The Meld Stakes is a rather unusual comeback race for Saffron Walden after his Epsom Derby disappointment and tonight's Curragh feature does appear likely to give him a winning warm-up for next month's Juddmonte International at York. Steping back to Group 3 level with an Irish 2,000 Guineas winner is not typical but Aidan O'Brien has long since indicated that his way is usually the successful way.
The Ballydoyle trainer can hammer that point home yet again with a possible four-timer this evening but with the major Autumn events to come, Saffron Walden's comeback will be the major focus.
O'Brien has not yet conceded that Saffron Walden failed to stay at Epsom when eighth to Oath but the Sadlers Wells colt never appeared with a real winning chance.
It could also be argued that the Royal Ascot eclipses of the placed Irish Guineas horses, Enrique and Orpen, doesn't say much for his overall form but O'Brien retains all his faith in Saffron Walden.
"He has had a break and will improve for the race but he has so much speed and class," he said.
Saffron Walden has the stamp of a colt who will actually improve with his racing and whatever minus factors can be thrown against him in this evening's context, he does look the only one to have that vital touch of quality Make No Mistake should be happier over the course and distance of his Tattersalls Gold Cup third to Shiva and Daylami than when well behind Dark Moondancer and Ungaro in an Italian Group 1, while the fillies Polaire and Apparatchik can also be in line to take advantage of a chink in Saffron Walden's armour.
However it is worth betting that no such chinks appear and Saffron Walden will travel to York on an up.
The last event, the Connell Race, is an intriguing contest where O'Brien fields Genghis Khan who, however, will not have Michael Kinane on his back.
Instead Paul Scallan, who rode Genghis Khan to win his maiden here by 10 lengths, takes the mount with Kinane riding the Leopardstown winner Welsh Wind for David Hanley.
O'Brien was keen yesterday to underplay the significance of the jockey arrangements and it should pay to remember Kieren Fallon's comment after riding Genghis Khan in the Irish Derby that the colt would improve significantly on easier ground.
After the eclipse of Zentsov Street, Alex Ferguson's other Ballydoyle inmate Heritage Hall can get the Manchester United manager back to the number one spot by taking the Merrion Race. Heritge Hall didn't beat much on his debut over the course and distance last month but the style of it was impressive.
Millie's Lily didn't come close to justifying favouritism at Bellewstown behind Gates but on better going, and back on the track where she was a fine second to The Third Curate, she looks worth a second chance in the Newbridge Handicap.
The drop back to five furlongs can help Benefits Galore in the Baroda Handicap and the low weight Sycamore Boy could be a value bet to foil Graduated's attempt to follow up his Golden Pages success in the Ballymany Handicap.
