Key questions as Surrounding bids to defy Group 3 penalty

Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes | 7f, Listed | RTV

Surrounding has been nothing short of exceptional this season for Michael Halford and runs after a career-best effort in winning the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse.

Regular rider Ronan Whelan thinks Surrounding, who had a length to spare over British raider Perfection, was value for more than the winning margin at Fairyhouse.

This isn’t a better race than the Brownstown but there are several dangerous rivals. However, Halford is happy with his charge, who has drawn stall one.

The trainer said: “She’s been improving all season and is in very good form. She has a Group 3 penalty but has a very good chance on ratings, and the conditions suit her well. We're hopeful of a very big performance.”

Will first-time cheekpieces work for Hand On Heart?

Fozzy Stack has been forced to rule Hand On Heart out of a couple of engagements due to unsuitable terrain recently but should get his ground here.

The 98-rated filly will wear cheekpieces for the first time and Stack is expecting a decent showing.

Hand On Heart: wears cheekpieces for the first timeCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: “I wouldn't mind if the rain came, nor would I mind if it was over a furlong longer, but she's in good form and we're happy to take our chance.”

Will Cava come good over extra furlong?

Joseph O’Brien is doubly represented with Wisdom Mind and Cava, who have contrasting profiles.

Wisdom Mind has already achieved black type for her connections but hasn’t been in the best of form lately, while Cava has been slightly unlucky in Listed contests on her last two starts.

Joseph O'Brien: doubly represented with Wisdom Mind and CavaCredit: Laura Green

O’Brien has decided to dispense with cheekpieces, which were fitted when Cava finished fourth at Naas last time, as he steps the filly back up to 7f.

He said: “Cava was a bit unlucky at Naas where she overcame a bad draw to finish a good fourth. We've taken the cheekpieces off as we're stepping up to 7f. She's in good shape and we're hoping for a good run.

“Wisdom Mind has already got black type, which is fantastic as she is a well-bred filly, but she's got a bad draw and that could be a killer.”

Has Harrington got Music back on song?

It’s been another season to remember for Jessica Harrington, who is hopeful Chocolate Music can make up for lost time now she’s back on song.

Harrington explained: “She ran only once earlier this season and wasn't quite right for a while afterwards, but she's back in very good form now.”

Who is the Ballydoyle number one?

With Donnacha O'Brien choosing Cava over Aidan O'Brien's Fire Fly and I Remember You, opportunity knocks for Padraig Beggy and Michael Hussey respectively.

However, both fillies will need to find improvement to emulate Music Box, who won this race two seasons ago for O'Brien.

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