Downdraft bidding for more Listed glory in Her Majesty's Plate

7.35 Down Royal
Her Majesty's Plate (Listed) | 4yo+ | 1m6f | RTV

Downdraft will attempt to follow his victory at Roscommon 18 days ago with further Listed success in Her Majesty's Plate at Down Royal.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained four-year-old, who won the Lenebane Stakes last time, will be tackling the 1m6f distance for the first time as he bids for back-to-back Listed wins.

His six rivals include the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Altra Vita, a six-time handicap winner last season and who wears a first time visor for her second start of the year. Colin Keane rides the filly on her first foray to Ireland.

Prescott won consecutive runnings of this event with Coat Of Honour and Masafi in 2004 and 2005.

Sir Mark Prescott bids for a third win in Her Majesty's PlateCredit: Edward Whitaker

John Oxx, whose most recent win in the race came with Mourad in 2008, is represented by Giuseppe Garibaldi, a Listed winner who placed several times at Group 2 and Group 3 level when trained by Aidan O'Brien.

Sold to race in Qatar, Giuseppe Garibaldi will be having his first start since joining Oxx a few months ago.

The Jessica Harrington-trained The King, the highest rated in the line-up on official figures, would be an appropriately named winner of this event. He drops in grade having competed at Group 2 level last time.

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Downdraft
He came out of his Listed win at Roscommon well and while he is going up two furlongs in trip, we don't think that will be a problem.

John Oxx, trainer of Giuseppe Garibaldi
He was disappointing in Qatar after being sold out of Ballydoyle. We've had him a few months and he's in good form, although I'd imagine he will improve for the run.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of The King
We're hoping he can bounce back to form. He seems to be in good order, hopefully he won't get upset in the stalls this time. Any ease in the ground will suit.

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