IRISH RACING/Sunday previews: Irish-trained horses have already picked up classic races this season in Britain and France and Nashwan Rose will try to keep the streak going in tomorrow's Oaks d'Italia.
The Dermot Weld-trained filly, a three-length maiden winner at Clonmel in late April, will be ridden in the Group One contest in Milan by Pat Smullen.
Weld has a formidable record in Italian classic including landing the Derby Italiano with In A Tiff.
The Rosewell House team will be able to enjoy better weather in Italy than at home, where the prolonged rain that has hit a lot of the country does not look like affecting the local action.
The Navan manager Richard Lyttle said yesterday: "We have had a lot of rain but we are very confident about Sunday. There has been a lot of work done on the drainage here and we don't anticipate any problems."
The word from Clonmel was much the same, with a spokesperson saying: "There have been showers but there is no problem about going ahead."
Downpatrick raced last night and they have the stage to themselves today.
Testoftime didn't finish too far off Hawk Wing's work companion, Louisville, in a Curragh maiden last time and might go close in the mile and a half maiden today.
Ruby Walsh could have a successful day, starting with Hurricane Steven in the opening maiden hurdle.
Tony Martin's string have gone through a long barren spell but the corner could be turning and Indiana Journey, without a run since November, looks worth an interest in the handicap chase.
Fagin also has an entry at Clonmel tomorrow but on the back of a 9lb hike for a 15 length Sligo success, he looks the solution to the first divsion of the handicap hurdle.
Mick Channon declared himself "thrilled" with Queen's Logic after the filly worked yesterday morning ahead of her run in the Entenmann's Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh tomorrow week.
Johnny Murtagh will be free to ride at the Guineas meeting after having a whip ban picked up at Salisbury on Thursday deferred until May 27th, 28th and 29th.
