The current cross-code flux is underlined by the start of “Grand National season” in Ayr on Saturday at the same time as Europe’s first meaningful classic trials of the season take place at Leopardstown.
The PW McGrath Ballysax Stakes has an impressive pedigree of establishing Derby credentials and recent renewals of Saturday’s other Group 3, the Ballylinch Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial, have produced top-level stars such as Alpha Centauri and Winter.
Ideas of the 2,000 trial being some poor relation were firmly scotched too a year ago when Poetic Flare scored on route to Newmarket classic glory.
Behind him were the subsequent Prix Jean Prat winner Laws Of Indices and the top sprinter A Case Of You.
…
- April 2, 2022
