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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Moyglare preview
Moyglare contender Perhaps (nearside)
© Photo Healy Racing
Kiyoshi makes her planned return to action after a 10-week absence in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Connections of the Charlie Hills-trained filly decided to put her away and wait for this Group One over seven furlongs after she won the Albany Stakes in scintillating style at Royal Ascot.
She faces six rivals as she attempts to give British raiders back-to-back Moyglare victories after Richard Hannon's Sky Lantern landed this prestigious prize 12 months ago.
"It's been the plan to run her in this race since Ascot," said Lambourn-based Hills.
"It's an obvious race to go for, it's an ideal stepping-stone and she's been pleasing us ever since Ascot, but she needs to prove it again."
David Redvers, racing manager to owners Qatar Racing, is hoping the ground is not too quick for the daughter of Dubawi.
"The filly's flying over on Saturday and Charlie couldn't be happier with her," he said.
"She's got the best form on offer this year and we just hope she runs her race. If she does we're hopeful she will be very competitive.
"The step up to seven furlongs should suit her ideally.
"My only worry would be if the ground was too fast being by Dubawi, we wouldn't want to jar her up or anything, but I'm sure they will be doing an excellent job on the ground to make sure there's no jar in it."
There is a second British challenger in Rizeena who has been pretty busy since winning the Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal meeting.
The Clive Brittain-trained filly followed a second place to Lucky Kristale in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting with a creditable third to the speedy American juvenile colt No Nay Never in the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville.
"She's in great form. Clive's (Brittain) very happy with her training, her weight is good and he's never been more pleased with her," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum.
"Obviously it's going to be tough with Charlie Hills' horse, who looks a worthy favourite, but our filly is very good.
"She ran very well at Deauville last time but this seven furlongs looks most suitable for her."
Debutante Stakes winner Tapestry is Aidan O'Brien's main hope having been supplemented for 22,500 euros at the confirmation stage.
The Ballydoyle trainer is seeking a seventh Moyglare victory.
"It was always the plan to go there (Moyglare) with her," he told At The Races.
"She's won her two starts very nicely. She's in good form and everything seems very well with her.
"It looks a good race and it will be a good experience for her."
O'Brien also saddles Wonderfully and Perhaps who were first and second respectively in the Group Three Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown six weeks ago.
Dermot Weld lifted this prize back in 1987 with Flutter Away and looks to Carla Bianca who was runner-up to O'Brien-trained odds-on favourite Australia over the course and distance on her only start in July.
"It's a big step but she ran very well at the Curragh. She's progressing and should represent us well," said the Rosewell handler.
"She's still pretty immature, I expect her to develop over the winter and I think she'll be well up to Group One level next year."
John Murphy 's maiden Touch Of Snow who has yet to win in six starts, completes the septet.