David Jennings on a top clash between Make A Challenge and Speak In Colours

4.15 Curragh
Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | 4yo+ | ITV4

A lot can happen in a year, something we know only too well of late, but few horses have changed as much as Make A Challenge.

On the second-last day of May 2019, he arrived at Fairyhouse for a 7f handicap as a six-race maiden who was rated only 68. He won that race under 10lb claimer Joey Sheridan and added five more victories in what turned into a stellar season for the speedy son of Invincible Spirit.

Make A Challenge concluded the last campaign with a close fifth in the Group 1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot and is now rated 112. His smooth success in a Listed sprint at Naas eight days ago suggests he is every bit as good in 2020 as he was in 2019, if not better.

Make A Challenge (leading): has improved remarkably in the last 12 monthsCredit: Caroline Norris

Speak In Colours is a consistent sprinter who was certainly not disgraced at Group 1 level in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot when fifth to Hello Youmzain, beaten only three lengths. Despite that high level of form, he is officially rated 2lb inferior to Make A Challenge. Any rain will be in his favour.

Buffer Zone has proved a shrewd purchase by Ger Lyons and Sean Jones and he beat Make A Challenge in a premier handicap over this course and distance last year when giving away lumps of weight. Ignore him at your peril.

Forever In Dreams would have a squeak on her best form, while Queen Jo Jo's recent return at Haydock was packed full of promise.

It looks between those five and Make A Challenge appeals most. He's a sprinter going places fast and you sense he has not reached his destination yet.

What they say

Denis Hogan, trainer of Make A Challenge
I was thrilled with him at Naas last Saturday. We knew there was improvement in him going there. Naas was a stepping stone for this. I know it's a short turnaround, but he looks sharper for the run. We didn't dip him during the week as there wasn't enough time but he seems very well since. Any rain that falls will be appreciated.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Speak In Colours
He's been very well since Ascot. It looks a competitive race but he's got good form over the course and distance and we're hoping for a big run from him.

Aidan Fogarty, trainer of Forever In Dreams
We're all lining up to do the rain dance. The more rain the Curragh gets, the better she'll be. She worked brilliantly during the week. We were going to go to Ascot with her, but we just felt she needed another week after Naas. I hope we've done the right thing and I think we have.

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Queen Jo Jo
She ran a great race at Haydock despite the ground and came home well. The ground at the Curragh looks like it’s going to be ideal for her and she’s in great form.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com