One-time Classic hope Innisfree faces stern test in Royal Whip Stakes return

6.00 Curragh
Fitzdares Royal Whip Stakes (Group 3) | 1m2f | 3yo+ | RTV

There is a fair deal of quality to this Group 3, which has been won in the past decade by the likes of Found, Armory, Famous Name and Success Days, and the presence of one-time Classic hope Innisfree adds extra intrigue.

A brother to High Definition who has been absent since his second to Kameko in the 2019 Vertem Futurity Trophy, he may well need this first start for 651 days and will be seriously tested by race-fit three-year-olds such as Irish Derby fourth Earlswood and Royal Ascot handicap runner-up Visualisation.

The former, trained by Johnny Murtagh, would have finished closer without interference in that Classic and will probably appreciate the slight ease in the ground, while Visualisation's Golden Gates Stakes form was boosted by Foxes Tales winning the Group 3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes on Saturday.

Earlswood: didn't have clear run when fourth in Irish DerbyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It could be significant Shane Foley has opted to ride last year's Mooresbridge Stakes winner Leo De Fury over classy Moyglare Stakes third Oodnadatta, who has had little luck this season, and the relatively unexposed O'Reilly.

This course and distance was the scene of Leo De Fury's best display when encountering quick ground and he is entitled to improve from his recent comeback fifth in the Meld Stakes.

Layfayette has been enjoying a fruitful campaign and deserves a crack at this level after a decisive Listed success in the Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon, while the form of Kalapour's recent Killarney second was enhanced in no uncertain terms by winner La Petite Coco at Cork last weekend.

Attempting to give 16lb to Paddy Twomey's Group 3 Give Thanks Stakes winner - now rated 110 - was a seriously unenviable task and Ronan Whelan seemingly favours him over Mick Halford's other contenders Finans Bay, officially rated 1lb higher, and Bear Story, who needs to improve.

Layfayette: bids to follow up Listed Lenebane Stakes win in Group 3 companyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Twomey sends out the useful Bolivar in a bid to reverse Orby Stakes form with Reve De Vol, who is likely to appreciate coming back in trip after fading over a mile and a half behind Layfayette last time.

What they say

Paddy Twomey, trainer of Bolivar
He's in good form and will appreciate an ease in the ground. We've been waiting for those conditions all summer.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Innisfree
It's good to get him started back. We've been happy with what he's been doing at home.

Chris Hayes, rider of Layfayette
He's been very good to me, seems to handle all sorts of ground and was very impressive last time at Roscommon. This looks a good renewal but the trip should suit him

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Earlswood
He ran well in the Irish Derby when he was interfered with at a vital stage. He's had a break and this looked a nice place for him to start back – he likes the Curragh. We could have a look at Champions Weekend for him later but we'll see how he gets on here first.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Visualisation
He's been progressive and has earned his shot at a race like this. He goes there in good shape and has form on quicker and slower types of ground.

Ultimate Daily – our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe here