Kalaxana© Photo Healy Racing
Mick Halford is hoping Kalaxana can add another Listed race to her record in the Rathasker Bungle Inthejungle EBF Bluebell Stakes at Naas today.
Owned by the Aga Khan, the Rock Of Gibraltar filly won three on the bounce earlier in the season, including a Listed event at Roscommon.
Second in the Give Thanks Stakes after that, she has not replicated that form in her last two outings at Leopardstown and Dundalk — but back in against her own sex, she looks likely to take a leading hand.
“She worked on Wednesday and she’s in good form, and it looks as though the ground should be perfect for her on Sunday,” said Halford.
“She’s already had a great season, and the form she has shown throughout the year would look to put her in with a good chance. Ronan Whelan will ride her.”
Aidan O’Brien’s Curly is the highest rated of the runners on 105, despite not finishing closer than fourth in her last five outings.
Joseph O’Brien’s Dynabee Jim Bolger’s Panstarr and Dermot Weld’s Romiyna also owned by the Aga Khan, are other major players.
The other Listed race on the card, the Rathasker Clodovil Irish EBF Garnet Stakes, is also for fillies and mares.
It sees Irish 1000 Guineas runner-up Could It Be Love surprisingly still searching for her first win since she scored on seasonal debut in April.
Highly tried since her Classic effort, she was third in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot but has not been seen since finishing last in the Fairy Bridge Stakes at Tipperary.
Weld’s Making Light has achieved more, according to the handicapper, and she was a very impressive winner of the Platinum Stakes before failing to trouble the judge on Irish Champions weekend. Moteo is an interesting runner for Patrick Prendergast, having won on her debut and shaped with promise when third in the Navigation Stakes on her only other outing.
The valuable Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race Final sees Joe Murphy’s Gustavus Weston attempt to give weight away all round.
“He’s working nicely, and we’ve been very happy with him since he won at Fairyhouse last month,” said the trainer’s son Joe.
“We did consider the Killavullan Stakes for him, but this race was always his target — and it’s a very valuable pot.
“He’s got to give weight all round, but we are pleased with how he is going and hope he will line up with a decent chance on Sunday. The step up to seven furlongs should him well, too.”
