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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Fairy Bridge Stakes preview
Fairy Bridge Stakes preview
Creggs Pipes
© Photo Healy Racing
Andrew Slattery is hoping his progressive filly Creggs Pipes can successfully graduate into Pattern company when she lines up for the Coolmore Stud Fairy Bridge Stakes at Tipperary on Thursday.
The four-year-old took her winning run to four when lifting an ultra-competitive handicap at the Galway Festival a month ago.
"She seems good. We'll see how she matches up. It's another step up for her into Group Three company," said the Thurles trainer.
"We're giving it a go. She owes us nothing. She's been in good form since Galway and it looks the ideal race. If she's Group Three-placed, it will be a step forward."
Michael O'Callaghan is keen to get a run into his classy three-year-old Now Or Never before she steps back up to a Group One, but will check ground conditions first.
Now Or Never's big target is the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10.
O'Callaghan said: "Now Or Never is in great form. She had a decent break after the Coronation at Ascot and we want to get a prep race into her before she goes to the Matron.
"The heavy ground is a bit of a worry, so we will walk the track and see what condition it's in, but she's in great form."
Patrick Prendergast has felt obliged to pitch Lina De Vega straight into a Group contest following her debut success in a Curragh maiden in mid-July.
"The ground is softer than I was planning for her, but she's improved," said the County Kildare trainer.
"I entered her in a handicap and failed to achieve a rating so she wasn't allowed to run. It's a big step up after just one run but I think she'll run well.
"If she was to achieve black type on her second run, we'd be delighted."
Completing the five-runner line-up are Dermot Weld's Tanaza and World Of Good from John Murphy's stable.