Soft conditions to favour Decado

Racing:  Kevin Prendergast believes the prevailing soft conditions at the Curragh will suit his Decado far better than odds-…

Racing:  Kevin Prendergast believes the prevailing soft conditions at the Curragh will suit his Decado far better than odds-on favourite George Washington in the Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas.

The latter created a huge impression when winning the English equivalent earlier this month and is already established as the new kid on the Ballydoyle block.

But Prendergast is of the opinion that Aidan O'Brien's latest superstar could find the wet conditions against him as he bids for a quick Group One double.

"I think the conditions will favour my horse better than George Washington," he said. "Aidan has always said his horse has loads of natural speed whereas my horse is more of a battling stayer.

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"We've had an awful lot of rain, it's been the wettest May ever recorded. It's good news for us though because our fellow has won of soft twice and hopefully tomorrow will be no different."

Decado has won his last three starts, culminating in an impressive success at Group Three level last time beating Bryan Smart's useful Sir Xaar by three and a half lengths.

And despite never racing over a mile before, Prendergast does not see the extra furlong proving too much of a problem.

"He just takes a furlong or so to get going but when he gets into top gear he really finishes his races well," Prendergast said.

"I don't think he'll have any problems getting a mile. Eventually he will be needing a mile and a quarter.

"His sire (Danehill Dancer) has already had a Classic winner with Speciosa and he seems to be in fashion at the minute. He seems to be very well in himself and we can't have him any better." PA