Leopardstown Preview:Kieren Fallon will be in France tomorrow aboard Simply Perfect in the Group one Prix D'Astarte at Deauville but the controversial former champion jockey will also be in action closer to home at Leopardstown this evening where Minneapolis can secure him success in the Tyros Stakes.
Fallon will be joined at Deauville tomorrow by Michael Kinane who has secured the ride on the star German filly Mi Emma in the one mile D'Astarte which has a 12-strong field that also includes the French Guineas heroine, Darjina.
In addition to the Falmouth Stakes winner, Simply Perfect, Fallon will also be on board the locally trained Wilki in the Prix De Cabourg, a traditional trial for next month's Prix Morny.
His more immediate focus, however, is on Minneapolis, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt who is one of just four lining up for the Group Three event which memorably fell to Teofilo last year.
That horse went on to complete an unbeaten championship winning season and Teofilo's trainer, Jim Bolger, is represented this time by the regally bred New Approach who will attempt to build on an impressive debut victory at the Curragh.
Despite the small numbers this still looks a trappy event with last weekend's six length Tipperary winner Brazilian Star sure to be suited by testing conditions and Norman Invader boasting an eye-catching run behind Bruges at the Curragh.
Bruges went on to secure a Listed victory over this evening's course and distance when Minneapolis could manage only third after leading to the distance.
Strictly on form that gives the Ballydoyle colt something to find but Minneapolis looks a type to improve and O'Brien's juveniles are usually capable of dramatic progress with experience. Crucially the ground also shouldn't inconvenience him too much.
The meeting's other Group Three, the Meld Stakes, sees Fallon on board last weekend's Fairyhouse winner Trinity College who will have to reverse Curragh form from last month against Fracas.
The latter secured a first victory since his three-year-old days in that race which saw him beat Trinity College by two lengths. Trinity College probably has improved since then and there was a lot to like about his attitude when edging out Fleeting Shadow last Sunday. However, he still has it to prove and the durable Fracas looks the safe option.
On ratings Moone Cross has a tough task against Evening Time and Liscanna in the Listed Sweet Mimosa Stakes but there was plenty to like about the way Jessica Harrington's filly returned to action at Fairyhouse last weekend.
Pat Smullen's mount closed to within a length and a half of Haatef at the end of the Belgrave Stakes and there should be some improvement on the back of that effort.
A feature of the past few weeks has been the resurgence in the fortunes of trainer Jim Gorman and Declan McDonogh looks a significant booking for Ready To Rocknroll in the opening juvenile maiden. A fifth to Bruges on his Curragh debut looks smart form now and it should take a smart newcomer to get the better of him today.
McDonogh also looks to have a winning shout in the mile and a quarter handicap where the Killarney winner Copper Bell can continue his rate of progress.
