HAS MEASURE OF BAL

Bottom weight can weave her Magic and land big pot for Murtagh

TACKLING six furlongs for the first time, Measure Of Magic should go close for Johnny Murtagh and apprentice Danny Sheehy in the inaugural running of the €320,000 Ballyhane 2-Y-0 Stakes in Naas tomorrow.

The 96-rated daughter of Kodi Bear boasts rock-solid form, races off joint bottom-weight and, from a low draw, looks certain to be involved in the final battle in this 20-runner affair.

Measure Of Magic scored on her second start, pipping Mooneista in Tipperary, with subsequent Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed

Aloha Star in third.

She followed-up when beating Miss Amulet convincingly, again over the minimum trip, at Down Royal.

And, last time, stepping into listed company in the Marwell Stakes on this track, she was slightly unlucky before filling third spot behind Lady Amulet and subsequent listed winner Frenetic.

Lady Amulet boosted the form when winning the Lowther (Group 2) in York on Thursday. So there’s no doubting the strength of the filly’s form. The concern is how she’ll fare over this stiff six furlongs.

It’s a cracking contest, with Ballydoyle mounting a three-pronged challenge, although none of the trio – Chief Little Hawk, Giorgio Vasari or Hyde Park Barracks – appeals to me. Giorgio, a course and distance winner, might fare best.

Kevin Prendergast’s Monaasib has an obvious chance, bidding for a hat-trick following wins at the Curragh and Cork.

Others to note include

Joseph O’brien’s State Of Rest, a close fifth in the Group 3 Tyros at Leopardstown while Devious Company, runner-up to Happy Romance in a valuable sales event at York on Thursday, will be a danger to all, if travelling over. The stiff six furlongs would certainly suit him.

Tomorrow’s card also features the Group 3