Tough and consistent Ancient Spirit should be difficult to beat in the Group 3 Clipper Logistics Desmond Stakes in Leopardstown today.
Jessica Harrington’s charge, narrow winner of the Heritage Stakes in Navan, went on to beat one of today’s rivals Bowerman in the Celebration at the Curragh.
Last time out he went down fighting against the progressive and subsequently Group 1 placed Patrick Sarsfield in the Meld Stakes at this venue.
The Invincible Spirit colt is a reliable performer and might prove too strong for Ballydoyle hope Royal Dornoch, conqueror of Kameko in the Royal Lodge last autumn and dropping in class here.
Aidan O’Brien’s Dawn Patrol, third behind stable-companions Santiago and Tiger Moth in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby before struggling to open his account in a Naas maiden, looks the one to beat in the listed Vinnie Roe Stakes.
Earlier, the Harrington-trained Fly Girl, fifth to Nicest on debut here, is napped to land the Foran Equine Auction 2-Y-0 Maiden.
And Angel Palm, fourth on debut in a hot maiden over course and distance, sets the standard in the opener and might triumph for Colin Keane – making his return to action after his post-Goodwood
quarantine.
Tramore stages the first day of its August festival this evening. And the Willie Mullins-trained My Sister Sarah might have the edge over locally trained Penny Out in the finale.
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Leopardstown
1.00 Angel Path
1.30 Fly Girl (Nap)
2.00 Sweet Justice
2.30 Agitare
3.00 Ancient Spirit
3.30 Dawn Patrol
4.00 Lightning Amber
4.30 Thunder Kiss
