Quotes and analysis for the Joe McGrath as A Step Too Far bids for sixth win

Heffernan Tyres Joe McGrath Handicap | 5f | 3yo+ | RTV

Seldom has a name been less apt for a horse. No step has been too far for A Step Too Far this season and she seeks a sixth win in a row in what is traditionally one of the most competitive sprint handicaps of the season.

Rewind two months and A Step Too Far was beaten in a 45-65 sprint handicap at Tipperary off a mark of 48. That was her last defeat.

Since being tamed at Tipperary, she has won at Naas, Navan, Cork and twice at Bellewstown and her mark has risen 37lb from 48 to 85.

Despite the substantial rise in the weights, she is only 3lb higher than her latest success over 6f at Cork and trainer Kieran Cotter has decided to put cheekpieces on her to ensure she is as sharp as possible for her big day.

Cotter has a classy second string in Inflection Point, who was an unlucky loser at Navan last time.

Ger Lyons runs Ardhoomey and My Laureate, the latter looking nicely treated off a mark of 83, but stable jockey Colin Keane is on Breakfast Club for Denis Hogan, so that would temper enthusiasm a little for the four-year-old filly.

Blairmayne is a model of consistency and looks sure to run his race, while it would be foolish to rule out Beckwith Place.

The biggest story would be another win for A Step Too Far, but My Laureate could run a big race at a big price as she raced down the unfavoured centre of the track last time at Navan and is better judged on her previous effort at Cork when just touched off by Ardhoomey.

What they say

Andy Slattery, trainer of Silver Spear
She's in good nick. She would prefer a bit of rain and is probably better over six than five, but she's in great form and we're going to have a go.

Natalia Lupini, trainer of Blairmayne
TO FOLLOW

Kieran Cotter, trainer of Inflection Point and A Step Too Far
A Step Too Far is in absolutely brilliant form and what can you say about her that hasn’t been said already? She’s a star. I never thought I would say this but she just raced a little bit lazily over six at Cork last time so we’ve decided to put cheekpieces on her so she will carry Adam [Farragher] into the race for a bit longer. She will need to be on her A-game and absolutely 100 per cent against these speedy sprinters over five. Inflection Point is the best horse we have in the yard and definitely her biggest danger. He should have won at Navan last time and he got 5lb for it. He needs things to go his way but he’s a very, very good horse when they do.

Tracey Collins, trainer of Beckwith Place
I hope the ground stays the way it is at the Curragh and we don't want it to dry out too much. Obviously the trip is a worry for him as we're dropping him down to five but he'll either cope or he won't and it's a chance worth taking. He's in great form at home and I'm very happy with him. It was a lovely run last time.

Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club