Halford’s hopes for Sinawann are sky high

MICHAEL HALFORD feels Sinawann has a golden opportunity of landing a Group Three success in the Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown today after his solid run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

The Kingman colt, owned and bred by the Aga Khan, was placed at Group Two level behind Investec Derby fancy Mogul in September on the back of a maiden success at the Curragh.

Sinawann was thrown in at the deep end on his seasonal debut in the Irish Classic but shaped well to finish sixth behind Siskin when not getting a clear runs.

‘This looks a nice race for him,’ said Halford (left). ‘He ran well at Leopardstown before and on ratings he looks the one to beat.’

Sinawann’s six rivals include two from the Aidan O’Brien stable, New World Tapestry and Celtic High King. Former O’Brien inmate Masteroffoxhounds got off the mark for trainer Jessica Harrington in a Naas maiden three weeks ago.

Johnny Murtagh has an interesting contender in recent Gowran scorer So Suave, Andy Oliver saddles dual Leopardstown handicap victor Confidence High.

Denis Hogan’s Dalvey, who got off the mark at the same track on his second start, completes the line-up.

Halford and the Aga Khan are represented in the other Group Three race on the card, the Derrinstown Stud Fillies Stakes, with Ridenza.

She was a late withdrawal from the Irish 1,000 Guineas. The daughter of Sea The Stars has had just the one run but it came on this track in August when she took a seven-furlong maiden in promising fashion.

She faces stiff opposition from O’Brien-trained So Wonderful while Dermot Weld’s Amma Grace and the Murtagh-trained Know It All have run creditably in Group races this season.

Apricot Moon, Celestial Object, Faire Croire and Schroders Mistake make up the nine runners.