Trainer Ger Lyons. Photo: Thomas Doolin/Sportsfile
It may have taken the third-time lucky for Red Letter to get off the mark as a three-year-old but there’s plenty more where that came from in the Group Three Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes (3.27) at the Curragh today.
Ger Lyons’ filly was a high-class juvenile that was aimed at the English 1,000 Guineas this season but it always looked like a step up in trip would suit the grey daughter of Frankel.
She returned to winning ways at Listed level in Killarney last month and a 3lb swing at the weights with her Navan conqueror Barnavara, as well as an extra furlong (1m1f), should make Gary Carroll’s mount tough to beat.
The presence of UK raider Sand Gazelle, trained by the Gosden team, adds further intrigue with jockey Daniel Tudhope making the trip across the Irish Sea for just one ride aboard the recent Listed winner at York.
Red Letter is tipped to fend off those two chief rivals, though, while there’s plenty to like about Ipanema Queen in the Group Three Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes (2.52).
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Mission Central has obvious claims based on his maiden romp earlier this month but Ipanema Queen has the experience edge with four starts, while she also has stronger form in the book.
Adrian Murray’s juvenile scored at Listed level over course and distance last time out – two from two at Irish racing’s HQ – and Declan McDonogh’s mount represents much better value.
The richest prize of the day is the €100,000 Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Ireland Irish Cambridgeshire (4.37) where bottom-weight Engines On is each-way value at around 33/1.
Wicklow trainer John Kinsella has shown his ability to land a decent handicap like this and Keithen Kennedy’s mount is forgiven a poor effort last time out in Roscommon having been going for a three-timer prior to that.