Harrington hails Alpha condition

Horse Racing

Racing365
September 15, 2018 3:00 pm

Alpha Centauri has been in ‘great form’ going into Saturday’s Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes, according to Jessica Harrington.

The 71-year-old handler has enjoyed an excellent 2018 with the daughter of Mastercraftsman, who followed up a disappointing seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown in April with four successive Group One victories.

Alpha Centauri claimed success in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, before claiming further wins in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket and the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

A return to Leopardstown this weekend will provide an opportunity for a fifth Group One win and, while the odds are against the filly, Harrington is pleased with her shape and form.

She said: ‘She travelled back from France very well. She was in great form. She had an easy week and then we started cantering her again.

‘She’s been away to the Curragh twice and worked there. She did her final bit last Saturday at the Curragh, in the pouring rain. She’s been very good and we’re very happy with her.

‘She’s actually had an extra week this time. It’s always been about four weeks between runs and this is the guts of five weeks.’

Harrington added: ‘You’d know exactly how she’s feeling and how she’s doing. She’s had five races so far (this season) and the first race of the year was a non-event.

‘On the face of it she hasn’t really had a hard race since then, but you’re never really quite sure how much they’re taking out of themselves.

‘Weight-wise she’s been very level the whole way through the summer and in fact, she’s now probably heavier than she’s ever been. She’s really thrived since her last run and she might be going into Saturday slightly heavier than normal.

‘It’s hard to say whether she’s improved, but the great thing as far as I’m concerned is she’s maintained her form.’

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