Jessica Harrington's Marazion can make belated mark at Tramore
Jessica Harrington's filly has been disappointing thus far but there has been promise along the way. Last time out, she was off the pace much of the way but stayed on quite nicely in the closing stages to finish fourth behind the progressive Happy Pharaoh.
Given the way she performed in that race and the nature of this race and track, it will be surprising if the selection is not sent forward this time. That being the case, she can keep her rivals at bay.
Ledecky is entitled to improve from her debut effort in Cork, and Matrice has some claims, but this is an unmistakable opportunity for Marazion and she really ought to make the most of it.
With a rating of 79, Kingstonian has obvious claims in the Griffin Auctioneers Maiden but there was much to be taken from the debut effort of So Golden, and the once-raced four-year-old filly can improve enough to land the spoils.
In the Curragh, Los Angeles is favourite for the Group 3 Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes and while he has a distinct class edge over his rivals, preference is for Zahrann.
The latter, trained by Johnny Murtagh, is on an upward curve and, despite still showing signs of greenness, she ran really well in a Group 2 at Royal Ascot. Taking on Los Angeles is quite a task, but that rival was certainly disappointing last time and has a question to answer now. That sways the verdict in favour of the potential improver.
The Group 3 Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial has attracted just five runners and Absurde can upset likely favourite Puppet Master.
Willie Mullins' seven-year-old was no match for Al Qareem on his most recent outing but prior to that he ran a superb race to finish a close third behind stablemate Illinois and the aforementioned Al Qareem in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester. Running to that form should be good enough to cope with today's rivals.
Puppet Master was well beaten in the Irish Derby and must bounce back to form to play a leading role.
Believe In Glory has leading claims in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery. Ken Condon's two-year-old filly has been a consistent sort this season and while she had to settle for third place on a recent trip to Beverley, she ran on nicely and that run suggested a step up to six furlongs would suit. She tries that trip this afternoon and it can have the desired effect of getting her off the mark for her career.
On Sunday, the National Hunt returns to Tramore for the final day of the August meeting and the nap goes to Cabra Queen, who can get off the mark over fences by taking the Victoria House Tramore Mares' Beginners' Chase for local trainer Henry de Bromhead.
Well beaten on her chasing debut, in mid-May, she performed much better on her second start, at Tipperary, where she was just touched off by Belle The Lioness. Likely to improve further for that experience, and with the return to this longer trip also a positive, she can take this at the expense of Littlebiggie.
That latter made her chasing debut late last month and ran well to finish second behind Ma Belle Etoile. While the winner was well beaten here on Thursday night, the form received an earlier boost when Bynx won a handicap chase on her next start. Littlebiggie should have little trouble winning races in this sphere and is feared most.
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Jessica Harrington's Marazion can make belated mark at Tramore
There are two meetings today, both of the Flat variety, and the nap comes in Tramore, where Marazion can belatedly make her mark by taking the opening race, the Assembly Tech Irish EBF Fillies' Maiden. Jessica Harrington's filly has been disappointing thus far but there has been promise along the way. Last time out, she was off the pace much of the way but stayed on quite nicely in the closing stages to finish fourth behind the progressive Happy Pharaoh. Given the way she performed in that race and the nature of this race and track, it will be surprising if the selection is not sent forward this time. That being the case, she can keep her rivals at bay. Ledecky is entitled to improve from her debut effort in Cork, and Matrice has some claims, but this is an unmistakable opportunity for Marazion and she really ought to make the most of it. With a rating of 79, Kingstonian has obvious claims in the Griffin Auctioneers Maiden but there was much to be taken from the debut effort of So Golden, and the once-raced four-year-old filly can improve enough to land the spoils. In the Curragh, Los Angeles is favourite for the Group 3 Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes and while he has a distinct class edge over his rivals, preference is for Zahrann. The latter, trained by Johnny Murtagh, is on an upward curve and, despite still showing signs of greenness, she ran really well in a Group 2 at Royal Ascot. Taking on Los Angeles is quite a task, but that rival was certainly disappointing last time and has a question to answer now. That sways the verdict in favour of the potential improver. The Group 3 Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial has attracted just five runners and Absurde can upset likely favourite Puppet Master. Willie Mullins' seven-year-old was no match for Al Qareem on his most recent outing but prior to that he ran a superb race to finish a close third behind stablemate Illinois and the aforementioned Al Qareem in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester. Running to that form should be good enough to cope with today's rivals. Puppet Master was well beaten in the Irish Derby and must bounce back to form to play a leading role. Believe In Glory has leading claims in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery. Ken Condon's two-year-old filly has been a consistent sort this season and while she had to settle for third place on a recent trip to Beverley, she ran on nicely and that run suggested a step up to six furlongs would suit. She tries that trip this afternoon and it can have the desired effect of getting her off the mark for her career. On Sunday, the National Hunt returns to Tramore for the final day of the August meeting and the nap goes to Cabra Queen, who can get off the mark over fences by taking the Victoria House Tramore Mares' Beginners' Chase for local trainer Henry de Bromhead. Well beaten on her chasing debut, in mid-May, she performed much better on her second start, at Tipperary, where she was just touched off by Belle The Lioness. Likely to improve further for that experience, and with the return to this longer trip also a positive, she can take this at the expense of Littlebiggie. That latter made her chasing debut late last month and ran well to finish second behind Ma Belle Etoile. While the winner was well beaten here on Thursday night, the form received an earlier boost when Bynx won a handicap chase on her next start. Littlebiggie should have little trouble winning races in this sphere and is feared most.
