Sruthan aims for Amethyst compensation Sruthan bids to avenge last year's narrow defeat in the Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday. The Paul Deegan-trained Arakan gelding was denied by just a nose 12 months ago when going down to Onenightidreamed in the Group Three contest. He started this year with a bang by claiming the Irish Lincolnshire, before finishing fourth to his old rival again in the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh. The ground looks likely to be significantly quicker this time, though, and Deegan is hoping it does not dry out too much over the weekend. "He ran well the last day but the drop back to seven at this stage of his career might not have been ideal," said Deegan. "He's been in savage form since and I'm delighted with him. "Hopefully it doesn't dry out too much. He's in super order and I'm looking forward to running again before the ground goes on him. "There looks like there should be plenty of pace in the race, which will suit us." Custom Cut tops the weights in the mile contest and David O'Meara's consistent campaigner would appear the one to beat with a rating of 116. He has already posted two fine efforts this season, most recently when a close fourth in the Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket last month. Ballydoyle runner Cougar Mountain is closely matched at the weights as he gets 2lb from the top horse and now has a mark of 114. Connections will be expecting him to improve from his comeback effort on heavy ground in the Gladness. The son of Fastnet Rock had his finest moment last year on fast ground in the Desmond Stakes over course and distance.
