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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Gladness Stakes preview

Sun 7th Apr 2013, 13:54

La Collina, far side, runs at the Curragh againLa Collina, far side, runs at the Curragh again
© Photo Healy Racing

The Group 3 Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes takes place at 3.20 at the Curragh over seven furlongs.

Trainer Kevin Prendergast has a fine recent record in the event with three wins in the last 11 years - Rebelline (2002) and Mustameet (2005 and 2007). In this year's renewal he runs La Collina and this one is sure to be popular on her seasonal reappearance. She won the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes over six at the Curragh as a two-year-old.

Mick Channon is well versed at raiding the top Irish flat races. He sends Arnold Lane over from England. This colt was unplaced at Meydan in January but has a chance on last season's third to Fulbright in a Group 2 at Newmarket. Nephrite (Aidan O'Brien), Yellow Rosebud (Dermot Weld) and Lily's Angel (Ger Lyons) are up at the front of the betting.

Nephrite has been off the track for nearly a year, but has two wins to his name including one over Born To Sea.

Yellow Rosebud was turned over at odds on in her first run of the season when second here in a Group 3 in March, though she can be expected to come on for that outing.

Lily's Angel is fresh from a fourth place in a fillies' Group 2 at Meydan in February. The drying ground will be right up her street.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.