Romantic Proposal begins road to Royal Ascot in hot Woodlands Stakes

Monday: 6.15 Naas
Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes (Listed) | 5f | 3yo+ | RTV

Expect fast and furious action in this strong Listed contest as last season's Group 1 Flying Five Stakes heroine Romantic Proposal makes her seasonal reappearance.

It was the Eddie Lynam-trained mare's first start in top-level company when hitting the headlines on Irish Champions Weekend last September, and this return from a 204-day break will likely be a stepping stone towards further Group 1 targets this summer.

Mooneista, winner of this race last year, has the benefit of a run this season after a cracking effort to be just denied in the Listed Cork Stakes three weeks ago.

Eddie Lynam on Romantic Proposal: 'Hopefully Royal Ascot will be a target for her'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

We didn't see the best of Logo Hunter in that six-furlong race when beaten five and a half lengths in seventh, but dropping back to the minimum distance will surely see him to better effect given his raw speed.

Gustavus Weston, who has a mark of 115, is the highest-rated runner in the line-up, although giving away at least 5lb to most of his opponents isn't ideal on his first start since October. He tends to show better on his second outing after a break.

Ger Lyons' representative, Geocentric, lacks experience in senior company as a three-year-old filly, but receives weight from all rivals and carries just 8st 11lb.

She struck in Listed company when last seen at Dundalk in October, while Urban Beat, who won this race in 2019, is a solid operator capable of showing up well if conditions aren't too fast.

What they say

Michael Browne, trainer of Logo Hunter
A few things went against him at Cork but there's no point in saying it wasn't a disappointing run. It turned out he wasn't fit enough, he was too free and six furlongs isn't his best trip. We're hoping to use his speed now dropping back in distance.

Mooneista: bids for back-to-back wins in the Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands StakesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jack Davison, trainer of Mooneista
She's in great form and we were very happy with her first run back at Cork. We're hoping she's progressed from that; she's come forward in her coat and is heavier now. This looks a hot contest but hopefully she'll run another big race.

Eddie Lynam, trainer of Romantic Proposal
She's in good form and is ready to start back. She's a bit big in herself and will be entitled to improve for whatever she does here, but she seems well. Hopefully, Royal Ascot will be a target for her. She could head on to either York or the Curragh next month before then. She'll have entries for both the King's Stand and the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Ascot.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Urban Beat
I'll walk the track beforehand to see whether we'll let him take his chance. He won't be running if there's any 'firm' in the ground.

Ross O'Sullivan, trainer of Warrior Brave
He's a nice horse who had only one run for us last season and I think he's got stronger over the winter. This will give us a guide to where we're going, but we're looking forward to having some fun with him this summer.

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