'We're keen to support the race' - high-quality field for inaugural Pat Smullen Stakes

The inaugural running of this Listed race honours the nine-time Irish champion jockey Pat Smullen, who died in 2020 following a battle with cancer.  

There are three last-time-out winners among the eight runners, undoubtedly the most impressive of which was the Joseph O’Brien-trained North Coast. 

The Starman colt built on a promising debut to run out an extremely easy winner next time at Down Royal, where he scored by five and a half lengths. It remains to be seen what that form is worth, but you could not fail to have been impressed by the manner of his victory. He looks a big player if taking this step up in trip in his stride. 

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Daytona overcame notable signs of inexperience when making his first start a winning one at Gowran Park over seven furlongs on soft ground. 

His rider Jack Cleary felt he would improve for quicker ground, which he is likely to have here. He also has an extra furlong to contend with but is open to heaps of improvement. 

Green Soul was beaten a neck into second by the reopposing Leblon Queen when he made his debut at Roscommon, but went on to win by a head next time out at Fairyhouse. Green Soul's stablemate North Coast is the mount of Dylan Browne McMonagle, suggesting he is his trainer's second string here.

Of those who didn't win last time, perhaps the most interesting contender is the Adrian Murray-trained Flanker Jet, who was a close fourth in a 7f Curragh maiden last month. 

Three-quarters of a length in front of him in second on that occasion was subsequent winner Dorset, so the form looks solid. He was speedy enough to win a barrier trial over six furlongs, so whether the step up to a mile here is a positive remains to be seen. 

What they say

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Daytona
He ran a good race when he won at Gowran over seven furlongs despite some greenness and we think the step up to a mile should be no problem.

Adrian Murray, trainer of Flanker Jet and Leblon Queen
They're both unexposed and it's very hard to say which is better than the other based on home work. Flanker Jet was a good fourth in a strong maiden last time and we think he can step forward again. Leblon Queen is a nice filly who was a good winner on her debut, and we think she can bounce back from her last run.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Green Soul and North Coast
Green Soul had a good win in Fairyhouse last time in a strong maiden. He showed a good attitude and looked as though he would enjoy the step up to a mile. North Coast was an impressive winner last time at Down Royal and has trained well since. This will be a good stepping stone for him.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Blue Blue Moon
We're keen to support the race. She's a Moyglare homebred and they had a good association with Pat. She’s a nice filly but will improve from the run.

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