Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 2m 34.83s

(6)

Turret Rocks²³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 106

5/1

Thoroughly likable mare is a three-time Group winner including last time out where she beat Group One winner Deauville and derby fifth Hazapour at Leopardstown. Sets the standard here and the only concern would be significant overnight rain.

Form: 4-64161

(2)

Bloomfield⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Colin Keane| T: W McCreery| OR: 102| CD

3/1

Won Listed races in first two starts of this campaign at Cork (1m4f) and Gowran (1m6f) in deep ground. Ran well again next at Cork on a quicker surface but disappointing latest at the Curragh. Needs to bounce back here and chance helped if it rains.

Form: 22-1126

(3)

Clear Skies²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 102| D

9/1

Five time AW winner but never won a race on turf. Placed in first three starts of this campaign all at Stakes level including second to Turret Rocks at Gowran but she seems to have lost her way in last three. Stable under a cloud of late.

Form: 332058

(1)

Naughty Or Nice^b³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: S Foley| T: J M Oxx| OR: 94

20/1

Won first two races of career including a 1m5f Listed race at Navan. Best effort since last time out when beaten 3¼L into third (of six) over 1m6f at Leopardstown. This trip sharp enough and bit to find on form.

Form: 100-473

(5)

Kalaxana³³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Chris Hayes| T: M Halford| OR: 98| D

15/8

Progressing rapidly with wins in a maiden at Gowran, handicap at Down Royal and latest Listed race at Roscommon. This looks a tougher race still but she is clearly a filly on the up so rates a leading contender.

Form: 02-2111

(4)

Sizzling¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: J A Heffernan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 97

7/2

Kept very busy this year with ten races under her belt already. Only unplaced run in last six starts came in Royal Ascot Group Two but very consistent now at this sort of level and dead-heated last time out over 1m6f in a Listed race. Not ruled out.

Form: 330321

Forecasts

Kalaxana (15/8), Bloomfield (3/1), Sizzling (7/2), Turret Rocks (5/1), Clear Skies (9/1), Naughty Or Nice (20/1)

Jim Bolger's mare TURRET ROCKS won what looked a really warm contest last time out at Leopardstown hence her odds of 14/1 there. This isn't as strong and she sets a pretty high standard for the others to aim at. Three-year-olds Kalaxana who is on a four-timer and clearly improving and Sizzling who is thriving on racing are both respected and rate the main dangers.