Form of Derby favourite under the spotlight with smart filly Caroline Street

Caroline Street chasing home Auguste Rodin at Leopardstown

Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Sunday: 3.40 CurraghWeld Park Stakes (Group 3) | 7f | 2yo fillies | RTV

Joseph O’Brien must think quite a bit of Caroline Street to have pitched her in against the colts in the Champions Juvenile Stakes during Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown. And not just any old colts either because she was up against next year’s Derby favourite Auguste Rodin.

That decision was vindicated as the daughter of No Nay Never was last off the bridle and traded at evens in running on Betfair.

Auguste Rodin eventually shook her off inside the final furlong but it was a big performance from Caroline Street, who posted an RPR of 101 in second place. If she can repeat that here, she will take some stopping.

O’Brien, who is also represented by Basil Martini, won this contest in 2019 with New York Girl.

His father Aidan was successful for a sixth time last year with Concert Hall and will join John Oxx as the leading trainer in the race’s history if he strikes here with Dower House or Maybe Just Maybe.

It is interesting to see Ryan Moore on Naas maiden winner Dower House instead of her 98-rated stablemate. His mount has quite a progressive profile and looks to be crying out for a return to 7f. 

Clever And Cool was not beaten far into fourth in a Listed race at Leopardstown last time and has plenty of scope for improvement. She won her maiden on deep ground at Cork, so the heavier it is, the better her chance.

Pandora Lovegood has been a revelation of late, following up a wide-margin maiden win at Roscommon by landing a premier nursery at Galway. She is another who will be very much at home in the conditions and, while her mark of 90 suggests she has plenty to find, don’t be surprised to see her involved at the business end.

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Dower House and Maybe Just MaybeDower House won her maiden over six furlongs at Naas and we hope this trip will suit her. She’s a nice filly who we think is progressing. Maybe Just Maybe wasn’t beaten far in a Group 3 last time and has been in good form since at home.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Keep In TouchShe’s a nice filly who won her maiden nicely at Galway. The ground will be fine for her and hopefully she can pick up some black type here. She’s in good form and doing well.

Joe Murphy, trainer of Pandora LovegoodWe’ve been proud of her and she’s really come alive of late. We would prefer softer ground for her but there’s nothing we can do about that now. I’d love to see some more rain. It’s a very good race and I’m looking forward to seeing how she gets on up in grade.

Ken Condon, trainer of Sioux SpiritShe won well at Navan and we like her. She’s stepping up in trip from five to seven furlongs but we think she can run a very nice race.

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FIRST PUBLISHED 6:00PM, SEP 24 2022