Veteran sprinter Mirza aiming to wind back the clock in Listed feature

6.40 Naas
Midsummer Sprint Stakes (Listed) | 5f | 3yo+| ATR

Mirza, a great favourite in trainer Rae Guest's Newmarket yard, will be attempting to wind back the clock at the age of 11 and win this race –which was formerly staged at Cork – for the second time.

The winner of 11 races, including this race in 2012, the veteran sprinter, who has won at Group 3 level, will be seeking a first win since October 2016.

Guest, who has booked Kevin Manning for the ride, is optimistic about the old boy's chances.

Mirza: hugely popular veteran is Rae Guest's stable starCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He said on Sunday: "Mirza seems in good form. I know he has been out the back in his two runs this year, but they've been good races and he's not been beaten far.

"The ground wasn't fast enough both times and they were Group 3s, while this one is a Listed race."

He continued: "He won this race in 2012 when it was at Cork, but Naas shouldn't be a problem.

Watch: Mirza win the 2012 Midsummer Stakes at Cork

"If it's nice fast ground he'll be very happy. He's been in good form at home and it would be nice for him to win it again at 11.

"He's a stable favourite and the whole family love him. He's the type of horse everybody wants and we're really hopeful for tomorrow."

Dali, who was beaten a head in a premier handicap at the Curragh on his most recent start, represents Aidan O'Brien, whose son Donnacha takes the ride.

The son of Scat Daddy achieved his only win when scoring over this course and distance last season.

His trainer said: "Dali went close last time and is in good form. The ground and the course should suit him."

Joseph O'Brien is represented by True Blue Moon, who will be attempting to improve on the two ordinary efforts he has produced so far this year.

A son of Scat Daddy, Dali (far side) goes down narrowly at the CurraghCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Seamie Heffernan's mount won the Listed Rochestown Stakes over the course and trip last season, and following that he ran sixth in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"He's been in good form at home recently and the conditions will suit him," O'Brien said of the son of Holy Roman Emperor.

The Fozzy Stack-trained Son Of Rest is the highest-rated of the eight runners on official figures but has done virtually all of his racing on much slower ground than he will encounter here.

Tue Blue Moon: needs to discover his smart form from last seasonCredit: Patrick McCann

The Jessica Harrington-trained Brick By Brick, a winner over six furlongs at this level last season, will also need to improve to be involved.

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