Ouija Board remains on course

Ed Dunlop already has one eye on Belmont Park and the 2005 Breeders' Cup despite there being only 48 hours to go before his star…

Ed Dunlop already has one eye on Belmont Park and the 2005 Breeders' Cup despite there being only 48 hours to go before his star filly Ouija Board goes to post a warm favourite to land this year's Filly & Mare Turf at Lone Star Park.

The Newmarket trainer, who flew into Texas late yesterday, was on hand to supervise Ouija Board's preparations for tomorrow's contest as she cantered on the turf course under work rider Chris Hinson.

But rather than expecting success in a race for which William Hill make her the 7 to 4 market leader, Dunlop is not raising expectations.

"Yes I feel some pressure, but the real pressure was when we took her to Ireland to go for the Oaks double," he said. "I know it's a cliche, but this just seems like a bonus."

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Explaining that fears over the ground had led connections to decide against taking on the colts in the Turf race, Dunlop said: "I saw a photograph in the Racing Post of a big puddle and that helped to sway us.

"We'd heard a lot of reports about how good Kitten's Joy is, and anyway there is always that race if we come back next year."

Fears that soft ground would prevail on the turf track were hanging over Ouija Board earlier in the week, but a dry 24 hours has had a major effect on conditions - no surprise, given that day-time temperatures remain well over 80F. "Another dry day and we should be okay," said Dunlop.