Weld and Smullen backed to strike with Along Came Casey

Along Came Casey could not have been more impressive when scooting clear on her seasonal debut at Leopardstown recently. She easily put Aidan O’Brien’s Flying The Flag in his place on her way to winning the Listed Glencairn Stakes by four and a half lengths.

The O’Brien colt, thought worthy of his place in the Epsom Derby field, subsequently won a Group 3 at the Curragh last week so the form looks solid. Along Came Casey bolted up in a handicap at Gowran Park last Autumn before finishing a close second to Declaration Of War at Dundalk.

The one slight concern for supporters of Weld’s mare is the drop back to seven furlongs but she travels so kindly in her races that she is expected to overcome it. Her main rival could be in-form Fiesolana, trained by Willie McCreery.

Fiesolana is on a hat-trick but carries a penalty for her victory in the Group Three Ballyogan Stakes at Leopardstown last month. She is accompanied by stable companion Coolnagree who is expected to improve for a bit of ease in the ground.

Lily’s Angel is looking for a second victory at this level following her success at Lingfield in May. Ger Lyons’s filly showed all of her usual determination in the Ballycorus Stakes but was just touched off by Leitir Mor. She also notched up a victory in Dubai this spring and has won 10 of her 23 races.

David Wachman’s Hint Of A Tint was far from disgraced at Royal Ascot. Although she finished fifth, she was drawn away from the leading group and could never get on terms.

Aidan O’Brien saddles Hanky Panky and Snow Queen. The latter is fitted with blinkers for the first time after failing to live up to the promise of her fifth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. Joseph O’Brien rides Hanky Panky who was seventh in the Irish Guineas with Seamie Heffernan aboard Snow Queen.

William Haggas has sent over Sentaril who made no show at Epsom after a decent seasonal reappearance at Goodwood. She looked a smart filly when placed in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and seven furlongs is probably her best trip.