Harrington relies on Alpine Star and Windracer in bid for second Debutante win

It has been a recurring theme of the Irish Flat season, Jessica Harrington sporting a broad smile after sending out a juvenile winner and the trainer is aiming for more big-race glory with Alpine Star and Windracer.

Harrington has had 20 two-year-old winners in Ireland this year and relies on Alpine Star and Windracer in her attempt to win a second Debutante, nine years after landing her first with Laughing Lashes.

Harrington admits Alpine Star, the choice of Shane Foley, is the stable's number one but expects a much better showing from Windracer, who disappointed in the Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown behind Love on her last start.

She said: “Alpine Star’s got to step forward as we're stepping up to a Group race with her now but we've been very happy with her since Galway.”

Explaining why Windracer underperformed at Leopardstown, Harrington added: “You've just got to put a line through her run the last day as she didn't handle the ground. She was never racing at all and was completely stuck to the ground. She just might need it but we're happy with her.”

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for four of the nine runners, with Love, an impressive winner of the Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown the choice of Ryan Moore, who will be dashing over having ridden at York earlier in the day.

O’Brien said: “Love won the Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown nicely and comes here in good form."

On Petite Mustique, So Wonderful and Tango, the trainer added: “Petite Mustique came out of her Galway win in good form and we're also very happy with her. So Wonderful ran well at Leopardstown, and while she's still a maiden, we always thought she's a lot better than what she's shown on the track so far.

“Tango is stepping up in trip but we always felt there was a chance she'd get this trip and we think she'll handle ease in the ground as well.”

The Bolger and Corcoran families, who sponsor this Group 2 contest, will award a total of €1,000 to the grooms in charge of the three best turned out horses.

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