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Banksters to progress

RACING: BANKSTERS BONUS gets the chance to continue his progress through the ranks in today’s Listed Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon…

Mon Jul 04 2011 - 01:00

RACING:BANKSTERS BONUS gets the chance to continue his progress through the ranks in today's Listed Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon.

Jessica Harrington’s three-year-old won the Ulster Derby on his last start and appears to be going the right way.

He only has one blot on his record, when he was virtually pulled up in the Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh, a run Harrington is still scratching her head over.

“He did it well last time at Down Royal,” said the trainer. “He’s progressing through the handicaps, although he wasn’t beaten far in a Listed race at Leopardstown the time before. He was only beaten two short-heads and a head.

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“I’m not sure what ground he wants really because he’s handled softish ground well, yet it was pretty firm at Leopardstown. It is due to rain tomorrow afternoon anyway, so it shouldn’t get too quick.

“I’m still not exactly sure what happened at the Curragh. Nothing came to light afterwards.”

Mick Halford believes Zerashan deserves his slice of glory. The Gigginstown House Stud-owned colt was no match for Red Cadeaux in the Curragh Cup on his last start but continues to run consistently.

“He’s very tough and consistent,” said Halford. “He’s in great form at the moment and he ran well last weekend.

“Even though he only ran last week he seems well enough at home so we’ll let him take his chance.

“The ground should be fine for everyone so there’ll be no excuses on that score and he’s got rock-solid form. I’m sure he’ll run well and he certainly deserves to win a race like this.”

Harrington’s Pathfork continues to build towards a comeback in the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh on July 16th.

The Distorted Humor colt was unbeaten as a juvenile, culminating with a win at Group One level.

He could only finish seventh in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket behind Frankel, but Harrington believes a line can virtually be written through that performance.

The handler also has a smart three-year-old filly on her hands in Laughing Lashes, who was second to subsequent Irish 1,000 Guineas and Pretty Polly winner Misty For Me in the Moyglare last season.

She was another to disappoint at Newmarket but returned to something near her best in the Irish Guineas when third.

“Pathfork is still heading for the Minstrel, that’s the idea at this stage,” said Harrington. “Laughing Lashes will run in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh.”