Worrying words from Dermot Weld if you're thinking of backing odds-on Tarnawa

Thursday: 5.20 Leopardstown
Grant Thornton Ballyroan Stakes (Group 3) | 1m4f, 3yo+ | RTV

Midweek treats don't get much tastier than seeing Tarnawa on a Thursday, but trainer Dermot Weld has issued a warning to punters thinking of getting stuck into the highest-rated filly in training by stressing she is not as forward as she was for her comeback last year.

Tarnawa was one of the stories of 2020, transforming from a very useful filly into a sensational one – her rating soaring from 108 to 122 following a flawless campaign.

She concluded that campaign by beating the boys at the Breeders' Cup in the Turf with her trademark whirlwind finish strong enough to gun down Magical, Lord North and Mogul. She seemed to face an impossible task turning in that day but ended up scoring snugly, and she is now fourth favourite for the Arc at 8-1.

That, of course, is her ultimate aim and all roads will be leading to Longchamp on the first Sunday in October, but Weld warned not to expect a pitch-perfect performance from Tarnawa for her first appearance in 271 days.

Weld said: "Tarnawa is in good form, but she's a five-year-old now and is probably not as forward as she was for her return last year.

"She's in good form and I'm very satisfied with her going into the race, but the warning I would give is that she's not as forward as this time last year.

"She's obviously a year older and you must remember we had a very dry spell of weather, so I've had to be very careful in my training of her. Hopefully she has a long campaign in front of her on the way to the Arc, all being well."

Dermot Weld: is hoping that all roads will lead to the Arc for TarnawaCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Speaking about the Arc, Weld admitted it could be a race for the ages if all the leading contenders turn up on the day.

The master trainer said: "The standard of horses in the division is probably as high as it's ever been. If they all show up it will be some race and there are some outstanding racehorses at the moment, both colts and fillies, three-year-olds and older horses."

Weld has won the Ballyroan Stakes three times in the last decade with Sense Of Purpose (2011), Galileo's Choice (2012) and Eziyra (2018).

The only trainer with a better recent record is Aidan O'Brien, who has won it four times since 2011. However, his main hope Wembley will miss the race due to a respiratory infection so he will rely upon the 98-rated Hector De Maris, who appears to have plenty on his plate.

Joseph O'Brien was successful in 2019 with the previous year's Irish Derby winner Latrobe, and he perhaps supplies the biggest danger to Tarnawa in the shape of the 103-rated Benaud, who was fourth to Kemari in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot on his most recent appearance.

Jessica Harrington is double-handed with Silence Please and Taipan, who was considered a Derby candidate once upon a time but has not lived up to early expectations thus far.

The official ratings suggest Tarnawa is in a different league to everything else here and she is rated 19lb superior to the next most talented horse in the race according to the handicapper, but Weld's comments might concern those thinking of investing at prohibitive odds.

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Silence Please and Taipan
They're both in good form. Silence Please wants good ground and Taipan wants a bit of cut so we'll see what the weather does in the next 24 hours. Silence Please has plenty of ability, but things just haven't gone her way this year. I'm happy with Taipan again now. He's better than what we've seen from him on the track so far.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Benaud
He's in good shape at home and I thought he ran well at Ascot. I think he'll cope fine with the drop in distance and we're hoping for a good run in what looks a very hot race.

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