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Bolger seeks sixth win in Blue Wind Stakes with Turret Rocks

Jim Bolger: 'I used to go into his bookies when I was 12 years old, so that's how long I know him.'
Jim Bolger: seeking his sixth win in the Blue Wind StakesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

3.55 Curragh
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Blue Wind Stakes (Group 3) | fillies and mares | 3yo+ | 1m2f | ATR

A race normally run at Naas is the main event at the Curragh's first meeting of the season, with the track offering temporary facilities to racegoers during its extensive re-development work which will be completed in 2018.

Named after Dermot Weld's dual Oaks winner of 1981, the race has attracted a field of nine, only two of whom – the Ballydoyle pair Butterflies and Key To My Heart – are three-year-olds.

With five victories, Jim Bolger has been the most successful trainer in the race's 16-year history. Last successful in 2015 with Pleascach who went on to win the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Bolger is represented by last year's Irish Oaks fourth Turret Rocks and Cirin Toinne, who wears a first-time tongue-tie.

Laganore, Beautiful Morning, Creggs Pipes and Turret Rocks are renewing rivalry having finished third, fourth, fifth and sixth behind subsequent Group 2 winner Somehow in the Listed Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes at Gowran Park 13 days ago.

John Oxx, who has sent out four winners of the event, is represented by Flying Fairies, who enjoyed Listed race success over today's distance last season.


What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Beautiful Morning
I was very pleased with her first run for us at Gowran Park. She settled well but didn't like the soft ground. We supplemented her for this race and we're hoping for a good run. If all goes well she might go for the Pretty Polly Stakes.

Andy Slattery, trainer of Creggs Pipes
We think she has improved since her first run of the year at Gowran and we were delighted with her when she worked on Tuesday. She's a course winner and goes on any ground.

John Oxx, trainer of Flying Fairies
She's run well on her two starts this season and we're stepping her up to a mile and a quarter, the trip she won a Listed race over last year. She's in good form but it looks very competitive and if they get some rain, then all the better for her chance.

Tony Martin, trainer of Laganore
She came out of the Gowran race well and is in good order. She has won on quick ground in the past but wouldn't want it too firm.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Butterflies and Key To My Heart
They will need to improve on their most recent runs and hopefully they will run nice races.


Lack of Weld runners

Dermot Weld yesterday explained why he will be low in numbers when the Curragh's season begins on Saturday.

"We have only three runners over the two days and that is because a number of our horses have had head colds over the past few weeks due to the cool weather and cold winds. Once we're happy with them, we'll be back in full swing."

Racing Post Reporter

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