Kevin Prendergast has Group 1 challenges in mind for Killarney winner Mehnah

Kevin Prendergast has Group-1 aspirations for Mehnah after his stable star got back on track in the Cairn Rouge Stakes at Killarney on Wednesday.

Mehnah, beaten just a head in a Leopardstown Guineas Trial on her second start, was forced to sit out the Irish 1,000 Guineas through injury.

However, she made a blistering return to action at Killarney, overcoming a wide draw to win well under Chris Hayes.

Prendergast is eyeing the Matron Stakes or the Prix de l'Opera for the Shadwell-owned daughter of Frankel, although the Listed Hurry Harriet Stakes at Gowran Park is likely to come first.

The 88-year-old said: “Mehnah has come out of Killarney well and we might go for the Listed Hurry Harriet Stakes at Gowran Park in a few weeks’ time with her now.

"We’d love to go for a Group 1 with her after that and there are a couple of options. The Matron Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend would look an obvious one but there is also the Prix de l'Opera on Arc day at Longchamp. We will play that by ear but Gowran Park will be next for her.”

Kevin Prendergast: hoping to pitch Mehnah into a Group 1 later in the seasonCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Prendergast added: “She got a small injury before the Irish Guineas and she couldn’t run. It was only a small injury. She pulled a muscle and it was just unfortunate timing really.

"We were guessing what would happen when she came under pressure at Killarney but I was thrilled to see her back in the winner’s enclosure.

“She overcame a wide draw on a very tight track but, as it worked out, it was probably the best place to run her. Hopefully it will be onwards and upwards and she can make up for lost time.”

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