Dermot Weld is putting the finishing touches to last season's Budweiser Irish Derby hero Grey Swallow for his four-year-old debut in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, but this evening's Naas fixture could provide a significant morale booster to the entire Weld team ahead of that.
Along with jockey Pat Smullen, Weld looks to have the goods for a treble even though the featured Group Three Blue Wind Stakes seems destined for the likely favourite, Hazariya.
The trainer said yesterday: "Grey Swallow is fine and the aim is to run next weekend. He is progressing well and the recent good weather is helping."
Weld will also have a runner in the Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas with Bobs Pride dropping back in distance from last weekend's Derrinstown Derby Trial.
An upturn in ground conditions usually signals an upsurge in the fortunes of the Rosewell House string and the forecast "good" going should be ideal for the Gowran winner Etijahaat on his first start of season in the four-runner conditions race.
Kestrel Cross's defeat of Alayan last year reads really well now, but Weld rates Etijahaat quite highly.
The Storm Cat filly Burren Rose was an understandable 25 to 1 shot on her Tipperary debut on heavy ground. Today's conditions should suit much better and the experience will also help her against some well-bred newcomers in the mile maiden.
A decent surface will also bring out the best in the Theatrical colt Helvetio, who in the circumstances did well to get within seven lengths of Ehsan in a Curragh swamp last month.
His experience could also prove important in the 10-furlong maiden.
Kieren Fallon gets back from Newbury in time for the Group Three ride on Agenda, but the three-year-old Hazariya looks a better option. The Aga Khan filly is clearly progressive and should relish the mile and a quarter, having just won the Athasi at the Curragh over seven furlongs.
Enfield Chase has been frustrating to follow and has to defy top weight in the apprentice handicap. However, he was completely unsuited by the heavy conditions on his previous start and might be worth a chance.
