Los Angeles returns in clash of Group 1 winners to light up Monday afternoon

This Group 2 race features a showdown between Irish Derby winner Los Angeles and last year’s winner of this race White Birch. 

The latter, trained by John Murphy, is a course specialist having won three on the bounce at this track last spring, which proved to be his only runs of 2024.

He moved up in grade on each outing, ultimately landing the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup last May. Connections will hope he can handle the layoff, and the five-year-old has won on his seasonal debut for the last two years. 

He has demonstrated his versatility by winning on all types of ground, with his Group 1 triumph coming on good to yielding. 

Los Angeles will also not be disadvantaged by the track, having landed his biggest victory here last year. Although he too makes his seasonal return, he runs well fresh. His campaign is due to take in a tilt at the Tattersalls Gold Cup, with the Arc a potential long-term target.

He has strong form at this mile-and-a-quarter trip and is a very consistent colt. If both of the principals are close to their peak form, this race could be a barnstormer.

The supporting cast is headed by Galen, who made his Group 3 breakthrough here just over three weeks ago in first-time cheekpieces. That was his first attempt at this trip and, although it would be a surprise to see him win the race, he could finish best of the rest. 

What they say

Joseph O’Brien, trainer of Galen, Sons And Lovers and Trustyourinstinct
We were very happy with Galen in the Alleged Stakes, where he put it all together. He ran very well in some really good races last year and we felt his best was yet to come, so it was nice to see him do it on the track. It was a promising first run for us when Sons And Lovers finished third in the same race, and he looks an exciting prospect for the season. We were happy with Trustyourinstinct’s run when third in the Devoy Stakes, where the set-up of the race wasn’t ideal for him.

Andy Slattery, trainer of Sunchart
He’s in great form and working well. However, if the ground gets any quicker than good to yielding he won’t run. He hasn’t had good runs at the Curragh in the past but we're kind of running out of options and we have to go somewhere.

George Murphy, assistant to John Murphy, trainer of White Birch
He’s in great form, we’re very happy with him and looking forward to the season. We had him entered in the Alleged Stakes but we decided to wait and start him here instead. He looks great after the winter and has prepared well at home. The plan is to run here before going back to the Tattersalls Gold Cup.

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