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Halford says Anamba is ready to step up at the Curragh

Shane Foley on Anamba wins The Ballylinch Stud EBF Fillies Maiden last year
Shane Foley on Anamba wins The Ballylinch Stud EBF Fillies Maiden last year

Trainer Mick Halford feels Anamba is ready for the swift rise in class she encounters in Sunday's CL & MF Weld Park Stakes at the Curragh.

The daughter of Shamardal made a good impression when making a winning debut on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown a fortnight ago, edging out the highly-regarded Coolmore from Aidan O'Brien's yard.

The two will do battle once more in this weekend's Group Three contest and Halford is expecting a bold show from his filly.

"We've been happy with her all week and the ground is drying out, so we've decided to let her take her chance. I'd like the ground to dry out again before Sunday," said Halford.

"She's drawn one, which is a good draw and I'm happy she's in good form.

"There's a very strong bunch of two-year-old fillies in Ireland this year, but she's earned her place and I'm hoping she'll run a good race."

Coolmore is one of three runners for O'Brien, who claimed the prize 12 months ago with this year's Investec Oaks heroine Qualify.

The master of Ballydoyle also saddles Kind Of Magic and How High The Moon, first and second respectively in last month's Flame Of Tara Stakes.

Interestingly, Ryan Moore, who returned from injury earlier this week, rides How High The Moon.

The David Wachman-trained Last Waltz was not far behind in fourth in the same Listed event and has a change of headgear, with a visor replacing cheekpieces.

Wachman said: "She's in good form and ran a good race the last day.

"She had cheekpieces on last time and I just think a visor might help her, but we'll see.

"Hopefully she'll run well."

Radiantly won with something to spare at Tipperary on her second start for Willie McCreery.

"She's stepping up in grade and we'd like a bit more ease in the ground ideally, but she should handle it fine," said the trainer.

"She was drawn 13 of 13 on her first run, everything happened inside of her and she got a bump at the wrong time, but Wayne (Lordan) gave her a lovely introduction.

"She was a lot more streetwise last time and hopefully she'll improve again - she'll have to."

Anamba spearheads a strong Godolphin challenge, with Mimicking and Mrs King also carrying the famous royal blue silks for trainer Jim Bolger.

Bolger also has a third representative in Leafy Shade, who well beaten in the Moyglare Stud Stakes over course and distance last time.

The 10-strong field is completed by Sir Mark Prescott's British challenger Sun'Aq.

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