In-form team rely on Ancient Spirit at Leopardstown
Harrington takes aim at Group Three Desmond Stakes.
Ancient Spirit bids to provide trainer Jessica Harrington, jockey Shane Foley and owner Zhang Yuesheng with a second big-race victory in the space of a five days in the Clipper Logistics Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown. The Moone-based trainer saddled Lucky Vega to claim Group One honours for Chinese businessman Yuesheng in what appeared a strong renewal of the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Having won successive Listed prizes in June, Ancient Spirit had to make do with the runner-up spot behind Joseph O’Brien’s Patrick Sarsfield on his latest outing in the Meld Stakes, but gets another chance to strike Group Three gold on Thursday. Click Here For Exclusive MansionBet Promotion Harrington said: “Hopefully he has a good chance. He’s in good form, anyway. “He’s been running well all year and has some good form at Leopardstown. “The ground will be no issue for him either, because he’s run well on soft ground and very fast ground.” Ancient Spirit is the highest-rated horse in a field of seven runners. Trais Fluors is winless since leaving Andre Fabre to join Ken Condon last year, but was little over a length behind Ancient Spirit in the Meld Stakes last month. “He’s quite a talented horse,” said Condon. “He ran well the last time at Leopardstown, and I think quick ground wouldn’t hold any fears for him. “He just needs everything to fall his way. If he got a clean trip and a good, even pace all the way that might see him at his best. A true-run race would set him up well. “We don’t think we’ve quite seen the best of him. He’s in good form – and if everything fell his way he’s capable of a good run.” Aidan O’Brien relies on Royal Dornoch, while Dermot Weld is represented by the once-raced Curragh maiden winner Etneya. Fiscal Rules (Jim Bolger), Nebo (Tom Hogan) and Bowerman (Ado McGuinness) complete the line-up.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Macduff team expect Classic Trial test to suit
Colt moves up to 10 furlongs with Derby aspirations on the line at Sandown.
-
‘Talented’ Nostrum makes Mile return at Sandown
Connections hoping to see ‘true’ colt after a difficult 2023 campaign.
-
Al Musmak aiming to outrun Guineas odds
Roger Varian’s contender is currently rated a 50-1 shot for Newmarket Classic.
-
Willie Mullins has to settle for minor honours in Perth Listed events
Trainer did register a winner at Ludlow with 1-7 shot Daddy Long Legs.
-
Bucanero Fuerte set to skip Guineas with Ascot sprint preferred
Phoenix Stakes victor ‘highly unlikely’ to take up Classic engagement.
-
Ballysax scorer Dallas Star added to Derby field
Adrian Murray targeting Epsom with shock Leopardstown winner.
-
Andre Fabre left wondering if ground was behind Newmarket disappointment
Alcantor remains on course for French Guineas despite Craven eclipse.
-
Amateur Ella Herbison performs miracle recovery to claim first victory at Perth
The 7lb claimer went on to win by a length and three-quarters.
-
Neville eager to take Oaksey test with The Real Whacker
‘It’s the first time I’ve seen good ground in a long time, so we’re looking forward to it’.
-
Chester and York options under consideration for Arrest
Colt finished seventh on his seasonal bow at Newbury.