Tarziyna will be tough nut to crack in Sligo finale

Course and distance winner Truthwillsetufree can win for trainer Dermot Weld

John Oxx: his Tarziyna is fancied to win at Sligo tonight.
John Oxx: his Tarziyna is fancied to win at Sligo tonight.

John Oxx

will have two shots at Group One Royal Ascot glory with My Titania and Saddler’s Rock but before that Tarziyna should get the Curragh trainer’s week off to a successful start in tonight’s finale at Sligo.

The Aga Khan-owned filly ran into a decent sort in System Overload at the Curragh nine days ago, which was a step up on her Cork debut. A similar step-up now should make Tarziyna tough to beat in the 10-furlong maiden that includes the newcomer Madakheel.

That maiden was won a couple of years ago by Truthwillsetufree and the same course and distance can provide the Dermot Weld mare with a second career victory in the five-runner conditions event.

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Weld's Flic Flac tops the weights in the fillies handicap and is returning from a disappointing effort in April at Cork on testing ground. Better going now, and a repeat of her Leopardstown second in March, should make her a leading contender.

Pixie Spirit is 7lb higher for winning at Limerick over a fortnight ago but can follow up today.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column