Kaiya Fraser relishing Curragh chance with Dr Rascal Kaiya Fraser is relishing going toe-to-toe with the cream of Irish racing when his star mount Dr Rascal puts his unbeaten record on the line in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh. It was aboard Oliver Cole’s juvenile that the 24-year-old was bitten on the thigh by a loose and unruly rival at Ascot earlier in the season, himself being unshipped in the process. They would be reunited for a victory that showcased both horse and jockey’s talents and since then it is their exploits together on the track that have continued to garner headlines, tasting Vintage Stakes glory in unison at Goodwood most recently. Fraser said: “I’m delighted to be going over there to ride him. It’s great to pick up rides in races like that and it’s nice to go there thinking we have a chance. “He’s got plenty of talent, as we saw at Goodwood, and he’s obviously a really nice horse. He’s stepping up in class and we’ll see how he gets on. “All systems are go and I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited and fingers crossed we can go well.” Dr Rascal is one of 11 left in Sunday’s seven-furlong Group One where he could rematch Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner, who was second to the son of Sottsass on the Sussex Downs and has since won the Acomb Stakes at York. He is one of five possibles for the master of Ballydoyle alongside ante-post Derby favourite Giant Sequoia, while Joseph O’Brien has both Phoenix Stakes runner-up Folsom Blues and impressive Juddmonte-owned debut winner Monogram, albeit the latter has an alternative option at Doncaster. For Fraser though, it will be a first ride in Ireland and undoubtedly the biggest challenge in his fledgling career, but also one he is determined to grab with both hands. He added: “I’ve never ridden there, but I will get there early enough to have a good walk of the track and I’ve spoken to a fair few people who have given me a few ideas. “When you have a good horse, you want to be riding them in the best races and these are the places you have to go.” The National Stakes is one of four Group races on a stellar day two of the Irish Champions Festival where further high-class juvenile action comes in the Moyglare Stud Stakes where there are 10 possible runners. It is no surprise to see both Aidan and Joseph O’Brien well represented in a race the former has won with subsequent Classic winners Lake Victoria and Precise in the past two seasons. The exceptional Sun Goddess looks the standout of the Ballydoyle contingent this time around among a quintet that could also include Alpha who is looking to bounce back from defeat at the hands of Joseph O’Brien’s reopposing Green Empress in the Debutante Stakes. O’Brien’s Gold Cup hero Scandinavia is the obvious one in the 11 left standing in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger. Stern opposition could prove thin on the ground given the son of Justify’s dominance of the staying scene this term, but William Haggas could saddle both Arabian Force and stable stalwart Dubai Honour for a race in which he saw Hamish almost topple the great Kyprios in 2022. Meanwhile, it could be Donnacha O’Brien’s turn for further big-race success with Comanche Brave when the sprinters take centre stage in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes. The July Cup hero is one of 18 speedsters poised for action.
