Aidan O'Brien relies on Twilight Zone in the Eyrefield Stakes in Leopardstown on Sunday
Updated: Saturday, 03 Nov 2012 12:29 | Comments
The 2012 turf season draws to a close at Leopardstown on Sunday and champion trainer Aidan O'Brien relies on Twilight Zone to give him a seventh success in the Eyrefield Stakes in the last 10 years.
The Danehill Dancer colt improved significantly between his first two starts and scored well at Cork, but he faces a stern opponent in Orgilgo Bay, who chased home O'Brien's Battle Of Marengo in the Beresford.
Beyond Thankful also had to play second fiddle to a Classic contender in the shape of Big Break here last week, and Imperial Concorde can't be ruled out either, even though he hasn't been sighted since making a successful debut at Gowran Park back in May.
The Knockaire Stakes is the other Listed contest on the card and Lady Wingshot has to concede weight all round as a result of her Group Three success during the summer.
Her trainer Jim Bolger is triple-handed in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (12.55), but of more interest is Ballydoyle newcomer A Star Is Born, who is a full-sister to Rip Van Winkle.
Cottrell's introductory fourth to Loch Garman was given a massive boost by the subsequent Group One success of the winner, so Kevin Prendergast's Acclamation colt could be the answer to the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden.
Top hurdler Unaccompanied warms up for another winter campaign in the www.christmasatleopardstown.com Handicap, and the Leopardstown November Handicap will also provide clues for the forthcoming NH season, even though it is a decent prize in its own right.
There is excellent jumping action at Cork, with Munster National hero Raz De Maree aiming to follow up in the feature Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.
A couple of the better Gigginstown prospects are also in action, namely Rule The World in the Grade Three novice hurdle, and Baily Green, who goes for the seven-timer in the Paddy Power Text 51465 EBF Novice Chase.
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