13:53 Curragh

Saturday 29 August 2026

All13:1813:5314:2815:0315:4016:1516:5017:25

Newtownanner Stud Irish European Breeders Fund Stakes (Fillies' Group 3)

Off time: 13:53 | Winning time: 1m 39.21s

(4)

Ballyskeagh⁴⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Chris Hayes| T: J P O'Brien

14/1

Showed the benefit of her first run when winning 12-runner maiden at Leopardstown (7f) 6 weeks ago, proving strong at the finish. This extra distance can help bring about further improvement and she helps give her trainer a strong hand in the race.

Form: 51

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(10)

Bellesque²²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Declan McDonogh| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 92| D

13/2

Has progressed with each start so far, getting off the mark at the second attempt when scoring at Leopardstown by ¾ length from So Lovely. Met trouble in running when third of 6 in listed race at Gowran 22 days ago and she can take this step up in grade in her stride.

Form: 213

(8)

Damsel In Distress¹⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Ben Coen| T: Daniel McLoughlin| OR: 95

17/2

Much sharper than first time up when scoring at Roscommon (7.5f) in June and progressed again when making the frame in listed race at Cork (7f) 15 days ago. Has shaped as if 1m will suit so she could be in the mix.

Form: 514

(9)

Exceptionally²⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien

12/1

Half-sister to several winners, including the top-class City of Troy, and left debut form behind when third of 6 in maiden at Leopardstown (1m) last month. Helped force the pace when filling the same position here (7f) 20 days ago, but doesn't look to be yard's main hope.

Form: 033

(2)

Samnina³²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington

7/2

Much improved from debut when winning 12-runner maiden at Galway (7f) last month, staying on to lead close home. Could be thereabouts with this longer trip promising to suit.

Form: 41

(6)

Sea Of Rain²²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Colin Keane| T: J S Bolger| OR: 87

18/1

Improved again to gain a deserved first success at Leopardstown (7f) last month. Ran at least as well upped to 1m when fourth of 6 in listed race at Gowran 22 days ago (2¼ lengths behind Bellesque in third), but more needed at this level.

Form: 422314

(7)

So Lovely⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien

11/8

Runner-up to Bellesque at Leopardstown (1m) in July on debut, before only just denied over 7f at Goodwood (form boosted since) later the same month. Landed the odds in straightforward fashion back at Leopardstown 9 days ago and she remains capable of better back up in trip.

Form: 221

(5)

Speckles²⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Ronan Whelan| T: A P O'Brien

17/2

Caught the eye amidst greenness here on debut and took a step forward when second of 14 at this course (7f) 20 days ago, beaten only by a better-fancied stablemate. Has something to find up in grade, though this extra 1f looks likely to be in her favour.

Form: 62

(3)

Sword Of State¹¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Rory Cleary| T: B W Duke| OR: 78

200/1

After just 6 days from debut, showed improved form when making all at Gowran (7f) in July. However, found little when finishing last of 8 in minor event at Roscommon (7.5f) 11 days ago and this is a tough ask.

Form: 718

(1)

Tosca No Candis¹⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Billy Lee| T: Robson Aguiar| OR: 92

28/1

Barrier trial winner who contested a listed race/Group 3 before capitalising on a drop in grade when landing a Dundalk maiden (6f) 2 weeks ago. Has something to find as she goes back up in trip/grade.

Form: 5551

Forecasts

So Lovely (11/8), Samnina (7/2), Bellesque (13/2), Damsel In Distress (17/2), Speckles (17/2), Exceptionally (12/1), Ballyskeagh (14/1), Sea Of Rain (18/1), Tosca No Candis (28/1), Sword Of State (200/1)

BELLESQUE continued her race-by-race progression when third in listed company at Gowran last time, despite not being seen to best effect, and she can provide her yard with back-to-back wins in this contest. There could be better to come from Samnina upped to 1m and she isn't taken lightly, with So Lovely the pick of Aidan O'Brien's trio.