Evie Targets Matron Double

Red Evie heads a field of nine as she bids for a repeat victory in Saturday's Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

The four-year-old defeated Peeress in last year's one-mile heat and has already claimed the Lockinge Stakes at the highest level this term.

Red Evie will be joined in the line-up by fellow British raiders Echelon, Barshiba and Sweet Lilly, who is set to be ridden by Kieren Fallon.

John Oxx's Arch Swing, runner up in the 1000 Guineas, heads the home defence, along with Eastern Appeal, Modeeroch, Evening Time and She's Our Mark.

Kevin Prendergast's Evening Time will be stepping up to a mile for the first time on Saturday.

The three-year-old finished a close second to Al Qasi in a Curragh Group Three over six furlongs and was also placed in a Group Three over seven furlongs earlier in the season.

However, Prendergast would like to see the ground ease a little for his daughter of Keltos.

'If the ground is well watered, we will run,' he said.

'The family all seemed to get a mile so I don't think there's anything to worry about.

'It wasn't a lack of stamina that got her beat last time, just a bad draw.

'We would be hoping for a big run.'

(C) PA Sport