Listed rivals ready to feel the Wrath of Murtagh

ANGELS Wrath, impressive on her recent debut in Dundalk, might improve sufficiently to see off some highly-rated rivals in the listed Staffordstown Stud Stakes at the Curragh tomorrow.

This Sunday card features two listed events, alongside the 30-runner Paddy Power Irish Cesarewitch.

And anyone winner-seeking will be tempted by the early action, before the four handicaps kick-in.

The two-year-old fillies race will involve a clash between Gavin Cromwell’s 104-rated maiden Sunset Shiraz, who boasts rock-solid placed for in company, including a third to Discoveries in the Group 1 Moyglare on her penultimate start, and the Paddy Twomeytrained Limit Di Greccio, beaten a half-length by Panama Red in the listed Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown and currently rated 102.

But I’ll take a chance on Johnny Murtagh’s attractive Dark Angel filly Angels Wrath, who created a favourable impression when scoring on debut in a seven-furlong maiden in Dundalk, travelling sweetly before quickening clear, despite wandering, to beat Kitty Kitana by more than three lengths.

Murtagh’s juveniles normally improve significantly from their initial run and first-time-out winners from the yard are rare.

So Angels Wrath could be a bit special and she gets a chance in tomorrow’s race to prove her potential.

The field also includes Jessica Harrington’s maiden winners Alizarine and Willesee, plus Galway scorer Tranquil Lady, representing Joseph O’brien. But I’ll side with Angels Wrath, the mount of Ben Coen.

The Irish Cesarewitch looks typically difficult to solve, with Dermot Weld having booked 10lb. claimer Jake Coen to partner top-weight Dalton Highway, successful last time in Killarney.

Joseph O’brien holds a strong hand, including interesting three-year-olds Benaud, racing off 102 and set to shoulder 9-9, and hat-tricktop seeking Celestial Horizon.

But I suggest an each-way investment on another of the O’brien runners, Shoshone Warrior, a dour stayer who has performed consistently all season, including a close third behind Dalton Highway and Barbados at Killarney in August.

And he caught my eye last time, when finishing sixth behind Ever Present in the Petingo (Premier) Handicap at Leopardstown on Champions Weekend.

That was over an inadequate trip of an extended mile and a half. And he’ll be better-suited by this two-mile test of stamina.

With Shane crosse in the saddle, I am expecting him to finish in the shake-up.

JOHNNY BE GOOD Murtagh trains our selection Angels Wrath in the 1.20