Engels ready for Curragh trip
YORKSHIRE trainer David Brown is looking forward to travelling to The Curragh when his Frederick Engels bids for Group One glory in Sunday's Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.
The talented juvenile followed up an impressive display in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot with an equally authoritative showing in the July Stakes at Newmarket.
He is due to cross the Irish Sea this weekend, but only if ground conditions are in his favour, and Brown is confident his charge will be up to the job. "If the ground is alright, it is our intention to go," he said.
"If he goes for a Group Two he'd carry a 3lb penalty, so he's got to go for the Group One. Johnny Murtagh will be riding him -- he's keen to ride again."
David Wachman could also run Requinto, but the Tipperary trainer must first decide whether to stay over the minimum distance or step back up to six furlongs with his impressive winner at Glorious Goodwood.
After last week's frenzied programme in Galway, the action stays in the west this evening, but the racing at Roscommon is much more mundane.
The pick of an eight-race jumps card would appear to be the JF Hanley Handicap Hurdle, and while Regal Ambition is sure to prove a popular selection following his recent course and distance success, it may pay to take a chance on Derrinlanna.
Peter Fahey's seven-year-old was a fair second to Kalico Kim at Kilbeggan in June before returning to the Westmeath track and falling when in contention at the third last behind Tory Hill Lad, and he must have a decent each-way chance.
The day begins with the Railway Bar 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle. Jessica Harrington's Why But Why comes off the level in good form and appeals, although Roman Flight also merits interest, having made a winning Flat debut at Limerick in June.
The Sean Naughton Auctioneers Handicap Chase is tricky to call.
Information takes the eye returning to fences, but the vote goes to the Dessie Hughes-trained Pistol Jack, while the nap selection of the evening goes to Tony Martin's Undertheboardwalk in the first division of the maiden hurdle.
- Thomas Kelly
Irish Independent
