FAIRYHOUSE PREVIEW:LE CADRE Noir's successful career in his native Italy means he has to concede weight all round in tomorrow's Fairyhouse feature, but the sprinter can still defy these conditions and score for the Dermot Weld-Pat Smullen team.
A dozen horses in all line up for the Belgrave Stakes, including a cross-channel raider in Lipocco and a one-time classic prospect in Bruges, who has just the fourth start of his career in the six-furlong Listed event.
In contrast Le Cadre Noir is a battle-hardened customer after 15 starts that yielded seven wins in Italy before his arrival in Ireland. They included a Group Three win over five furlongs at San Siro and a Listed victory over six while he was also a Group Three runner-up at today's trip at Deauville.
His two starts for Weld have been at the minimum distance and the last of them at the Curragh last weekend was particularly commendable. Despite a big weight he was runner-up to the well-handicapped Masta Plasta in the Rockingham.
There are no similar weight concessions this time, although a 108 rating makes Jim Bolger's Curragh winner Rock Moss a clear danger. Le Cadre Noir can, however, make it third time lucky in Ireland.
Sinsational had a tough task on ratings at Killarney during the week in a claimer but still managed to make Icemancometh pull out all the stops.
Eddie Lynam's consistent type should be a contender in the 11-furlong handicap.
Tipperary's feature tomorrow is the Grade Three Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle, where Megans Joy can remind everyone of her prowess under Davy Russell.
Colm Murphy's mare was a leading novice last season up to finishing fourth in December's Royal Bond and then wasn't seen again until a run-out on the all-weather at Dundalk in April.
At her best she looks the sort of progressive type that can get the better of the likes of Salford City and Kalderon.
John Murtagh travels south for a number of rides for Aidan O'Brien, including Psalm, who gets the easiest opportunity of her career to date in the nine-furlong maiden.
She has been tried at the highest class throughout the season and this is a major drop in class.
Murtagh is on board the Montjeu newcomer Hail Cesar in the opening juvenile maiden but he will have to be a smart newcomer to win first time of asking against the Curragh runner-up Miss Puss, who represents the in-form David Wachman.
Shimah, general 16 to 1 second-favourite for next year's Stan James 1000 Guineas, will make the leap to Group One level in what should prove a highly-informative contest at the Curragh tomorrow week.
Kevin Prendergast is planning to send the Storm Cat filly for the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes following her impressive Listed success on the first day of the Irish Derby meeting last month.
"She runs in the Phoenix Stakes on Sunday week," the trainer said.
"She couldn't be better and I'm hoping she can continue progressing at the Curragh."
Shimah's victory at the Curragh further enhanced the family's decent record for Prendergast, with half-siblings Haatef, Ulfah and Wayalef all having scored for the County Kildare handler.
But she will face a tough test, with current 2000 Guineas market leader and Royal Ascot winner Art Connoisseur among those likely to be in opposition.
