Options Galore as Paddy Twomey shows off his Pearls at Leopardstown

Wednesday: Leopardstown

Pearls Galore has been kept in training for one reason – to win a Group 1 – and Paddy Twomey's five-year-old took the first steps towards that important milestone with victory in the feature Heritage Stakes on her return at Leopardstown.

Narrowly denied in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last season, Pearls Galore again went close to Group 1 glory when second in the Prix de la Foret and Twomey hopes this season can mark the breakthrough at the highest level, not only for his filly, but for him as a trainer.

Twomey said: “I picked this race out a good while ago, but I thought the ground would be softer than it is, so I didn't think she'd run. My owner was less keen than I was to run. I had to convince him and thankfully it worked out.

“They wanted to retire her and it was a trainer's call to keep her in training. The distinct aim is to win a Group 1. I have her in the Lockinge but I doubt she'll go there.

“The Ridgewood Pearl Stakes at the Curragh and the Duke Of Cambridge are likely options. I'd say we'd like to go back to America with her later in the season. She'd suit America.”

Above The Curve 'an Oaks filly'

Above The Curve, an outstanding physical specimen, proved she has an engine to match her massive frame when running away with the opening fillies' maiden for Joseph O'Brien and Shane Crosse.

She highlighted her claims for major honours this season, although because of her size, O'Brien suggested the Irish Oaks might be more likely than Epsom.

O'Brien said: "We think a lot of her. She had a really good run last year and she obviously has an amazing pedigree. We couldn't ask for more. We'll see where we go now but we think she's an Oaks-type filly."

He added: "She's very big, so we'll be managing her gently, maybe something like the Blue Wind would suit. We won't be throwing her in at the deep end, we'll take baby steps with her.

"I don't think she'll be an Epsom filly but I think we'll look at the Curragh maybe with her. It's early days to be targeting that."

Head over to our dedicated Grand National 2022 site for the latest tips and odds for the big race. Our leading horseracing tipsters share their Grand National tips and it's completely free!