RACING:FAME AND GLORY is the star attraction as six horses were left to do battle in the Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh tomorrow.
The 2009 Irish Derby hero is sure to be a short-priced favourite for more Classic glory even though the Aidan O’Brien-trained five-year-old was surprisingly beaten by Fictional Account on his only run since winning the Ascot Gold Cup.
Vincent Ward’s pride and joy got the better of Fame And Glory by a neck in the Trial for this race over the course and distance last month and will try to repeat the trick on the big day.
Pat Flynn’s Waydownsouth is the only other home-based runner as the other three – Duncan, Jukebox Jury and Red Cadeaux – are based in England.
The John Gosden-trained Duncan palpably failed to stay the trip at Royal Ascot when only sixth to Fame And Glory and the Yorkshire Cup winner is much more effective at this distance.
Mark Johnston’s Jukebox Jury made all to land the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville last month and had Red Cadeaux from Ed Dunlop’s stable back in fifth place that day.
O’Brien is responsible for four of the nine declared runners for the Goffs National Stakes at the Curragh as the master of Ballydoyle seeks to win the race for an eighth time.
Power leads his quartet as the Coventry Stakes scorer tries to make amends for a surprise defeat in the Phoenix Stakes last month on his first attempt at seven furlongs.
The Oasis Dream colt will be accompanied by stablemates David Livingston, Furner’s Green and Vault.
Jessica Harrington has a strong contender in Dragon Pulse, winner of the Group Two Futurity Stakes over the course and distance while Michael Mulvany sends his consistent performer Tough As Nails.
Jeremy Noseda’s progressive Talwar, winner of the Solario Stakes last time out, is the only hopeful from England after being supplemented for the race earlier in the week.
Completing the line-up are the Ken Condon-trained Strait Of Zanzibar and Whip Rules from Jim Bolger’s yard.
English Derby hero Pour Moi arrived at his new Coolmore Stud base in Tipperary yesterday as he prepares to take up stallion duties.
The Andre Fabre-trained colt was retired last month after suffering a leg injury.
Coolmore manager Harry King said: “Pour Moi is all class and quality – no doubt the best stallion prospect to come to Coolmore since Galileo”