Quotes and analysis as Latrobe bids to win fascinating clash of generations

3.30 Leopardstown
TRI Equestrian Silver Stakes (Listed) | 1m2f | 3yo+ | RTV

Jim Bolger has been the dominant force in this Listed race in recent years. He has sent out the winner four times in the last decade, including two of the last three runnings, so his two contenders need to be taken seriously.

The fact Kevin Manning has opted to ride Verbal Dexterity speaks volumes. Flight Risk is rated 4lb superior and comes into the contest on the back of a perfectly respectable effort in a Listed race at the Curragh last month – Bowerman was second and Raise You was tenth.

Verbal Dexterity is returning from a 424-day absence. He was a top-class juvenile, winning the Group 1 National Stakes at two before finishing fourth to Saxon Warrior in the Racing Post Trophy.

Verbal Dexterity: fifth of five behind Magical in last year's Tattersalls Gold Cup when last seenCredit: Alain Barr

We do not see him often, but the class is there, and he is dangerous to underestimate. That said, more cut in the ground would be ideal.

Joseph O'Brien is represented by three and the best of his bunch appears to be Latrobe. The 2018 Irish Derby hero has only won once since that famous triumph, but he boasts a rating of 111 and may be able to outclass these rivals.

Keats looks the pick of the Aidan O'Brien-trained pair. He is a progressive three-year-old who has won two of his last three starts and gets upwards of 4lb from his elders, including 12lb from Latrobe and Flight Risk.

This is a fascinating clash of generations, but it looks the ideal opportunity for Latrobe to return to winning ways.

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Latrobe, Raise You and Bolleville
It was great to have Latrobe back in action at the Curragh last month and I was very happy with him there. It was a nice comeback and we think he's improved from it judging by his work at home. He has winning form at Leopardstown, so obviously likes the place, and you would like to think he'll run a big race. You'd have to say Raise You was a bit disappointing at the Curragh. That was his first start for us, though, and we think he's come forward nicely since then. Bolleville is having her first start for us. She has some nice form in stakes company in France and we're hoping for a nice run.

Bowerman (left) has won four races since joining trainer Ado McGuinnessCredit: Grossick Racing (racingpost.com/photos)

Ado McGuinness, trainer of Bowerman
It's a tough race but if you look at his recent runs he has to be one of the form horses. He chased home Ancient Spirit in a Listed race at the Curragh last time and that horse finished closest to Patrick Sarsfield in a Group 3 next time, so the form looks solid. I think the ground was just a little slow for him the last day, but it should suit him at Leopardstown and we're hopeful of a very big run.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Rakan
It's his comeback run and I'm hopeful he'll run a nice race. It seems a lovely place for him to start back again. He's won over a mile and a half at the course before and that would appear to be his best trip.

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