Man not certain for Curragh trip

Royal Ascot runner-up Medicean Man is "50-50" to make the trip to Ireland for Saturday's Invincible Spirit Sapphire Stakes.

Medicean Man at Kranji Trackwork Picture: Racing and Sports

Jermey Gask's veteran sprinter ran a fantastic race to go down by just a short-head to Goldream in the King's Stand at last month's showpiece fixture and is among 10 horses in contention for the five-furlong Group Two at the Curragh this weekend.

"He pulled up well after Ascot, but he's no better than 50-50 to go to the Curragh," said Gask.

"One or two horses in the yard are giving out a few coughs, so I want to scope him and check his bloods and see how he is later in the week.

"We'll make a decision closer to the time."

Medicean Man features in a field dominated by potential British challengers.

The Michael Dods-trained filly Mecca's Angel was a late non-runner at Ascot because of the fast ground, but could head to Ireland this weekend if conditions are more in her favour.

Kevin Ryan's Hot Streak and Paul Midgley's Monsieur Joe are also among the raiding party, while Aidan O'Brien could run Due Diligence and Moviesta could turn out for Eddie Lynam.

The other main supporting race to the Darley Irish Oaks is the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes, which has attracted nine juveniles.

O'Brien has Coventry Stakes second Air Force Blue and recent Roscommon scorer Antelope Canyon in the field, while Mark Johnston could send Fireglow and/or Rogues' Gallery.

Jessica Harrington's course and distance winner Final Frontier and impressive Naas victor Queen Of Sicily, trained by Jim Bolger, are other interesting contenders.


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