'We're expecting a big run' - key Group 3 quotes and analysis

Sunday: 3.40 Curragh
Hollywoodbets Gladness Stakes | 7f | 4yo+ | RTV

Ger Lyons has sent out seven winners already this year and among them was Madrid Handicap winner Markaz Paname, who appears to have solid claims stepping into Group 3 company.

Gelded over the winter, Markaz Paname confirmed himself well ahead of his mark when winning that premier handicap at Naas on his return, after which Lyons suggested the three-year-old would give his owner Donal Boylan "a lot of fun".

That fun can continue as Markaz Paname looks as though he could be hard to beat getting weight off similarly rated rivals. He's the rising force and could easily beat solid but vulnerable rivals.

Thunder Moon is obviously a high-class horse on his day and, given Joseph O'Brien's horses are in form, he could well be involved if returning to the sort of form he showed when beaten narrowly in a French Group 1 last season.

Current Option has gone from strength to strength since joining Ado McGuinness a few seasons ago and is an older horse who seldom disappoints, while Sheila Lavery's Belle Image would also be respected if back to her best.

But the case for Markaz Paname winning this is a simple one. He arrives in good form, is likely to progress, and gets weight off all of his rivals. He should be hard to beat.

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Ace Aussie
I think he'll like the seven-furlong trip. If the ground were to remain good I think that would suit him, so hopefully he runs well.

Ado McGuinness, trainer of Current Option.
This looks like his ideal trip. He was second in the race last year and the ground should be fine. We're expecting a big run from him.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Thunder Moon
He's performed well over this course and distance before. He's been training well, so we're hoping he can run a nice race.

Sheila Lavery, trainer of Belle Image
She's a lovely filly but I haven't had a clear run with her. She's not where I'd want her and is just ready to start back. She'll improve for whatever she does here.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Emilie Gray
She's been a very consistent filly who seems versatile in terms of the ground. It would be nice if she could earn some black type.

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!