Racing/Curragh preview: It's 20 years since Jim Bolger first won the Moyglare Stud Stakes but Pictavia looks a real contender for tomorrow's renewal of Ireland's most valuable race for juvenile fillies.
A total of 12 line up including three cross-channel raiders trying to secure just a third British success in the last decade.
The Cherry Hinton winner Jewel In The Sand led the trio's entry but it was the Aidan O'Brien-trained Silk And Scarlet who led the ante-post betting yesterday with Paddy Power going 6 to 4 about O'Brien notching up a fourth Moyglare in five years.
"Silk And Scarlet has been in good form since her last race (Debutante Stakes) and we're happy with her progress," said the Ballydoyle trainer yesterday.
Luas Line got to within half a length of Silk And Scarlet in the Debutante and let the form down at Goodwood six days ago but Jamie Spencer's mount will still be a tough opponent for them all.
Richard Hannon made a late call to run Jewel In The Sand and explained: "The way she's been working I'm keen to give her a run before the Cheveley Park. She's done very well since the July meeting and it's now just a question of whether she will get the trip."
The Curragh tends to expose stamina doubts and although Pictavia hasn't run in three months there is no question of her getting the seven furlongs.
Bolger's filly won her maiden over seven and then dropped back to six to run a two-length second to Damson in a listed at Naas.
In retrospect that was almost mission impossible and yesterday's 10 to 1 for Pictavia looks the best each-way value despite the presence of the €30,000 supplementary entry Saoire and Umniya, who represents the 2002 winning trainer Mick Channon.
The King George Stakes winner Ringmoor Down and Benbaun will try to raid the Nolan & Brophy Flying Five but although the latter only just failed to Osterhase at Naas earlier in the year, John Mulhern's horse is a different proposition now having earned a 118 rating since.
The other Group Three event, the Go And Go Round Tower Stakes, is an all-Irish affair and even though Aidan O'Brien throws three fillies at the six furlong event, it could be the Tyros runner Lock And Key who represents a bit of value now that she drops to the course and distance of her last victory.
Dermot Weld's Prize Time hasn't run since just failing to the McDonogh winner Palace Star in July but should still make his presence felt in the Cambridgeshire while Weld's Genuine Charm, a half sister to Refuse To Bend and Media Puzzle, should find the trip in the mile-and-a-quarter maiden to her liking.
Cloone River returns to Ballybrit for the start of the September festival and should add to his impressive Tralee debut over fences in the novice chase.
Another course winner, Athlumney Lad, can use a low weight to make his presence felt in the handicap hurdle.
