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| Staff Writer |
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Adrian Murray, the trainer hailing from County Westmeath, observes that Derby hopeful Dallas Star is in high spirits, indicating potential for further progress following his victory in the Ballysax Stakes.
Murray also shares updates on stablemates Valiant Force and Bucanero Fuerte, mentioning their imminent returns to the track. There's speculation that Valiant Force might set his sights on Royal Ascot once more.
Amo Racing's confidence in Murray proved well-placed last season. Their horse Valiant Force stunned with a remarkable 150-1 victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Bucanero Fuerte triumphed in the prestigious Gr.1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh in August.
Dallas Star has emerged as another potential star for Amo Racing, impressing in the Gr.3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown under the guidance of jockey Seamie Heffernan. He secured victory on his stable debut, showing promise for future Group One contests. Currently, preparations are underway for a potential bid in the Derby, with Dallas Star having been supplemented.
Murray said, "Dallas Star came out of the Ballysax very well, he's bouncing. He'll go to the Epsom Derby as we supplemented him last week. He's stepped up to the plate from last year and hopefully there's more improvement.
"He was working well enough at home to justify running him in the Ballysax. He surprised us a little with the way he won, but we were hoping for a big run."
After spending some time under the tutelage of trainer Jorge Delgado in America, Valiant Force returned to Murray's stable. He had a successful run in Gulfstream earlier this year, coming in second place in February and finishing fourth in March. Now, he is set to make his comeback at the scene of his Royal Ascot victory from last season. He is expected to participate in either the King Charles III Stakes over five furlongs or the Commonwealth Cup.
Murray said, "Valiant Force has been back for a week now. He could go straight to Ascot or we could try to get a run into him beforehand."
The stable's prized possession, Bucanero Fuerte, had a remarkable 2YO season, securing the third spot in the Coventry Stakes and later achieving thrilling victories in both Group Two and Group One races at the Curragh. As per the latest plan, he is set to make a comeback at Naas towards the end of this month.
"We are very happy with Bucanero Fuerte," added Murray. "He'll go to Naas later this month. We were thinking long and hard about going to a Guineas with him, but he has a lot of speed and is a brother to a Group One winner over five furlongs.
"It's an exciting time for the stable. We have a few really nice horses to look forward to over the summer."
The Derby at Epsom on June 1st, sponsored by Betfred: Paddy Power , Arabian Crown,City Of Troy, Henry Longfellow, Ancient Wisdom, Grosvenor Square, Diego Velazquez, Ghostwriter, Los Angeles, Illinois, Bellum Justum, Hidden Law, Anzac Day, Capulet, Caviar Heights, Dallas Star, Defiance, Gods Window, Mission To Mars, Spoken Truth, Voyage.