Broome to handle the Stakes field

DIFFICULT TO OPPOSE Aidan O’brien’s Broome

BACK to winning ways at Naas last month, Broome should follow-up in the Group 3 Holden Plant Rentals Alleged Stakes at the Curragh today.

The Aidan O’brientrained five-year-old, who raced only twice last season, was a top-notch three-year-old in 2019 winning the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown before finishing a close fourth to stable-companion Anthony Van Dyck in the Investec Derby at Epsom (beaten less than a length) and then flopping in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.

Off the track for almost a year, he finished fourth to Ghaiyyath in the Coronation Cup at Newmarket on his seasonal debut last year and, after another break, failed to figure in the Long Distance Cup at Ascot in October.

But there was a lot to like about his return to action in the listed Plusvital Devoy Stakes at Naas last month.

On soft ground, he stretched clear to beat Sunchart, easily, by three and a half lengths – a performance which suggested there would be lots more to come from the son of Australia at a much higher level.

Significantly, six of today’s rivals finished behind him in Naas – In From The Cold (fourth), Numerian (fifth), Up Helly Aa (sixth), Helvic Dream (eighth), Njord (ninth) and King Of Comedy (tenth).

And there’s no obvious reason why any of them should trouble Broome in a field which also includes the Ado Mcguinnesstrained Bowerman – a winner out in Doha last time.