Gallinule Stakes 2014

2.45 Curragh

Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes (group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner €42,250

Adelaide: Deeply impressive on debut over a mile at Leopardstown, quite out of his ground before coming through to win easily; Very promising once again when second in the Hocquart on his return, possibly unsuited by the slow gallop and then failing to get cleared of passaged as runners quickened; Strong contender here today with improvement from that run expected.

Blue Hussar: Looked a sure fire improver for middle distances when landing maiden on debut at Leopardstown and plenty of promise in his Lingfield Derby trial fourth, all at sea on the track after starting slowly and never going the early pace but eventually fourth; This track will suit far more today but may want a further step up in trip.

Boqa: Looked useful on debut behind Blue Hussar: Went close against the useful Fiscal Focus on reappearance and then took advantage of nice opportunity at Tipeerary latest; Form of that franked by runner up but well behind the standard needed here.

Mekong River: Fine juvenile campaign ended badly in French Group 1 but can be forgiven that run and Listed win was one of a horse that would make into a useful horse this year but flop at Lingfield in Derby trial latest; If back to best then a realistic contender here and possible value here.

Reinassance Art: Lucky to beat Derby favourite Australia on debut here (7f) on only start but the rest of the field from that maiden standards up well enough, the second having recently broken maiden along with at least three others; Retains considerable promise here and interesting.

VERDICT: The withdrawal of Edelmira and Theoplolius takes a considerable amount of potential and interest from this race although most of the field still has some sort of potential. Mekong River is better than he showed at Lingfield behind stablemate Blue Hussar, and is probably the best value in the race, but ADELAIDE’S return at Longchamp also suggested much better was to come and he can make amends for a frustrating first time out defeat.