Rehana bids to get Classic campaign up and running

4.30 Naas
Canford Cliffs Irish EBF Athasi Stakes (Group 3) | 7f | 3yo+ | ATR

Rehana, who has not scored since beating Qipco 1,000 Guineas favourite Rhododendron in a maiden at the Curragh last season, looks to get back to winning ways with the Classics on the horizon.

The Michael Halford-trained daughter of Dark Angel found things tough after her maiden success, finishing fourth to Rhododendron in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes before filling the same position behind Intricately in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes.

The three-year-old, owned by the Aga Khan, made a promising seasonal return at Leopardstown last month when third in the 1,000 Guineas Trial and is one of only three of her age group in the line-up.

Rehana's main rival looks to be the Fozzy Stack-trained Diamond Fields, who beat Group 1 winner Alice Springs in the Gladness Stakes over course and distance last month.

Placed at Grade 2 level in the US on her final two starts last season, the daughter of Fastnet Rock carries a 3lb penalty for her Gladness win.

Aidan O'Brien is represented by Elizabeth Browning, who came good on her ninth and final start last year when landing a nursery over today's trip at Leopardstown in October.

Mick Channon, who landed the Group 3 Park Express Stakes with Czabo over the same course in March, is represented by Summer Icon, the mount of Kevin Manning.

Rose De Pierre, a dual winner at Listed level, more recently when landing the Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown last month, goes for Dermot Weld.

What they say

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Diamond Fields
She's in good form and we've been with her since she won the Gladness Stakes over the same course and distance last month. She has to give weight to the three-year-olds but we're happy with her.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Rose De Pierre
She's a very consistent filly and is in good order. We're hoping she can earn some more black type.

Mick Channon, trainer of Summer Icon
She's in great form and we could not be happier with her. Hopefully she goes there with a little squeak of a chance.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Elizabeth Browning
It took her a long time to win last season as she wasn't producing on the track the sort of ability she showed at home. She's in good form and ready to start.

Michael Halford, trainer of Rehana
We were very pleased with her first run of the season at Leopardstown and she has come on nicely since. This looked a suitable race for her and she will like the ground.