I have compiled a list of 12 Irish horses that it should pay to follow over the weeks and months ahead, a few of which may well have gone under the radar.
Battleground – AP O’Brien
Battleground didn’t exactly burst onto the scene in an emphatic fashion last year. Beaten two-and-a-half lengths on his debut at Naas, the son of War Front was always going to improve for lightning-quick ground though. Considered good enough to contest the Chesham at Royal Ascot, he showed dramatic improvement to get the better of March Law and Seattle Rock to record a cosy victory over the pair. He built on that the following month when he was sent to Goodwood for the Vintage Stakes over seven furlongs and despite being badly drawn and having raced wide throughout, Ryan Moore was still able to coax him home in front of Devious Company and Youth Spirit. Following a three-month break, a trip to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland came next. Despite avoiding most of the scrimmaging early doors, he was always playing catch-up to the winner Fire At Will. Three lengths separated the pair in the end but Ryan Moore justifiably satisfied that there would be better to come. He holds entries in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas as well as the Irish Derby and should make an impact in Group One races this season.
Shandra – Dermot Weld
Denne historien er fra May 2021-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra May 2021-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree