Arctic on course for Sapphire Stakes Arctic is on course to make a belated seasonal debut in the Dubai Duty Free Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. And trainer Tracey Collins is hoping for safe ground for the three-year-old colt who looked a smart prospect last term. The son of Sharmardal won his first three starts as a juvenile culminating in a Group Three contest at the Curragh in August. He was then upped to Group One company for his final start and although he ran well for a long way, he was last of five to Awzaan in the Middle Park Stakes, beaten four and three-quarter lengths by the winner. "He'll definitely run. I've spoken to the racing manager at the Curragh and he says they will have good, safe ground for Sunday. If it is like that he will run," said Collins. "He's done very well over the winter, but we've had to wait a bit to get him started this season. He's been growing and the ground here has been way too quick. "I've been happy with him and he's ready to start. He's an exciting horse to have in the yard."
