Astronomer Royal Heads Strong Curragh Entry French 2000 Guineas winner Astronomer Royal and his stable companion US Ranger are the star turns in a fascinating Castlemartin and La Louviere Studs Gladness Stakes at the Curragh this Sunday. The Group 3 contest has attracted a total of nineteen entries including six overseas trained challengers. Aidan O´Brien who trains both Astronomer Royal and US Ranger is also responsible for Abraham Lincoln and Honoured Guest in the seven furlong contest, while Kevin Prendergast has entered the highly rated Hateef. Major Cadeaux leads the British trained contingent, which also includes Appalachian Trail, Captain Marvelous, Lady Grace, Lovelace and Silver Touch. Champery is joined by Grand Passion as the two overseas challengers for the Ascon Rohcon Alleged Stakes. The 10 furlong Listed race has attracted an entry of thirteen, for which Red Moloney, Deauville Vision, Macarthur and Profound Beauty appear to be the leading Irish contenders. Meanwhile the ground at The Curragh has been described as soft ahead of Sunday´s fixture.
