Strong line-up for featured Pat Smullen Stakes at Naas Joseph O’Brien mounts a strong dual challenge in the inaugural running of the Irish EBF Pat Smullen Stakes, a €45,000 Listed race over a mile at Naas this afternoon. O’Brien saddles previous winners North Coast and Green Soul and is hopeful of a bold showing by both his colts saying: “They both won their maidens well last time and they should both enjoy the step up to a mile. “They both ran well the first day and stepped forward nicely. “North Coast won well in Down Royal and Green Soul battled well to win in Fairyhouse and should enjoy going up to a mile with a stiff finish.” Daytona won well on debut for Aidan O’Brien at Gowran Park last month and is also among the eight declared. “He won nicely in Gowran the first day when Jack (Cleary) rode him. Wayne (Lordan) rides him in Naas. We think he's a nice horse and we think the trip should suit him,” said the master of Ballydoyle. "Obviously, it's in memory of Pat and that makes it very special for us and we're delighted to be running what we think is a nice horse in the race. We like him, we think he's a classy horse." Earlier this year, the Irish EBF announced the creation of the Smullen Series which consists of 18 middle distance races for two and three-year-olds including today’s feature race named in memory of the much-missed champion jockey. The first on a seven-race card gets underway at 1.57 and the going remains good following 2mm of rain since declarations. The forecast is overcast but dry. The three-day Bellewstown July meeting concludes with a seven-race National Hunt card beginning at 5.30 highlighted by the €60,000 QuinnBet Bellewstown Handicap Hurdle. A maximum field of 16 go to post and local trainer Gavin Cromwell mounts a strong challenge including Ballysax Hank and Stuntman Steve, while Noel Meade's Zoffman and reserve Billie Frechette are also near the head of the market. The going at Bellewstown remains good following watering and the forecast is mainly dry.
