British raiders look to extend their dominance in the Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes this Saturday, as Kalpana lines up for Andrew Balding in a field of seven high-class fillies. The British-trained runner will be ridden by Colin Keane following a fine third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month at the same venue.

Trainer Andrew Balding was upbeat, saying: “She is a very high-class filly. While we think she might be even better over further, a mile and a quarter should suit her well – especially if the ground stays good.”

International Challenge

The French-trained Survie, a Group 2 winner, joins Kalpana as part of the international challenge. She will be ridden by Stéphane Pasquier for Nicolas Clément and Flo Hermans.

Irish Contenders

• Whirl – Aidan O’Brien’s narrow Oaks runner-up represents strong claims.
• Wemighttakedlongway – Joseph O’Brien’s filly bids to follow in the footsteps of Iridessa (2019) and Thundering Nights (2021).
• Magical Hope – Trained by 2022 winner Paddy Twomey.
• Jancis – Willie McCreery’s charge will be partnered by Ben Coen.
• Higher Leaves – Represents Henry de Bromhead and Shane Foley.

More Group Action on the Card

Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes: Six juveniles line up, including Ger Lyons’ Lady Iman (chasing a four-timer) and Aidan O’Brien’s Beautify, with Ryan Moore booked.

Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes: Elizabeth Jane runs for Dermot Weld with Chris Hayes aboard.

Group 3 Anglesey Stakes: Flushing Meadows heads a quality field that includes Stop The Nation and debut winner Suzie Songs.

Ladies Derby & Handicaps

• Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby: Jody Townend (Tatateo) and Hannah Smullen (Desert Friend) feature.
• Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Handicap: Recent winner Cold Hearted aims to follow up for Jessica Harrington.

Full Race Schedule – Saturday

• 1.15pm – Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden
• …
• 5.15pm – Keadeen Hotel Irish EBF Maiden

Pretty Polly Stakes – Odds (Paddy Power)

• 6/4 – Whirl
• 9/4 – Kalpana
• 6 – Wemighttakedlongway
• 7 – Higher Leaves
• 12 – Jancis
• 14 – Survie
• 20 – Magical Hope

Going Update

Straight course: Good to firm in places
Round course: Good
Stalls: Centre for all sprint races

Admission & Bundles

• Saturday General Admission: €30 online / €35 on the day
• Sunday Premium Admission: €150 (Winning Line Lounge access)
• Derby Bundles: From €33 – includes admission, €5 bet, food voucher, racecard, afterparty access

Transport & Parking

Free shuttle buses from Newbridge & Kildare
Free parking at the Curragh Racecourse

Where to Watch

• Racing TV – Full coverage
• TG4 & RTÉ – Selected races live on Saturday and Sunday

Entertainment

• Friday – The Classic Beatles (afterparty)
• Sunday – The Whistlin’ Donkey’s (afterparty)

For tickets, discounts and more: curragh.ie/tickets

The post Kalpana Returns to Curragh for Pretty Polly Stakes – Saturday Feature Preview appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The topweight is owned by the Slaneyville Syndicate, successful owners in the race last year with Total Recall.

The 11-year-old Acapella Bourgeois was sixth in the race last year. His most recent run was when finishing to Al Boum Photo at Tramore on New Year’s Day.

Willie Mullins has eight horses among an initial entry of 45 for the historic contest.

The Closutton trainer has also entered the Syndicates.Racing-owned Munster National and Kerry National winner Cabaret Queen. Last year’s second, Class Conti, recent hurdles’ winner Koshari and Brahma Bull are also entered for the race.

Monbeg Notorious, Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy first win in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase in 2018, is among an Elliott-entry of 13.

Milan Native, Aforementioned, Roaring Bull and Dounikos, all notable handicap chase winners, are also engaged. The 2019 Thyestes runner-up Alpha Des Obeaux, Leopardstown third Farclas and Braeside and Coko Beach have also been entered.

Last year’s third Minella Fair, Tout Est Permis and Dream Conti make up a strong entry for Noel Meade. The Mags Mullins-trained Agusta Gold, a recent Grade 3 winner at Fairyhouse, is another interesting entry.

Other notable entries include Gearóid O’Loughlin’s Ulster National winner Space Cadet and Denis Hogan’s Moyhenna. The Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now is entered, as is Pat Fahy’s Dunvegan. Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase winner, The Long Mile, is also on the entry list.

The Thyestes Chase will be televised live on RTÉ and Racing TV.

The post Acapella Bourgeois tops weights for Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Friday 20 Dundalk (afternoon)

Saturday 21 Thurles

Sunday 22 Downpatrick

Monday 23 Naas (from Sunday March 22)

Tuesday 24 Clonmel

Wednesday 25 Dundalk (afternoon) (from Friday March 27)

Thursday 26 Cork

Friday 27 Navan (from Saturday March 28)

Saturday 28 The Curragh (from Sunday March 29)

Sunday 29 Limerick

ITV Racing will broadcast five races from Thurles on Saturday 21st March, on air from 1.30-4pm on ITV4.

Ed Chamberlin will present the show which will also look back at the recent Cheltenham Festival and the 2019-2020 jumps season.

The post Confirmed Irish racing fixtures up to 29th March appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.