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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Glencairn Stakes preview
Along Came Casey is the short priced favourite for the Listed contest
© Photo Healy Racing
Sabrina Harty expects Exactement to benefit from the outing when she reappears after a 12-month absence in the Glencairn Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday.
The four-year-old will be having her first run for the Newbridge handler, having formerly been trained in North Yorkshire by Elaine Burke.
The Speightstown filly has twice been placed at Listed level and was ninth in last year's Irish 1,000 Guineas, although her handler feels seven furlongs would be a more suitable trip for her.
"She's in good form, but whatever she does she will come on for it," said Harty.
"I've not had her long. She had her prep with owner Mark Gittins and he's done a great job with her. She was quite weak when she came in but she's in good form and working well and we're looking forward to her run.
"I think a mile might be too far for her, but we're looking for good ground. Seven furlongs is her trip really but we couldn't get her ground. We did think about running her at Fairyhouse but thought we'd run here instead. She'll take her chance, but will come on for the run anyway."
Edward Lynam is hoping stepping down in grade will help Pearl Of Africa in her quest to return to the winner's enclosure. The Pearl Bloodstock-owned filly has tackled Group Two and Group Three races since winning at this level at Dundalk in November.
"We're dropping her back a little bit in class. She's run in a couple of Group races and has struggled so we're putting her in Listed company. Along Came Casey would look the one to beat on ratings," said Lynam. He's No Saint one of two three-year-olds in the eight-strong line-up, returns to action following a spell in Dubai earlier in the year and after a gelding operation.
"He's had a break since Dubai and he's been gelded. This race is probably coming up a bit quick for him, but it's a good starting point for him," said his trainer David Marnane.
"He's going to go back on Derby weekend at the Curragh. There's a race there for him, so I'd like to get him back out and started. This is a good place to do that."