DURING the slump endured by the Dermot Weld stable due to sickness, Dance Design honourably kept the yard's flag flying and now that Weld's horses in general are recovering, she should score her second successive victory in today's Pretty Polly Stakes.
Dance Design took this last year en-route to winning the Irish Oaks and it's the penalty that she picked up for that Group 1 success that looks the biggest danger to her winning today.
Carrying 10st is no easy matter for any filly but Dance Design has shown the sort of guts and consistency throughout her career that shows she is not of the usual and well up to carrying it.
She has proved the point twice already this year, narrowly landing the Mooresbridge Stakes and then putting up a smooth performance to beat Oscar Schindler by three lengths in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
Of the lighter weights, Mingling Glances looks dangerous but Aidan O'Brien's filly is reported to be a doubtful runner which looks to leave the race wide open for Dance Design. Expect her to take advantage.
It should be a profitable day all round for Weld and jockey Michael Kinane as they look set to score a treble.
In the opening Japanese Gardens Maiden, Aidan O'Brien's Hermitage Bay is sure to attract support but the word about the Weld newcomer, Aljjawarih, is most encouraging. A son of Nureyev, he is reported to be among the top flight in his yard and is confidently expected to score first time of asking.
Rare Unity goes in the Shamrock Foods Handicap and this Generous gelding would not have had to come on much from his last race when a neck second to Shamartini at Navan to play a big part in this.
Aidan O'Brien can score his by now almost obligatory double via No Slouch in the Waterford Crystal Celebration Race and Royale in the concluding Hall Maiden.
