Love team ready for big Curragh run
Connections of Pearl Of Love can hardly wait for their exciting youngster to take his chance in the Group One Dunnes Stores National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Mark Johnston’s two-year-old was last seen when winning the Futurity Stakes at the same track at the end of last month, accounting for Aidan O’Brien’s Tumblebrutus in impressive fashion.
Pearl Of Love, who also won the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, is due to clash with O’Brien’s 2000 Guineas favourite One Cool Cat at the weekend.
“He looks fantastic, absolutely fantastic, I only wish the race was sooner,” said Deidre Johnston, wife of the trainer. “It’s only been three weeks since he ran last so we haven’t done that much with him really. His racing weight is spot on and he looks great.”
Last time out, One Cool Cat won the Group One Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes, lowering the colours of Three Valleys, another British raider who came with a big reputation.
“Obviously when you get to Group One level it’s going to be tough and One Cool Cat looks a very good horse but ours is in great form,” Mrs Johnston said.
Darryll Holland will partner Pearl Of Love at the Irish track and is sweet on the colt’s chances.
“Pearl of Love is one of the best two-year-olds I have ever sat on, and I’m full of hope he will turn over One Cool Cat on Sunday,” the rider said.
“For me, my horse is the one to beat and in the three races I’ve won on him there has never been a horse good enough to give him a lead. I think he will be even better if something can.”
