Trip set to suit Ponfeigh better Declan McDonogh believes the drop back in trip could help Ponfeigh return to winning ways in Sunday's Meld Stakes. The John Oxx-trained three-year-old was last seen finishing fourth in the Irish Derby over a mile and a half behind Australia. Previously the Teofilo colt had won two races in impressive style over a mile so this 10-furlong trip could be just what the doctor ordered. "I felt in the Derby he ran a good race, he just might not have stayed," McDonogh said. "Down off the hill he just didn't travel for me, he was having three quick runs but he picked up some nice prize money and it was worthwhile doing it. "The fact he's back in a Group Three might help him. "He's in good form, I rode him the other day, he's moving well and in good order so hopefully he'll run well. " The Curragh contest has attracted a fascinating field as it brings together different generations and sexes. Jim Bolger's five-year-old Parish Hall won the Dewhurst back in 2011 but missed his three-year-old season. He has been busy in this campaign and most recently finish second in a Group Three to Mekong River. Aidan O'Brien has a fascinating contender in the four-year-old Festive Cheer, third to Trading Leather in the Irish Derby last summer. His only run since saw him finish down the field in the Sheema Classic in Dubai. Representing the female line is Tommy Stack's Alive Alive Oh who at this stage last year looked very exciting. "She seems to have come back to herself. We're starting off to try to get a bit of black type, Group-placed at the Curragh. That would be a bonus," said Stack's son and assistant, Fozzy. Dermot Weld's Afternoon Sunlight will have her followers after the Sea The Stars filly won a Guineas Trial in May, also adding to the mix.
