Deegan outlines plans

Paul Deegan is planning a Classic campaign for Avenue Gabriel which will hopefully culminate in a crack at the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh in July.

The daughter of Champs Elysees kept the best company as a juvenile, finishing fifth to the ill-fated Chriselliam in the Shadwell Fillies' Mile after taking the Group Two Flame Of Tara EBF Stakes at the Curragh.

Deegan said: "The plan is to start her off in the Salsabil Stakes at Navan (April 12), and we think of her as an Oaks filly. She has done well over the winter and is in good form."

The trainer has the German 2000 Guineas as a target for Shining Emerald, should he come through his Classic trial at Leopardstown on March 30.

The Clodovil colt was a good winner of a Listed race at the Curragh last September before finishing a close-up third in the Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown a month later.

The County Kildare handler went on: "He's in good form and will probably start off in the Guineas Trial at Leopardstown. At the moment we are leaning towards going for the German Guineas with him.

"I haven't had a runner in Germany before but Mick Channon won the race at least once when I was with him. It's a Group Two, it tends to be slow ground and it could be a good option."

Sruthan is set for the Group Three Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes at the Curragh on April 13. The Arakan gelding ended last season with a Group Three victory in the Concorde Stakes at Tipperary.

"I think he's grown another bit and is a big horse now," said Deegan.

"He's developed well and, while he hasn't done much yet, will probably start off in the Gladness Stakes. He's suited by seven furlongs although we've no doubt he will get further in time. He's maturing mentally all the time."