Red Rock Canyon Gets his Chance to Shine at Tipperary Described as an important member of the team, by his trainer, Aidan O'Brien, the twice Group 1 placed Red Rock Canyon will be the focus of attention as he bids to shed his maiden tag at the twenty first attempt in the Refurbished High Chaparral (C & G) Maiden at Tipperary tomorrow. The five-year-old will be equipped with blinkers for the second time in his career as he faces fifteen rivals under Johnny Murtagh. A son of Rock Of Gibraltar, the 108-rated performer has had a couple of outings this term, making the pace as is often his role, before finishing seventh in the Prix Ganay. Last time, as the stable select, he had to settle for sixth place in the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes. An impeccably-bred type, Red Rock Canyon is a son of Imagine, Irish 1,000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks heroine, a brother to Kitty Matcham (Group 2 Rockfel Stakes winner) and he is a three-parts brother to Horatio Nelson (the main Ballydoyle hope when a fatality in the 2006 Epsom Derby). Meanwhile, Kitty O'Shea, looked a very promising filly when unbeaten in a couple of outings back in 2004 and 2005. The sister to St Leger winner, Brian Boru, was seen as an Oaks prospect but unfortunately she didn't make it to the track again after taking the Listed Park Express Stakes by an impressive six lengths. Both her wins were achieved on soft ground. Her first foal (by Danehill Dancer), the appropriately named, Kingdom Of Munster, makes his debut in the Modigliani European Breeders Fund Maiden and Murtagh will also be on this juvenile when he takes on just five rivals over the extended seven furlongs. The six race Tipperary card is due to start at 6.25 and it also sees four hurdle races down for decision.
