Key questions as Ickworth looks to get back on track in Airlie Stud Stakes

4.15Airlie Stud Stakes (Group 2) | 6f, 2yo fillies | RTV/RTE2

Will Royal Ascot disappointment Ickworth handle the step up in trip?

Last week's Royal Ascot mission was over before it began for Ickworth when Willie McCreery's speedster reared when the gates were opened for the Queen Mary Stakes, but the trainer has set his sights on compensation here.

If there's one question mark that hovers over Ickworth, it mightn't be her ability to break away cleanly from the stalls, rather whether she'll handle the extra furlong.

McCreery has reported that Ickworth came out of her Ascot mishap "without a scratch on her" and added that the Godolphin-owned filly came through stalls at home during the week with flying colours.

Willie McCreery: holds the key in the Yeomanstown Stud Stakes at Naas with the top-rated fillies Lethal Promise and Nitro BoostCredit: Patrick McCann

However, the in-form handler, who has sent out two trebles in the space of the past month, agrees that the six-furlong trip is the big unknown for Ickworth, who has won twice over the minimum distance.

McCreery said: "She came out of Ascot in good shape, there wasn't a scratch on her and she's been very good at home all week. We popped her through the stalls earlier in the week and she came out of them not a bother.

"She comes out of the stalls grand, she just doesn't want to be too long in them. Given she shows so much speed, stepping up to six furlongs would have to be a bit of a concern, but we're very happy with her."

McCreery also runs Windham Belle, on whom he added: "She will definitely get the trip. She won on fast ground so the drying ground won't inconvenience her. She'll go for a little break after this."

Will Peace prove herself to be another classy Juddmonte runner for Lyons?

Peace Charter was excellent on debut and went down fighting in defeat when runner-up on her second start in a Group 3 over 6f at Naas, the course and distance over which she made her winning debut for Ger Lyons and Prince Khalid Abdullah, an increasing force at Glenburnie stables.

The form of that Group 3 effort received a good boost when the third Celtic Beauty ran a cracker to finish second in the Albany at Royal Ascot, where she had two of her rivals here, Precious Moments and Lorelei Rock, behind.

On pedigree, Peace Charter would appear to be one who'll get better as she steps out in trip but having bypassed Royal Ascot she comes here a fresh filly and could be another Juddmonte runner for Lyons to look forward to.

Which filly does Aidan O'Brien expect to cheer home?

Jockey bookings often go out the window when it comes to the pecking order of the Ballydoyle juveniles, and it might be a similar story here with Precious Moments - the apparent first choice being the mount of Ryan Moore - Tango and Blissful representing Aidan O'Brien.

O'Brien has won this race five times since 2013, with fillies like Roly Poly, Clemmie and So Perfect on the recent roll of honour, and speaking about his trio, the trainer said: "Precious Moments ran well over the trip in the Albany at Ascot and came out of the race well. She should stay further in time.

Moore for more?
Ryan Moore has ridden the last four winners of this race, the first coming for David Wachman and the remainder for Aidan O'Brien. Most Beautiful's win in 2015 was followed by Roly Poly (2016), Clemmie (2017) and So Perfect (2018).

"Tango wasn't beaten far in the Queen Mary at Ascot and we think the extra furlong here should suit her."

He added: "Blissful has had just the one run and is dropping down in trip. We think she has come forward since her run at Leopardstown and she's a filly who should improve again from this run."

Can Joseph O'Brien provide a shock?

Royal Affair and A New Dawn, a winner of her maiden only two days ago at Naas, represents Joseph O'Brien, who is hopeful rather than confident about their chances.

The trainer said: "Both fillies are in good shape and the main aim would be to get black-type. A New Dawn is turning out a little quick after winning her maiden at Naas on Wednesday, but she came out of that well."

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