Copshop out to prove class at Naas Richard Fahey sends Simmy's Copshop across the Irish Sea in search of Listed honours in the Coolmore War Command Rochestown Stakes at Naas on Sunday. The Bahamian Bounty colt showed plenty of promise of winning first time out at Nottingham in a race that has worked out well. "His form has worked out rock solid. The second (Havana Grey) has gone to win by five lengths since and the fifth (Neola) has won by seven lengths, so he's pretty smart," Fahey told At The Races. "He's got to step up but we've been very happy with him since. We're taking on the Irish at home but Middleham Park (owners) have won this race there two or three times and it's normally a pretty smart horse that wins that race. "He's all speed and we're happy to give it a go. It's one of these finding-out missions to see if we can play with the big boys." His six rivals include Aidan O'Brien's course and distance scorer Dali, Joseph O'Brien's True Blue Moon, who beat Dali at Dundalk, and Ken Condon's Mamba Noire. The daughter of Wootton Bassett made a successful debut at Cork two weeks ago. Two promising types in Alpha Centauri and Actress clash for a second time in the Coolmore Stud EBF (Fillies) Sprint Stakes. Alpha Centauri, trained by Jessica Harrington, got the better of Aidan O'Brien's charge by two and a half lengths when they made their career debuts over this six furlongs three weeks ago. However, Actress reappeared just last weekend at the Curragh where she opened her account to set up an intriguing rematch in this Listed contest. Kevin Prendergast's Moonlight Bay, a winner over the course and distance first time out in March, is an interesting contender as is Jim Bolger's Gasta. She holds an entry in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. Aidan O'Brien's Whitecliffsofdover, winner of the European Free Handicap at Newmarket last month, tops 10 runners for the other Listed race on the card, the Owenstown Stud Stakes.
