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| Staff Writer |
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Highfield Princess has the perfect opportunity to reaffirm her dominance in the sprinting division as she defends her Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Flying Five Stakes title at the Curragh tomorrow.
Last year, John Quinn's talented sprinter achieved an astonishing Group One hat-trick with a resounding victory in this very race. Although she has remained a formidable contender in all the major sprinting contests, finding success has proved to be more challenging this season.
The 6YO mare achieved her only victory of the campaign in Group Two at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Prior to that, she had shown great determination with two placed efforts at Royal Ascot. In her most recent race, she fought valiantly and finished as the runner-up to the surprising Nunthorpe scorer, Live In The Dream, at York.
In the upcoming race, she will once again face tough competition from Archie Watson's King's Stand winner, Bradsell. This season, they have become regular rivals. However, her connections remain optimistic and hope that their talented mare will once again excel on Irish soil.
“We’re looking forward to it and she’s come out of York well,” said Quinn.
“It’s a tough race and Bradsell is in it and Tim Easterby’s horse (Art Power) who is absolutely dynamite at the Curragh and then there’s a few others as well, but we’re happy with our filly.
“The Curragh suited her last year, so I hope it suits her again on Sunday. Everything has been fine since York and it’s great to have an animal like her. She wears it on her sleeve and we’re looking forward to Sunday.”
Bradsell finds himself one position behind Highfield Princess as they prepare to face each other once again on the renowned Knavesmire racecourse. With a second chance at victory, Bradsell's handler is hopeful that jockey Hollie Doyle will guide the horse to a better result this time around. In their previous trip to the Curragh as a 2YO, Bradsell finished far down the field due to an unfortunate injury.
On the other hand, there is one horse that shows no hesitation in returning to Ireland for another race, and that is Art Power.
The 6YO has proven to be a force to be reckoned with at the Kildare track, securing eight victories, four of which have taken place at this prestigious venue. Displaying remarkable dominance on two occasions this season alone, the horse now sets its sights on achieving an elusive Group One triumph to further enhance its already impressive resume.
“He seems to have a bit of a love affair with Ireland and seems to find a key couple of lengths over there,” said Alastair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing.
“He has often been a length short in Group Ones over here and we’re looking forward to seeing him.”
Donald went on, “He has won over five furlongs in Ireland before. He’s never been short of pace and it’s quite a stiff five up the hill there, so we’re not worried about the five.
“The ground should be fine and he has a good draw, but obviously Bradsell and Highfield Princess make it a very strong renewal.
“Without being rude to the others it looks to be between the three of them, and if he can show his previous Irish form, he has to be a live contender.”
Yann Barberot's French raider, Bouttemont, brings an international flair to the competition and presents an intriguing opportunity for the in-form Dylan Browne McMonagle as a spare ride. Additionally, Equality from Charlie Hills' stable and Get Ahead from Clive Cox's yard, both hailing from Britain, join the mix. These two visitors previously finished sixth and eighth, respectively, in the Nunthorpe.