“He’s a big, strong horse and is a straightforward horse,” added Murtagh.

Murtagh is also predicting big things from brilliant Racing Post Trophy winner St Nicholas Abbey, hot favourite for the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas.

“He looks like he’s come through the winter well,” the jockey told At The Races. “He’s a really good horse and hopefully he’ll fill the void this year.”