Masaff takes good credentials into Ireland's final Group race of the season

thetote.com Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3) | 2yo | 1m1f | ATR

Masaff, representing Dermot Weld and the Aga Khan, carries strong form credentials as he prepares to face eight rivals in the final Irish Group race of the season.

Successful in a mile maiden at Leopardstown in June, the son of Raven's Pass returned to the track to finish third behind the highly regarded Madhmoon and subsequent Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere runner-up Broome in a Group 2 last month.

Weld said of Declan McDonogh's mount: "Masaff is a very nice colt. His form is good and I expect him to run another good race."

With 11 winners to his name, Aidan O'Brien has by far the best record of any trainer in the race.

Successful last time with Flag Of Honour – who won this year's Irish St Leger – when the race was upgraded from Listed level for the first time, O'Brien relies on Sovereign, a 14-length winner of a mile Galway maiden on testing ground last month.

Sovereign has since finished fourth behind stablemate Japan in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at Naas last month and will be partnered by Niall McCullagh on Saturday.

Sovereign finished fourth behind stablemate Japan in the Beresford StakesCredit: Alain Barr

"Sovereign is in good form and we think he'll get the longer trip," said O'Brien.

Prior to Flag Of Honour's win in the race a year ago, Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning scored a hat-trick of victories, winning the race with Parish Boy (2014), Moonlight Magic (2015) and Dubai Sand (2016).

They are represented by Guaranteed, who ran second in the 7f Group 3 Killavullan Stakes at the same track a week ago.

Ger Lyons is two-handed with Galway maiden winner Zander and Kestrel Prince, while Joseph O'Brien saddles three – maiden winner Millswyn, Cosmic Horizon, owned by Ireland rugby coach Joe Schmidt, and Elleanthus.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com