Sport

Titania is tipped for glory at Leopardstown

MY TITANIA returns from a spell on the sidelines in the Copper Face Jacks Glencairn Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday.

John Oxxs one-time Classic hope was seen just twice during her three-year-old campaign, most recently when third as an even money favourite behind Mango Diva in a Group Two at the Curragh 11 months ago. But she ran fourth behind Rizeena in the Coronation Stakes at this time last year and is a classy filly at her best.

The daughter of Sea The Stars has had a knee chip operation but is ready to reappear and takes on four rivals in this mile Listed contest.

These including War Envoy, who has come up short in the French 2,000 Guineas and Prix du Jockey Club already this term but will find this considerably easier. Indeed on his Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf running behind Hootenanny, when beaten less than four lengths, they probably wouldnt let you bet. But he was completely tailed-off in Chantilly the other day, eased down inside the last couple of furlongs and he can only be watched here.

Theres obviously something very tempting in My Titanias make-up that encourages Oxx to keep her in training as a four-year-old. Shes well in at the weights and is the pick to beat Brendan Brackan and Captain Joy.

War Envoys trainer Aidan OBrien saddles a couple of interesting newcomers in the opening two juvenile races and Port Douglas, a Galileo half-brother to 2009 German Derby hero Wiener Walzer, begins his career in the seven-furlong colts maiden.

Of those that have already run, Fishermans Blues is ahead of Touch Of Frost on their Curragh encounter in April. Welds Sunglider might be the threat to Port Douglas.

However, in the preceding fillies version at the start of the card, beautifully-bred Ballydoyle youngster Minding has a task on her plate against the Jim Bolger-trained Special Focus, who filled the runner-up berth in Listed company at Naas recently behind British challenger Great Page.

Bolger, OBrien and Oxx lock horns again in the 10-and-a-half-furlong Leopardstown Club Members Maiden and perhaps the latters Pour Deux is the most interesting because she kept good company as a two-year-old and still holds an entry in the Irish Oaks. Torrey Pines and Salthouse have efforts to support their chances.

Witty Repartee made the frame when fancied here last week behind Beat The Ballot and Andy Oliver turns her out again for the fillies handicap. Her reassessment doesnt kick in until the weekend when she is due to go up 2lb. She has her chance, as do her six opponents.

Of the 14 runners in the three-year-old handicap, only Liffey View, a fair fifth behind Duca Valentinois in a better race than this at the Curragh last Sunday, has a previous win under her belt, so handicap newcomers Merryn Moo and Buzz Of Barroso are worth close consideration, although Pat Harkin hasnt been far away on his last four appearances and deserves to get his head in front.