Johnny be good for Massiyn

Trainer Michael Halford is delighted Johnny Murtagh has chosen to partner Massiyn in the Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon tomrrow evening.

The ace jockey has gone for the progressive son of Zamindar from three horses the Aga Khan has in the race.

The owner is also represented in the Listed contest over a mile and a half by Aklan and Handazan, both trained by John Oxx.

Massiyn looked a three-year-old very much on the upgrade when beating Vedani, another Aga Khan runner trained by Oxx, at the Curragh on his latest start.

“It’s quite a compliment as Johnny would have had the choice of his Highness’ three horses in the race,” said Halford.

“Massiyn is progressive and very tough and we were impressed with him at the Curragh.

“He won his handicap really well. He’s lightly raced and I expect a good run from him.

“It’s the first time over a mile and a half for him, too, but it shouldn’t be a problem to him.

“He’s a horse that’s going the right way.”

Halford has also saddles Defining Year, who makes a quick reappearance after chasing home the evergreen Famous Name in the International Stakes at the Curragh last Sunday.

“He’s in good form and he’s come out of his race last week really well,” said the County Kildare trainer.

“It will be his first time over a mile and a half but I don’t think it will be a problem to him.

“I’m expecting him to run really well.

“It looks a nice race for him.”

Famous Name’s trainer Dermot Weld relies upon Sense Of Purpose, who was well beaten behind the Aga Khan’s Hartani at the Curragh last Sunday in what was her first race since last September.

“We’ll have to see about the weather. She likes heavy ground, but she only ran last week,” said Stan Cosgrove, racing manager to owners the Moyglare Stud.

Aaraas is also going into unknown territory but she has shown a decent level of form over a mile and a quarter, with placed efforts on her last three starts behind Kissed, Princess Highway and Caponata.

“She’s in good form,” said trainer Kevin Prendergast.

“I think she should probably get the trip OK and hopefully she’ll run well.”