'She seems to be progressing with every run' - impressive Leopardstown winner bids to justify Classic entries for Aidan O'Brien

This Listed contest has an open look to it but the best place to start is with Carmers, whose trainer Paddy Twomey is operating at a 36 per cent strike-rate in the last 14 days. 

The three-year-old defied a big market drift on his debut to score at Ballinrobe a week ago at 10-1. He was green on the run-in and he will have learned plenty from his first run. This son of Wootton Bassett also has an impressive bloodline with his dam a half-sister to three Group 1 winners and he could take some stopping.

Wayne Lordan has chosen to partner Butterfly Wings, who impressed when winning a maiden at Leopardstown six days ago. The daughter of Justify appeared to benefit from a first-time tongue-tie after being slightly underwhelming in her three previous starts. 

She hit the line powerfully and should have no problems with this step up in trip. She holds entries for the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks so is expected to continue progressing.

Aidan O'Brien also runs Medici Venus, who has performed reliably on her two starts this year in a Group 3 and most recently in a Listed race, finishing fourth of eight on both occasions and staying on nicely. 

This step up in trip will certainly play to her strengths and she should give a good account, but the fact she is the stable second string dampens enthusiasm.

The rest of the runners all bring some semblance of form to the table. Perhaps best of those is Delta, who was beaten only a head by an Irish Derby entry last time as the first-time tongue-tie and rise in trip appeared to bring about improvement.

What they say

Paddy Twomey, trainer of Carmers 
He ran a nice race last time and won well. This looks a suitable next step.

Paddy Twomey: in red-hot form and runs debut winner CarmersCredit: Tattersalls

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Delta
He had a very good run in his maiden at Leopardstown last time and we think he's come forward from it. This is competitive and a step up in class but we expect him to progress with more experience.

Adrian Murray, trainer of What’s Your Game and Umala
We're looking forward to a good run from them both. Our horses are in good order at the moment and running well. What’s Your Game is ready for this step up in class and this is the route we were always thinking of going. Hopefully the step up in trip can bring out further improvement in Umala.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Butterfly Wings and Medici Venus
Butterfly Wings won her maiden nicely at Leopardstown and seems to be progressing with every run. We think she stays well so this trip should suit. She's been very well since Leopardstown. Medici Venus is stepping up in trip as well and she will hopefully come forward again from her run at Naas last week.

Read these next:

12.50 Newbury: 'His form looks exceptionally strong' - course winner looks a big player with Ryan Moore booked for the first time

1.25 Newbury: 'We've got a massive amount of belief in him' - can another Group 1 star emerge from a competitive Carnarvon Stakes?  

2.00 Newbury: can Wave Rider continue Charlton stable's outstanding record? Analysis and key quotes for the London Gold Cup 

2.35 Newbury: 'The more you look, the more you scare yourself' - no end of dangers as hat-trick-seeking Dancing Gemini bids for Group 1 breakthrough 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.