Bengala and Aurora Butterfly renew Leopardstown rivalry

3.55 Navan

Coolmore Stud EBF Salsabil Stakes (Listed) | 1m2f | 3yo fillies | ATR

Bengala and Aurora Butterfly, who were separated by a short head when making their debuts in a maiden over Sunday's trip at Leopardstown 18 days ago, will renew their rivalry when they step up in grade in this Listed event.

Trained by John Oxx, Bengala, a daughter of Pivotal, has an Investec Oaks entry, while the Willie McCreery-trained Aurora Butterfly is a Born To Sea half-sister to nine winners including Pattern scorers Diamond Green, Diamilina and Diamonixa and is entered for the Darley Irish Oaks.

Another once-raced maiden winner in the line-up is the Fozzy Stack-trained Angel Island who scored over an extended mile on testing ground at Cork three weeks ago.

Aidan O'Brien's four runners – the maiden winners Butterflies and Key To My Heart and the maidens Bound and Pocketfullofdreams - all hold Classic entries.

What they say

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Angel Island
She worked well before her maiden win and has done so since. The concern would be the ground, if it continues to dry out.

Willie McCreery, trainer of Aurora Butterfly
She got a bit lonely when she hit the front at Leopardstown but the experience she gained should have brought her on. She's very well-bred and it would be great if she could get some black type. She'll appreciate the better ground.

John Oxx, trainer of Bengala
We were very pleased with her at Leopardstown and she has been in good form since. This will be a big step up for her on only her second start. We're hoping she will show improvement and it will be a good learning experience for her.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Bound, Butterflies, Key To My Heart and Pocketfullofdreams
We've always thought Bound was better than her form would suggest but we haven't been able to get her organised properly yet. She's had a run this year and, hopefully, she will improve. Key To My Heart got the trip well when winning at Dundalk this month and we've been happy with her since. Pocketfullofdreams ran very well over the distance at Cork last time and was caught only close home. Of the four Butterflies, who won a seven furlong maiden last year, is the only one without a run this season. We think the trip should suit her.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Queen Anne's Lace
She got a bit of black-type last season and we're hoping she can earn some more. She's in good form.