EASILY the most fascinating race of the weekend is the Listed Victor McCalmont Stakes at Gowran Park tomorrow and, while it may fly in the face of logic to plump for a filly giving weight to all her opponents, French Ballerina could well be the sort of exceptional animal to successfully bring it off.
Pat Flynn's wonderfully versatile horse was scheduled to run in last Thursday's Ascot Gold Cup but came heavily into season on the eve of the race and was withdrawn. However, that disappointment can be forgotten if French Ballerina can pull off this Plan B.
It is a major step back in distance from a Gold Cup, but French Ballerina proved that speed is not lacking from her armoury with a number of Listed successes from a mile to 10 furlongs towards the end of last season. On her only effort this year she stepped up to a mile and three quarters for the Savel Beg Stakes and routed her opposition. Afterwards Flynn declared that running in a race like the Arc could eventually be within her capabilities.
Even making allowances for such a statement coming in the flush of victory, it is clear that much better things are expected from French Ballerina and that theory will be tested tomorrow.
Some more than useful opposition includes the Irish 1,000 Guineas third Caiseal Ros, the Group winner Token Gesture and the very promising Curragh maiden winner Aliya.
Caiseal Ros is another notably consistent filly who won over 12 furlongs at Cork before running such a blinder behind Classic Park. However, it may be that faster ground than she will encounter today may be ideal for her. The same comment may apply to Token Gesture, an easy winner at Leopardstown last time, so Aliya, who easily beat Spirit Of Tara at the Curragh, could be the sort of unexposed improver to test French Ballerina most.
Aliya gets 17lbs from French Ballerina, but now comes up against a battle-hardened performer who hasn't stopped improving and is guaranteed to stay and act on the ground. Despite the weight, that looks an attractive proposition and French Ballerina gets the nap.
It may not be the most imaginative comment ever but Aidan O'Brien could be the man to follow for much of the rest of the card
The Ballydoyle trainer teams up with Charlie Swan for Consharon in the Bagnelstown Handicap Chase and Colm's Rock in the Duggan Coolmore Handicap Hurdle and both look to have good chances of scoring
Colm's Rock has been in rattling form lately, winning on ground that was too fast for him at Tralee and before that winning with his head in his chest at Naas. The gelding is clearly on the upgrade and can get the better of Bolino Star and Lady Daisy while Consharon, a four-length winner from Dawn Alert at Thurles eight days ago, looks a safer bet than Stroll Home on this ground.
O'Brien can also score on the flat courtesy of newcomer Kincara Palace, who looks to have other debutants in Silverado and Pelagius to beat, in the opening maiden.
John Oxx's Kharshani may be the solution to the St Mullins Maiden, while Euphoric is a tentative selection in a trappy looking Borris Handicap.
