DOG CAN HAVE IT’S DAY
Pink is eyeing success
HAVING campaigned creditably at Group 1 level, Pink Dogwood looks the one to beat in the Martin Molony Stakes, listed feature of today’s flat card in Limerick.
Aidan O’brien’s charge, a daughter of Camelot, must bounce back from her disappointing eighth to Villa Marina in the Prix de l’opera at Longchamp last Sunday.
But her earlier form, since landing the listed Salsabil at Navan in the spring, looks rock-solid and, although locking horns with some older, battle-hardened rivals, looks a stand-out here.
Pink Dogwood came within a neck of landing the
Investec Oaks at Epsom in
June, when pipped by Anapurna and then went on to fill third spot behind Iridessa in the Pretty Polly at the Curragh.
She again finished third in the Irish Oaks in mid-july, beaten five lengths, behind Star Catcher before being given a break.
Her Longchamp run last week should have sharpened Pink Dogwood and, apparently versatile ground-wise, this 110-rated three-year-old sets the standard, with the Willie Mullinstrained River Light the chief threat.
Donnacha O’brien will partner Pink Dogwood. And the reigning champion also has obvious prospects on board Hong Kong in the seven-furlong two-year-old maiden. An American Pharoah colt, he caught the eye but didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs when fifth to stable-companion Armory on his debut at the Curragh. And, although a beaten favourite next time, when eighth to Lady Jane Wilde, again at the Curragh, he looks capable of a maiden success and has been found a good opportunity here.
O’brien’s arch-rival Colin Keane might strike on Early Bright for his boss Ger Lyons (inset) in the opening Foran-sponsored juvenile maiden.
This fellow attracted support ahead of his debut at Naas and ran with promise when sixth behind Valeria Messalina. With normal improvement, he should be more than competitive in this company. The season’s leading apprentice Andy Slattery has enjoyed an impressive strike-rate for Dermot Weld this season and the partnership should be noted again with Titanium Sky in the Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie Race.
Winner of a Leopardstown maiden, this filly went within a half-length of tough and consistent mare Surrounding in the listed Corrib Stakes ta the Galway Festival.
In receipt of 5lb from chief threat Dunkirk Harbour, a talented but quirky grey from Ballydoyle, and helped by Slattery’s 5lb claim, Titanium Sky has a big chance.