Lanwades Stud Stakes (Fillies' Group 2)

Off time: 16:50 | Winning time: 1m 39.24s

(2)

Hydrangea^p²¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 119| C| D

1/1

Won two Group 1 races towards the end of last season and the form of her latest success at Ascot on Champions' day franked since by the runner-up. Very hard to beat in here down in class and drop back in trip no issue.

Form: 334121-

(5)

Goldrush²¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 101| D

3/1

Unbeaten in three starts and successful twice in Listed class at Dundalk on her latest efforts. Certainly worth a crack at this level but has a fair bit to find on official ratings with the top weight.

Form: 111-

(3)

Making Light⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: L F Roche| T: D K Weld| OR: 101| BF| D

7/1

Rounded off 2017 with a second career Listed win and returned with a smart win in a Group 3 at Naas in March. Couldn't back that up next time when favourite but may improve for a sounder surface here. Place claims.

Form: 2721-13

(6)

Nivvo²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Colin Keane| T: T Collins| OR: 70| D

100/1

Just two wins from 15 starts and well beaten in a handicap at Dundalk last time out off an official mark of 70. Very hard to see her playing any part in this contest.

Form: 2-21103

(1)

Opal Tiara⁹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Ronan Whelan| T: M R Channon| OR: 104

10/1

Winner of a Meydan Group 2 last year but not won since and generally struggles in this class of race. Has place claims if she can find her best form.

Form: 764-443

(4)

Xenobia¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Chris Hayes| T: W T Farrell| OR: 99| C| D

7/1

Ran well in a Group 3 at Naas last time following a win in a handicap at Leopardstown. Less exposed than some in here and may be capable of better so not ruled for minor honours.

Form: 5118-12

Forecasts

Hydrangea (1/1), Goldrush (3/1), Making Light (7/1), Xenobia (7/1), Opal Tiara (10/1), Nivvo (100/1)

There seems little point in opposing HYDRANGEA here. The proven Group 1 performer will be very hard to beat even conceding a 3lb penalty to her rivals and she's taken to land a second success in the race for her trainer. Goldrush and Xenobia are unexposed and can battle it out for the minor money.