Big weekend in prospect at the Curragh Venus De Milo, La Collina and Alive Alive Oh head a strong entry for the Lanwades Stud Blandford Stakes at the Curragh this Saturday The Group Two Lanwades Stud Blandford Stakes tops the bill on the opening afternoon of the GAIN Irish St Leger Weekend at the Curragh on Saturday 14th September and the 10 furlong contest has attracted a strong entry of 20 horses. Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien is strongly represented here with six entries and most notable among them is Venus De Milo. A most progressive filly, Venus De Milo is stepping back in trip here following her four lengths second to Saturday’s Irish Champion Stakes heroine The Fugue in the 12 furlongs Group One Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York last month. O’Brien, who also has Beach Of Falesa, Exotic, Just Pretending, Magical Dream and Say left in the race, has yet to finalise plans for the weekend. “We will definitely have two or three runners in the race,” commented the Ballydoyle trainer. “Venus De Milo is also engaged in a French Group One race at the weekend and we will make a decision about where she goes later in the week. All six horses are in tremendous form and Venus De Milo has really thrived since her York race.” La Collina, who bounced back to her very best when landing the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday, is also among the entries along with Belle De Crecy, Alive Alive Oh and Pearl Of Africa. In addition there are four British trained challengers in Shirocco Star, Hot Snap, Purr Along and Rock Choir. Regular visitor Hitchens heads the list of seven British-trained horses for the Group Three Newbridge Grassroots Festival Renaissance Stakes for which there are 25 entries in total. Cape Of Approval, Russian Soul, Cristoforo Colombo, George Vancouver, Maarek, Balmont Mast, Rawaaq and Viztoria are to the forefront of the home defence. Entries for GAIN Irish St Leger Day taking place on Sunday 15th September will be announced following the entry stage which closes at 12 noon tomorrow The ground is currently good to firm on the round course and good on the straight course. · Saturday. 1st race 1.55pm, · Sunday 1st race 1.45pm, GAIN Irish St Leger off at 3.50pm, last race 5.25pm, Mike Denver in concert commencing at 5.30pm · Admission on Saturday is 15 euro Under 25s & Seniors 8 euro, Under 16s (accompanied by an adult) Free · Admission on Sunday is 20 euro, Under 25s & Seniors 10 euro, Under 16s (accompanied by an adult) Free · Transport: Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to races. Dublin Coach provide race day service (see dublincoach.ie) · Free car parking
