This is a subscriber-only article
It looks like you're browsing in private mode
Leopardstown are gearing up to stage the richest ever race confined to lady riders with the €50,000 Microsoft Cup attracting 21 entries for Friday evening.
Jim Bolger, John Oxx, Joseph O'Brien, Jessica Harrington and Gordon Elliott are among the trainers to have made entries for the feature race on Friday.
Recent Naas winner Arthurian Flame could turn out again for O'Brien, while the rapidly improving Miss Snossyboots could aim to complete a four-timer for Mick Halford.
SAVAL BEG
Friday's fixture also includes the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes in which the former Irish Derby winner Capri and last year’s English St Leger third Southern France are both set to represent Aidan O’Brien.
Dermot Weld has won the listed race on eight occasions but O’Brien is rapidly chasing down that record and has won the last four editions of the race to take his overall Savel Beg tally to six victories.
In previous years the Ballydoyle trainer has used the Savel Beg as a successful Ascot Gold Cup prep for Yeats (2007), Fame And Glory (2011) and Order Of St George (2016).
“The plan is for both Capri and Southern France to head to Leopardstown. They are both entered in the Yorkshire Cup the same afternoon but it’s more likely that we will keep them at home,” said the trainer.
“We were happy with both horses when they ran at Navan last month and they will have come on for that run so we’re looking forward to seeing them run in the Savel Beg on Friday night,” added O’Brien.
Weld, who enjoyed success at Leopardstown on Sunday with Hazapour, has included Falcon Eight and Make The Switch in the Saval Beg.
Gordon Elliott is also set to be represented in the mile and three quarters event by last year’s Royal Ascot hero Pallasator.
The Queen Alexandra Stakes winner will be having his first run since contesting last year’s Curragh Cup.
“He’s in good shape and I’m happy with how he has been going at home. The plan is to get back to Ascot with him and I’m keen to get a run into him so Friday’s race looks ideal for him,” reported the trainer.
This will be the third year of the hugely successful Ladies Evening at Leopardstown which is run in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness and supported by neighbours to the racecourse, Microsoft.
SHARING OPTIONS: