19.30 Leopardstown: Ballyroan Stakes G3, 12f - Some good racing action over in Ireland today. The feature at Dublin's Leopardstown racetrack is a Group 3 over 1m 4f. Ground conditions are described as yielding, soft in places at the moment, but with warm weather and loads of sun, the ground is expected to dry out further.
Five runners are declared for this event, and current favourite is the Aiden O'Brien trained Eye Of The Storm. Trading at around 7/4 this morning, one has to wonder if this four year colt would be as short in the betting as he currently is, if he wouldn't be trained by Ireland's leading trainer. He wouldn't, is the simple answer.
A very fine three year old, who seemed to develop into a high class stayer, Eye Of The Storm couldn't confirm the promise in three starts this year. While there have been some excuses along the line, and it has to be stated that EOTS is surely a capable horse, but far from a top class animal. Also with the ground drying out, I wonder if the conditions are really to suit him. His best performance to date came clearly in the Long Distance Cup on British Champions Day over two miles. All that says, he is a difficult sort to know what to expect today and therefore he is easy to oppose for me on the basis of a way to short price.
A very fine three year old, who seemed to develop into a high class stayer, Eye Of The Storm couldn't confirm the promise in three starts this year. While there have been some excuses along the line, and it has to be stated that EOTS is surely a capable horse, but far from a top class animal. Also with the ground drying out, I wonder if the conditions are really to suit him. His best performance to date came clearly in the Long Distance Cup on British Champions Day over two miles. All that says, he is a difficult sort to know what to expect today and therefore he is easy to oppose for me on the basis of a way to short price.
Money is coming for the John Oxx runner Streetcar To Stars, and it is easy to see why. This son of Sea The Stars is lightly raced and progressive, with an impressive physique and look. He looks, big strong with plenty of scope. He was unlucky in the Listed King George V Cup in June here at Leopardstown, which was only his second start, as well as the first one after more than 200 days off the track, and his first try over 12f. He didn't have an easy race that day. He fought with his jockey throughout the first half of the race, got then got stuck in traffic from 3f out when turning for home. He didn't get a run until late as he was short of room on the inside until almost the final furlong marker. He finished strongly though and almost got up on the line. STS made amends in a Curragh maiden, back over 10f then. He made all, was hard challenged from 2f out but drew clear in the closing stages, indicating stamina is his strengths. Up over 12f today then, he clearly gets the trip, has course distance form on similar ground, and is sure to improve further. He needs to learn to settle, but with more experience, that will come and he for all of that he is the most interesting runner in this field.
Chance to Chance is a progressive handicapper in care of Jim Bolger. A four time winner this year already, he can be competitive over a variety of trips and is versatile if it comes to ground conditions too. He finished third in a conditions race at Naas recently, but the trip was a bit on the short side that day and today will suit him better. If he is quite up to this class is another question, but with the right form in the book, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him right there when it matters. Aiden O'Brien's second string El Salvador is a consistent sort too, but might be just below what is required in a Group 3 and he is hard to fancy for the win.
The only filly in the race, Roheryn progressed nicely this year when switched to the turf. She won the Leopardstown Listed race that was mentioned earlier, when Streetcar To Stars was agonisingly denied in a tight finish. Roheryn had undeniably the run of the race that day but she also demonstrated that is equipped with guts as well as talent as she quickened nicely coming around the home bend, put a bit of ground between her and the rest of the field and then held on gamely in the closing stages. There is no reason why she shouldn't be able to improve further, and that gives her a very fair shot in this race.
Verdict: The short O'Brien favourite has to be opposed as the 5/2 for Streetcar To Stars look good value. He should be the favourite according to what he showed so far in his short career and with further improvement expected. He'll be hard to beat and might have just the bit more scope than Roheryn, who did beat him two months ago over course and distance. However the filly has to be taken serious too with conditions to suit. Her price tag looks generous too.
Streetcar To Stars @ 5/2 Coral - 4pts win
Roheryn @ 8/1 Boylesports - 2pts win
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