Lush Lashes is no false hope

THE FALLOUT from York's disastrous wash-out this week has given Lush Lashes a shining chance to put the record straight in today…

THE FALLOUT from York's disastrous wash-out this week has given Lush Lashes a shining chance to put the record straight in today's rescheduled Darley Yorkshire Oaks at Newmarket just 24 hours before her stable companion New Approach finally lines up for his much anticipated clash with Duke Of Marmalade.

Both star Irish colts are expected to be declared for the re-routed Juddmonte International at this morning's forfeit stage following Jim Bolger's decision yesterday to give New Approach a first run since winning the Derby in June.

Both Bolger and Duke Of Marmalade's trainer Aidan O'Brien were unsure about original plans to run the Juddmonte at York on Friday, but the switch to Newmarket tomorrow has helped prompt a change of heart.

Bolger said yesterday: "New Approach is definitely going to Newmarket on Saturday. Hopefully it will be nice good ground as this will suit him well."

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The Juddmonte is also the plan for Duke Of Marmalade with good ground being forecast for Newmarket.

That prediction has also eased concerns in both Irish camps about the race being too close to the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown which will be run a fortnight afterwards.

Just six fillies line up for this afternoon's Group One prize and going conditions have also contributed to Bolger's decision to send Lush Lashes across the Irish Sea for the second time in 20 days.

The last occasion proved to be something of a disaster in the Nassau Stakes as the Irish filly endured a nightmare passage and yet only just missed out on victory behind Halfway To Heaven.

That was at a mile and a quarter while Lush Lashes' Group One pedigree was confirmed over a mile in the Coronation Stakes. This will be her first attempt back at a mile and a half since finishing fifth in the Epsom Oaks.

The connections of sure stayers like Allegretto and Passage Of Time are likely to try and expose any stamina chink in the Bolger filly but on this surface the older horses may be attempting a mission impossible.

Other Irish interest in England today centres on the rescheduled Ebor which will be run under the title of the Newburgh Handicap at Newbury.

Ground conditions are likely to be softer than at Newmarket, but Tony Martin will be hoping that Salute Him can provide a second major handicap pot in the UK this season under jockey Philip Robinson.

Arc Bleu landed the Northumberland Plate for the Co Meath trainer last month but Salute Him will have to bounce back from a disappointing run behind Glitter Baby at the Galway festival.

The latest inspection in the continuing saga of Tralee's festival weather woes takes place at 3.00 this afternoon as officials decide if racing can finally take place at the Co Kerry course tomorrow.

Kilbeggan pulled the plug on its steeplechases on Wednesday but the maiden hurdle has been divided to make a six-race card this evening.

That will be good news for the former champion trainer Noel Meade who gives Eirinn's Rock a second career start in the bumper.

Stamina will not be an issue for the brother to the 2000 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble and there should also be significant improvement from his debut at the Galway festival.

Eirinn's Rock stayed on noticeably well up the hill to fail by just a short head to Noble Commander in a desperate finish. Failure to go one better this time will be a surprise.

Meade can also strike in the first division of the maiden hurdle with Mythical Prince while Duroob can defy a 9lb hike in ratings for winning at the course earlier this month.