Euphrasia out to regain Naas title
EUPHRASIA has six rivals in her way as she tries to regain her crown in t he Irish National Stud EBF Blue Wind Stakes at Naas this evening.
The Joe Murphy-trained Euphrasia was a shock 33/1 winner of the Group Three contest two years ago, when she defeated Group One scorer La Collina by two lengths.
She was only seventh behind Tarfasha 12 months ago but is reported to be ready for another crack following her latest start at the Curragh, where she was last of four to the high-class Fascinating Rock.
Murphy’s son, Joseph jnr, said: ‘She’s in good form and she’s come out of her race at the Curragh well. The ground will suit.
‘She’ll be competitive, but obviously she’s got to give lots of weight away to a couple of good three-year-old fillies. We’re happy with her at home and I think she’s got a good chance.’
The race is named after the 1981 Epsom Oaks winner Blue Wind, trained by Dermot Weld ( r i ght). The Rosewell handler has saddled the winner of twice in the last three years and is represented by the lightlyraced Zannda.
The Azamour filly won a Leopardstown maiden last month and was second to Jazzi Top in Newmarket’s Pretty Polly Stakes on her latest start, after which Weld spoke in terms of gearing her towards the Investec Oaks.
Aidan O’Brien is represented by the newcomer Loved, a full- sister to 2013 Investec Derby fourth Battle Of Marengo, while Jim Bolger runs Pleascach.
Avenue Gabriel, Morga and Queen Of Alba make up the seven-strong field.
Meanwhile, at York this afternoon, Lightning Moon looked a sprinter to follow last term and can confirm that impression in the Duke Of York Stakes.
The son of Shamardal has enjoyed cut in the ground on all three of his starts to date and connections will be hoping the Knavesmire doesn’t dry up too much before today’s Group Two sprint.
If there is still some ease in conditions, Ed Walker’s speedster should go well from a decent draw and it looks significant that Godolphin have been keen to procure the four-year- old this term.
William Buick was on board the selection second time out at Haydock when he ran out a smooth six-length winner, prior to securing the hat-trick in an Ascot Group 3 featuring some quality rivals.