RACING/News: It has been confirmed that Rum Charger will bid for classic glory in Sunday's Dubai Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longhcamp.
It is just four days ago that the Dermot Weld-trained filly won the Athasi Stakes at the Curragh but she will go to the French Guineas in preference to her stable companion Saranac Lake.
Kieren Fallon has been booked to ride Rum Charger, and the Spectrum filly, along with Aidan O'Brien's Sophisticat, will try to secure a second successive Irish victory in the race after Rose Gypsy last year.
Rum Charger was an impressive two-length winner of the Athasi from Kournakova when she was ridden by stable jockey Pat Smullen but he will be at Leopardstown's Derrinstown Derby Trial meeting on Sunday.
Aidan O'Brien also hopes to run Ballingarry in Sunday's Group One Prix Lupin but his Derby favourite, Hawk Wing, continues to drift significantly in the Epsom ante-post betting.
Cashmans yesterday lengthened the 2,000 Guineas runner-up to 3 to 1 for the Derby and quote him at evens just to get placed in the race.
"If he gets to Epsom, we just don't think he will stay the mile and a half," a company spokesman said.
In contrast, Hawk Wing's stable companion High Chaparral is now challenging for Derby favouritism ahead of his run in Sunday's Derby Trial at Leopardstown.
The Racing Post and Ballysax Stakes winner is as low as 5 to 2 with some firms.
Sunday's Trial has thrown up the last two Epsom victors in Galileo and Sinndar as well as winners like St Jovite (1992), Sadler's Wells (1984) and Golden Fleece (1982.)
There is black type action tonight at Cork where the listed sprint has attracted 13 runners headed by the group winner Final Exam.
The race includes three three- year-olds, including the Greenham-placed Maderno and the Group One-placed Miss Beabea.
It is difficult for the classic generation against their elders this early in the season but Minashki could be a value bet to score for the youngsters.
The colt ran only on Monday in the Tetrarch when he ran much too free and faded to nine lengths behind Century City.
That was Minashki's first start beyond six furlongs and he should be much more at home over this trip. With the run under his belt, Minashki can go close.
The ground might be softer than ideal for Christy Senior in the apprentice handicap but a low weight and a strong rider should still see him in contention.
The Newmarket 2,000 Guineas third Redback topped 15 horses declared at yesterday's probables stage for the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas). Darryll Holland has been booked to renew his partnership with the Richard Hannon-trained colt.
