IRISH COLT HEADS MIDDLE PARK RUNNERS Minardi will bid to land his second Group One contest of the season in Thursday`s Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The Aidan O`Brien-trained colt, winner of the Heinz 57 Phoenix Stakes at Leopardstown last time, is joined by stablemate Joplin in the 10-runner field. The home team is led by Bad As I Wanna Be, winner of the Prix Morny at Deauville in August but only last of four behind Tobougg in the Prix de la Salamandre last time. Brian Meehan`s charge was supplemented for the #154,000 race on Saturday at a cost of #12,000 along with Mill Reef Stakes runner-up Pomfret Lad. Richmond Stakes winner Endless Summer, six lengths second to Bad As I Wannabe Be at Deauville, will bid for revenge. And a strong field also includes Gimcrack Stakes winner Bannister. Middle Park Stakes declared runners: Baaridd, Bad As I Wanna Be, Bannister, Bram Stoker, Endless Summer, Ghayth, Joplin, Minardi, Pomfret Lad, Red Carpet. -PA
