Sharestan has fitness edge

RACING CURRAGH:SUSPENSION RULES Johnny Murtagh out of tomorrow's Curragh action and Niall McCullagh can make the most of the champion jockey's absence by winning the Listed feature on Sharestan.

Despite the prospect of testing ground conditions, John Oxx is giving Sharestan another crack at the Curragh’s 10 furlongs in the Listed Coolmore China Friendship Silver Stakes. That’s interesting since many observer’s initial reaction to last month’s Mooresbridge Stakes was the Aga Khan’s colt didn’t relish the longer distance.

Before that he had impressively won the Lincoln at a mile and only inexperience looked to get him beaten by Famous Name over a mile at Leopardstown. However, the bare form of his Mooresbridge third, with St Nicholas Abbey second in a strangely run race, puts him in here with a prime shout. Sharestan will have the fitness edge on Ballydoyle hope Learn, a Group One fourth in the Criterium-International, while the progressive filly Tannery faces a tough ask against the males.

Bookmakers reckon Jim Bolger could pitch two of the biggest threats to Camelot in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at HQ towards the end of the month with Parish Hall and Light Heavy. The former champion trainer can enjoy a pre-Derby fixture this weekend, starting with Leitir Mor making it third time lucky in the opening juvenile maiden. Leitir Mor was well backed to go one better over the Guineas weekend but found Lines Of Battle a head too good. This looks an easier task.

Bolger and Kevin Manning can also score with the Gowran third An Saincheann in the 10-furlong maiden, while Rory Cleary can successfully steer Livia Galilei home in the fillies handicap.