16:25 Naas

Sunday 19 May 2019

All13:3514:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:0017:35

Goffs Lacken Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 1m 10.46s

(3)

Empire Line^p⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Leigh Roche| T: J A Stack| OR: 96| D

6/1

Son of Holy Roman Emperor out of a Distorted Humor mare who has produced a consistent run of improved efforts culminating in a career-best second in handicap company over this C&D on turf debut. Place possibilities but a big ask for win purposes.

Form: 221212

(7)

Flash Gordon¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| CD

12/1

Won over this C&D on debut last month, despite still looking a little green in the early stages. Improved again over 7f when a Listed third at the Curragh. Showed lots of pace again and likely suited by return to sprinting. Could be competitive.

Form: 13

(1)

Gee Rex²¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Billy Lee| T: J C Hayden| OR: 86

50/1

Seven-race maiden but well tried last year which included a fourth in the Marble Hill Stakes and an eighth in the Coventry Stakes. Disappointing he couldn't win a maiden and tailed-off on final start at this level. Gelded since and a tough ask.

Form: 486350-

(9)

Gustavus Weston²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Gary Carroll| T: J G Murphy| OR: 92| D

50/1

Fairyhouse maiden winner last term was well held here next time and at Navan at Listed level on season return. Early days but doesn't seem to be progressing and likely to find this grade too hot.

Form: 417-8

(5)

Inverleigh²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Colin Keane| T: G M Lyons| OR: 104| D

5/1

Excelebration colt was twice placed at Listed level following last year's debut success but returned much improved again with a Listed Navan win. Well worth a step up to Group class and won with a fair bit in hand. Classy sprinter in the making.

Form: 123-1

(10)

On A Session³³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A Fogarty| OR: 90| D

50/1

Son of Noble Mission won his first two in France last year with juice in the ground but struggled on a quicker surface in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Looks a tough place to start on season and stable debut.

Form: 110-

(4)

The Irish Rover²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 103| BF| D

7/1

Third in Group 1 Phoenix Stakes last summer and has proved a consistent colt on any ground. Suited by the drop back to sprinting for another solid second behind Inverleigh when he couldn't match the winner's turn of foot. Should be competitive.

Form: 3457-52

(2)

Western Frontier²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Seamie Heffernan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 96

12/1

Scat Daddy colt that cost €825,000 at Arqana Breeze Ups last May. Off the mark at the third time of asking but a bot disappointing on Cork reappearance. Rates the lesser of the three O'Brien runners.

Form: 321-6

(8)

Mia Mento⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Ronan Whelan| T: T Mullins| OR: 91| D

50/1

Maiden winner on debut at Leopardstown last year and was well tried in next three starts including a third on final run in the Listed Blenheim Stakes. Didn't seem to stay over a mile in 1,000 Guineas Trial on reappearance but this still looks tough.

Form: 1403-7

(6)

So Perfect³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| D

9/10

Plenty of top-class form last year, including a third in the Cheveley Park Stakes and same placing in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint. Just touched off late on reappearance over 7f in the Fred Darling and this trip is ideal. Sets a high standard.

Form: 41233-3

Forecasts

So Perfect (9/10), Inverleigh (5/1), Empire Line (6/1), The Irish Rover (7/1), Flash Gordon (12/1), Western Frontier (12/1), Gustavus Weston (50/1), Gee Rex (50/1), Mia Mento (50/1), On A Session (50/1)

Ballydoyle have won the last two renewals and their runners will set a strong pace, with a fast run 6f likely to be ideal now for the classy So Perfect. She could well prove hard to beat but INVERLEIGH showed a lovely turn of acceleration to be The Irish Rover and he could prove the value as a rapidly rising sprinting star. Flash Gordon could sneak into a place if any of the big players fail while Empire Line also shouldn't be discounted for minor honours.