Woody Creek (nearside) beating Empire Line at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
Fozzy Stack hopes a trip to Ayr will bring an upturn in fortunes for his luckless three-year-old Woody Creek.
The filly has finished second by a succession of narrow margins in her last three runs, beaten by no more than a neck each time.
Edged out by Gustavus Weston on her last appearance in a Group Three at the Curragh, the daughter of Zoffany aims for the Listed Al Maktoum Cup Arran Scottish Fillies’ Sprint Stakes on Friday.
“She’s been beaten in two photo finishes, and second in her last three runs in Group and Listed races,” said Stack.
“She’s better over six (furlongs) than five — (this) five-and-a-half might be a touch short.
“(But) the ground is in her favour, and it’s fillies only, so we’ll take our chance.”
John Quinn’s Signora Cabello also contests the race, having not been seen since finishing ninth of 12 in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The three-year-old enjoyed a four-race winning streak last season, claiming a Listed race at York before taking the Queen Mary Stakes at Ascot and the Darley Prix Robert Papin — both Group Two contests.
The daughter of Camacho has found it tougher this season, but Quinn hopes this venture further north can inspire a return to form.
“We’re very happy with her, and we expect her to run well,” he said.
“There are 20 runners — it’s going to be very competitive, but we’re hoping she’ll go well.”
Stack also sends two runners to the Listed Shadwell Stud/EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes, run over five furlongs.
One of them is American Lady, who bids to lose her maiden tag after finishing sixth in the Listed Byerley Stud Stakes at Newbury last time out.
“She’s run in some nice races and gone well in Listed races, so we’re hopeful.” said Stack.
The two-year-old filly also holds an entry in Saturday’s William Hill Firth Of Clyde Stakes, a Group Three over six furlongs.
Stack’s Piece Of Paradise also holds the same two entries, but the trainer is currently prioritising Friday’s race.
“They’ll both definitely run on Friday — we’ll see how they go, and then think about Saturday.” he said.
