Dermot Weld looks set to allow Brooch a chance to regain winning form at Group 3 level at the Curragh this Sunday.
The Juddmonte-owned filly lost her unbeaten record in June's Pretty Polly Stakes and found Wedding Vow too good on her previous start but is top-rated on 109 for this weekend's Dance Design Stakes, a race Weld won last year with Carla Bianca.
A dozen entries are in the race but there are 41 in the €100,000 Tote Irish Cambridgeshire after the five-day stage with Ruby Stakes winner Algonquin top-rated on 107.
Hint Of A Tint, winner of the Topaz Mile, has been raised 9lbs for that win, and David Wachman’s runner has a big handicap double in her sights.
A total of 11 are left in Sunday's other Group 3, the Round Tower Stakes, including last weekend's impressive course winner Smash Williams who won his debut by 6½ lengths for Jim Bolger.
On official ratings Bantry Bay is only fourth best in this evening’s five-runner Bellewstown finale but the only three- year-old in the race is also the only one to hold a Palmerstown House Irish St Leger entry and can progress past this opposition.
The flashy chestnut hasn't been seen since failing to justify favouritism in Roscommon's Lenebane Stakes almost two months ago and on figures has it to do, including against the 105-rated Manalapan who has a first start for Dermot Weld. He has slid from a career high of 110 while the others look exposed too. In contrast Bantry Bay's best still looks yet to come.
Experience
In contrast,
Mint Chai’s
experience and form on soft ground can be crucial in the opening juvenile maiden. Ger Lyons’s horse hasn’t been seen since June but could step up now that he is stretched to a mile.
The older horse maiden has a number of disappointing types, so it may be worth taking a shot on Hushed Tones.
