RACING: Dermot Weld will make his first raid on the USA this year when the Irish 1,000 Guineas third Dimitrova runs at Hollywood Park on Saturday. Brian O'Connor reports.
The filly has been invited to the $750,000 American Oaks at the Los Angeles track where Weld's Dress To Thrill won the Grade One Matriarch Stakes last autumn. "It hasn't been finalised yet who will ride. That will be sorted out in the next 48 hours," said Weld yesterday.
The Curragh trainer sent Saranac Lake for the Grade One contest last year but that filly only managed tenth of 14.
Dimitrova's credentials are impressive, however, with her Guineas third to Yesterday preceded by a Listed success in the 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown.
Weld and jockey Pat Smullen are represented at Ballinrobe this afternoon but punters may do well to focus on the jumping events at the Co Mayo track.
The ex-Weld-trained Murrayfield looks an interest in the Beginners Chase following a course and distance second to Goss last time out.
The Penitent Man's second to Another Dollar at Fairyhouse in May reads pretty well in the bumper, while Aura About Him should go close in the handicap.
A win for the beautifully bred Dame Alicia in the nine-furlong maiden will be important stud-wise and the daughter of Alywow will rarely get a better chance to win.
Roguery hasn't finished too far behind decent fillies like Humilis and Jakarta Jade over farther than today's 0-80 handicap and may relish the drop back to six furlongs.
