The progressive Yosemite Valley can handle the step up to a mile at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Donnacha O’Brien’s charge was impressive over seven furlongs in the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh last time and connections bid to build on that in Group Three company now.
He’s probably never going to stay as far as his half-brother Piz Badile, who was runner-up in the Irish Derby, but a mile around a bend doesn’t look beyond him.
The Shamardal colt certainly wasn’t stopping at the line last time over a stiff seven and this better ground should also help now.
He has always been highly regarded and looks to be finally justifying that now in his four-year-old campaign.
The standard in the Amethyst Stakes is set by the Jessica Harrington-trained Bold Discovery.
He didn’t look to stay over 10 furlongs when last seen at Dundalk in September but is a good horse on his day.
His best effort last season came when beating Tarawa in the Celebration Stakes on fast ground at the Curragh and that is strong form.
It is interesting that stable jockey Shane Foley rides Quar Shamar as he would appear to have a bit to prove on his last showing at Tipperary in September.
The Derby trials have started in earnest now and Ballydoyle colt Los Angeles can lay down his claims in the following Group Three contest.
He was last seen prevailing in a tight finish to the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud in October and that form looks very strong.
A couple of those in behind have won already this term, including the fourth horse Ramadan who has been successful in a Listed and Group Three race in France.
In the fillies Guineas trial on the card, the ‘Mutamakina Stakes’, all eyes will be on the Paddy Twomey-trained One Look.
She was a touch workmanlike on her return to action in deep ground at Cork when landing odds of 1/20 in a median auction race.
The Gleneagles filly did what she needed to do though, in what was essentially a piece of work, and still remains a very exciting prospect.
Her performance last year in the Goffs Million, when beating Cherry Blossom by six lengths on debut, marked her out as a bit special and she gets the chance now to show she deserves her chance at the top level.
It could be a good day for Aidan O’Brien and he has strong contenders in the opening couple of maidens.
Igor Stravinsky was narrowly denied on his debut at the Curragh just over three weeks ago and can gain compensation now in the seven furlong maiden.
The penny only really dropped late on with Highbury on his racecourse bow at Cork 16 days ago and he can step forward now in the mile-and-a-half contest.
SELECTIONS
1.15 Igor Stravinsky
1.50 Highbury (Dbl)
2.25 One Look
3.00 Yosemite Valley (Nap)
3.35 Los Angeles
4.10 Fleetingly
4.45 Saturn
5.20 Huxley
