THE Group Two Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes tops the bill on another fantastic day of racing at the Curragh this Saturday, 24th August which also features the Group Three Flying Five Stakes, the Group Three Gain Irish St Leger Trial Stakes and the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes.
Royal Ascot winner War Command is out to redeem his reputation in the Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes following his defeat behind Sudirman in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at this venue just over a week ago. The son of War Front is one of five Aidan O’Brien-trained horses in the race which has attracted an entry of 12. Also included among the entries is the Ger Lyons-trained Exogenesis who is chasing a four timer following wins at Fairyhouse, Leopardstown and Naas.
“Exogenesis is in very good form and has pleased us since his last run a Naas,” commented trainer Ger Lyons today. “At the minute the plan is to run the horse but we will wait until he does his final piece of work before making a firm decision”.
Dabadiyani is another horse chasing a four-timer when he lines up in the Group Three Gain Irish St Leger Trial Stakes. Trained by Michael Halford and one of 14 entries for the one mile and six furlong contest, the son of Zamindar has pleased his connections since recording his most recent success at Limerick last month. “Dabadiyani is in great form and we could not be happier with the horse,” commented Michael Halford. “The plan is to run the horse on Saturday. He will have his final piece of work mid-week after which he will be scoped and a final decision taken regarding Saturday’s race.”
Halford also intends running the ultra consistent Russian Soul in the Group Three Flying Five Stakes, which has attracted an entry of 25 horses. “Russian Soul is in good form since his Tipperary run and the plan is to let him take his chance on Saturday,” revealed Halford. The Eddie Lynam-trained pair of Sole Power and recent course winner Slade Power are both also among the entries, while there are 11 potential British-trained challengers. Included among them are Hamza, Kingsgate Choice, Pearl Secret and Dutch Masterpiece.
The 125,000 euro Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes has attracted 41 entries, which includes 24 from Britain. Sandy Smile is Michael Halford’s sole entry, but he is keen on the chances of his filly. “She ran a smashing race at Dundalk yesterday when finishing fourth behind Pleasant Bay despite missing the break,” commented Halford. “That race will have brought her on a good deal and provided all is well with her she will turn out again at the weekend.”
Oklahoma City, who holds an entry in the Galileo Futurity Stakes, is also entered in The Irish Field Curragh Stakes (Listed) and is the top weighted horse among the 19 entries