Lyons hoping Who's Steph can have an instant answer for new owner Strawbridge

Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial | Group 3 | 1m | 3yo fillies | ATR

The Ger Lyons-trained Who’s Steph, named after a friend of the trainer’s daughter Kerri, created a big impression when winning another Group 3 1,000 Guineas trial here on just her third start last month.

That performance caught the attention of George Strawbridge, whose white and green silks have been carried by top-class fillies such as Journey, Moonlight Cloud and Rainbow View in recent seasons and will now also be carried by Who's Steph, the owner having stepped in to purchase her.

Who's Steph is not in the Irish 1,000 Guineas but does hold an engagement in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in July.

Standing in the way of Who’s Steph making a winning debut for Strawbridge is the Aidan O’Brien pair Magical – fitted with the first-time cheekpieces – and Ballet Shoes.

Jim Bolger won this race 12 months ago with the Godolphin-owned Bean Feasa and the same connections are represented by Dawn Delivers, while Kevin Prendergast is quietly confident of a good showing from Alghabrah, a recent winner at Dundalk.

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Magical and Ballet Shoes
We were happy with Magical's first run of the season at Longchamp. She's come on since and will improve again from this run. We're putting on cheekpieces to help her concentrate. Ballet Shoes won a Listed race last year and is in good form, although she’s just ready to start off.

Magical (left) just loses out to stablemate Happily in the Moyglare Stud StakesCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

Kevin Prendergast,trainer of Alghabrah
This is a step up in class but she's improving and is working very well at home. She looks as though she's got it all to do but we're happy with her and we'll give it ago.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Chiara Luna
She won her only start last year over the course and she's well. She appreciates fast ground, so we don't want to see any rain.

Ger Lyons, trainer of Who’s Steph
She’s a lovely, honest filly who's been training well and this looked the obvious race to aim towards as she's able to line up without a penalty. We hope the race will help us to make a plan going forward. We're blessed to have a new owner to have joined the team and it's just great to have those colours in the yard.

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