Emergency faces Hill test Michael O'Callaghan is looking forward to seeing his unbeaten charge State Of Emergency tackle better ground for the first time in the Cold Move EBF Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday. The son of Dandy Man has landed both his starts this season over course and distance and steps up in class for this hot-looking Listed contest. O'Callaghan felt his charge won with a bit in hand in a conditions race earlier in the month, despite a half-length verdict, and has been pleased with his progress since. The trainer said: "I'm very happy with him. It might sound funny but I think he had an easy enough race at the Curragh. He came out of it very well and was bouncing a couple of days later. "We're really looking forward to running him on proper good ground for the first time. There are some nice horses in it and it's going to be a proper contest." The traditional powerhouses of Aidan O'Brien and Jim Bolger send two of the leading contenders in Washington DC and Round Two. Ryan Moore takes the mount on Washington DC, who stepped forward nicely on his second start at Tipperary when running out an impressive winner. Round Two drops back to the minimum trip having made a big impression on his debut when winning over six furlongs at Naas. Bolger holds the Godolphin-owned son of Teofilo in high regard and immediately set his sights on the Coventry after his winning introduction. Adrian Keatley may not have the firepower of the big guns but he has shown himself well able to train juveniles this season and is hoping Athas An Bhean can produce a big run. The Royal Applause filly was impressive on her debut at Cork last month, but things did not work out for her on a visit to York just over a week ago, when she finished fourth in Listed company. "Things didn't work out really from the start to the end in York and I was a little bit gutted she didn't get her black type there," said Keatley. "Looking at the entries it's going to be tough, but she came out of York in top form and hasn't lost a kilo. If anything she's gained some and we'll let her take her chance as there isn't a whole lot else for her for a while. "She was impressive at Cork and I'm sure she'll bounce back and make a good fist of it. It would be great to get a bit of black type. "She looks a sprinting type but seems to get the five really well and I'd say she'll have no problem with six either. "William Buick got down off her last time and said she wants a bit of juice, but not necessarily soft ground. He thought she'd have no problem winning a fillies' Listed race."
