National Stakes form on show as Ultramarine bids to break maiden at Listed level

Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes (Listed) | 6f | 2yo | RTV

It is something of an oddity that a couple of the major players –
Ultramarine and Lopes Gold – have yet to win a race but this would be a nice contest for them to break their maiden in.

Ultramarine is the obvious place to start. He is the top-rated horse in the line-up off a mark of 106 which is thoroughly deserved off the back of a cracking effort when fourth in the National Stakes eight days ago.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt travelled extremely well on that occasion and stepping back in trip looks a no-brainer. If he runs anywhere near that level, he should prove difficult to beat.

Lopes Gold is the other maiden who stands out. She has raced only twice and has a 113-day absence to overcome, but trainer Jessica Harrington revealed the sole reason she hasn't been seen since the spring is to do with the ground.

If the rain comes and the ground comes up testing, Lopes Gold, who split Prettiest and Agartha in a maiden at Navan back in May, would come into consideration for a red-hot outfit.

Mise Le Meas won her maiden over 7f and, unlike Lopes Gold, would appear to want nicer ground. She was a shade keen when fifth in the Debutante Stakes but stepping back a furlong should play to her strengths.

The Ger Lyons-trained Straight Answer is open to any amount of improvement off the back of an impressive debut success at the Curragh, while Paddy Twomey's runner Glengarra brings a good level of form and is respected in the first-time visor.

The field is completed by The Entertainer, who has been mixing it at Group level since winning his maiden and Eriskay, successful over five and a half furlongs at Navan last time.

What they say

Paddy Twomey, trainer of Glengarra
This has been the plan for a while. He has good course form, he finished second in a maiden at Fairyhouse. The trip, track and ground should suit and I’m hoping for a good performance.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Ultramarine
He ran very well in the National Stakes over seven furlongs last time and seems to have come out of that well. We’re looking forward to running him.

Jessica Harrington: has her horses in great formCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Lopes Gold
She hasn’t run for a while, the sole reason being that I've been waiting for a bit of easier ground for her. Her maiden form is quite good so we’re hopeful of a good performance. She’s very well and I’m hoping for a bit more rain.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Mise Le Meas
She was a little bit keen the last day on soft ground in the Debutante Stakes. We think that coming back in trip will suit. We like her.

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