Vermeer heads Ballyroan seven Ryan Moore travels to this side of the Irish Sea to take the ride aboard Johannes Vermeer in the GRENKE Finance Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday evening. The son of Galileo had his limitations exposed when competing at the highest level in both the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh and the Prince of Wales's Stales at Royal Ascot earlier this season, but made the most of having his sights lowered when landing last month's Group Three International Stakes. The form of that success was boosted by the subsequent York victory of the runner-up, Success Days, and although Johannes Vermeer must concede weight all round, he is sure to be popular with punters. Aidan O'Brien also saddles Spanish Steps, while the Charles O'Brien-trained Santa Monica is a third Coolmore representative. Dual Group One winner The Grey Gatsby has not yet rediscovered his best form since joining Dermot Weld. The 2014 Irish Champion Stakes winner was not disgraced on his debut for the master of Rosewell House when fourth in the aforementioned International Stakes behind Johannes Vermeer, but was unable to build on that effort when trailing home last of five runners in the Meld Stakes at this venue three weeks ago. Jim Bolger's Stellar Mass claimed this prize a year ago and is back to defend his crown. The seven-strong field is completed by Michael O'Callaghan's Act Of Valour and Grandee, winner of the King George V Cup over the course and distance, from Jessica Harrington's stable.
