TODAY'S Rockingham Stakes at the Curragh is a tricky affair with Aidan O'Brien, who won last year's renewal with Petite Fantasy, strongly represented with Catch The Blues, Cuddles and Best Before Dawn.
Catch The Blues ran the race of his life when leading the far side group to finish a length second behind Atraf in the Group Three Cork and Orrery Stakes at Royal Ascot. If this event is not a little sharp for him he will take beating.
The well drawn Ailleacht showed fine foot to win in fast time over this distance at Tipperary and early last month was short headed by Anzio in a Group Three at Leopardstown and 1 nap Jim Bolger's filly to beat fellow four year old Catch The Blues.
Prince Of Andros and Song Of Tara make the journey for today's Group Three Meld Stakes at the Curragh. The former has experience of this course, winning last year's Group two Tattersalls Gold Cup and finishing second behind compatriot Needle Gun in last month's Group Two Gallinule Stakes. He is preferred to Song Of Tara.
. Tom Treacy will miss all but the opening day of the Galway Festival after his appeal against the decision of the acting stewards at Tipperary last Sunday to suspend him for seven day for improper riding was turned down by the stewards of the INHS Committee at an inquiry at the Turf Club yesterday. The stewards also ordered that Treacy's deposit of £200 should be forfeited.
