RACING: Dermot Weld has indicated Sunday's Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown is a more likely option for Refuse To Bend's comeback than the Prix Jacques Le Marois.
The 2,000 Guineas winner hasn't run since his only career defeat to date, in the Derby, and the ground could prove an important element in whether or not he travels to Deauville at the weekend.
"We will see how things unfold. We will have to look at the weather and how the Marois looks like making up but at the moment I am probably leaning towards Leopardstown, which has an excellent watering system," said Weld yesterday.
The theory that the Group Three home contest rather than the French Group One is favourite appears to be backed up by Pat Smullen's booking for Evolving Tactics in the Secretariat Stakes in Chicago on Saturday night.
"Pat Smullen rides Evolving Tactics and can come back to Leopardstown the following day along with Michael Kinane, who rides France for Aidan (O'Brien) at Arlington," Weld added.
Possible travel problems between Chicago and France had originally resulted in Johnny Murtagh being provisionally booked for the ride on Evolving Tactics, leaving Smullen free to go to France if necessary.
Once he is home, however, Smullen could be faced with an awkward choice this weekend as Weld also hasn't ruled out running Media Puzzle and Vinnie Roe in the Ballyroan Stakes.
Neither horse has run since that historic Melbourne Cup in November when Smullen was on Vinnie Roe as Damien Oliver steered Media Puzzle to victory.
"It is possible that both will run, provided the ground is safe. The ground will decide what we do," Weld declared.
Johnny Murtagh hasn't had a happy time in the last week, picking up a three-day ban at Fairyhouse last Wednesday and getting a e2,000 fine at the Curragh for not being able to make the weight on two intended mounts.
However, things should pick up tonight at Gowran, where he can land the opening two races for the John Oxx yard.
Darghan should come on significantly for a debut third to High Day six days ago, while the fast going should be no problem to Legacy, who goes in the nine-furlong handicap.
The Carnegie horse was a winner on the firm at Listowel last year and although unraced this season and having to carry top weight, Legacy should still go close.
Davy Russell is on Just Wondering in the beginners chase and this one's fourth to Masteroffoxhounds on quick going at Tipperary gives him a decent shout.
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