NELSON TO LAND TRIAL
Frankel’s son can come out on top for the O’brien combo in Group Three contest
THE high-class Nelson is the choice in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.
The Frankel colt, who heads a threestrong challenge by Aidan O’brien, returned to action with victory in the Ballysax Stakes over this course and distance last month.
On that occasion, Nelson had half-alength to spare over stablemate Delano Roosevelt and he is now 3lb better off with that rival.
On revised terms, Donnacha O’brien’s mount should be able to give his trainer a 12th victory in this race.
Earlier, the O’brien-trained Magical is the choice in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial.
This daughter of Galileo is fitted with cheek pieces for the first time and she comes here off a creditable reappearance fourth in France last month.
Last season her form included a win in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes and a second in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes.
If Magical can run to anything like that level she will take all the beating and can deal with old rival Mary Tudor.
That filly is dropping back in trip after starting her season with a fine win in the 10-furlong Salsabil Stakes at Navan last month.
In the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes, True Valour gets the vote having developed into a very smart miler last season.
He was a Listed winner at the Curragh on Derby weekend, while his other form included a superb second in a Group 2 over this course and distance on Irish Champions Weekend.
If True Valour can run to that level on his reappearance he should be able to deal with the threat posed by Zihba.
The Fozzy Stack inmate is unbeaten in two starts at Dundalk and holds an Irish 2,000 Guineas entry.
In the opener, Tremendous Leap could strike for Joseph O’brien following his encouraging debut at Dundalk last week.
The Shamardal colt had to settle for second on that occasion, but showed up well as he did look very green.
He will also improve for the step up to a mile from seven furlongs and the switch to turf could work in his favour.
In the seven-furlong handicap, the reliable Have A Nice Day makes most appeal as he looks to build on a recent victory at Dundalk.
That success was achieved against a decent field and a 5lb rise in the ratings doesn’t look too harsh.
The mile and a half handicap can go to the Ger Lyons-trained Mawaany who is now a high-class handicapper.