Santo flying for Curragh test
Last year’s Portland handicap winner Santo Padre is in the minority of the Irish-trained runners attempting to keep Sunday’s Goffs Flying Five Stakes on home soil.
A total of 17 of the 24 entries in the Group Three event hail from England, with Curragh regulars Benbaun, Reverence and Inxile joined by the likes of Triple Aspect, Group Therapy and Astrophysical Jet.
But trainer David Marnane believes Santo Padre is returning to form at just the right time to put up a bold show.
“He’s in the Flying Five and we are delighted he is coming back after a messy start to the season when he pulled a muscle on his second run,” said Marnane.
“He ran well at Fairyhouse then he stepped up markedly on that at Tipperary when second in a Listed race.
“He has always run well at the Curragh but he’s never had his ground so I’d be hoping he’d run a nice race and we are looking for a good run. He’ll want pretty decent ground.
“I don’t think he’ll be going for the Portland this year. He’s in a Group Three at Ascot and we’ll have a think.
“We are moving away from handicaps with his now.”
Also for the home team is Mick Halford’s Invincible Ash, winner of his last three races, and stablemate Snaefell.
Total Gallery, Blue Jack, Glamorous Spirit and Tropical Treat are others worthy of note.
