Twomey expecting Athasi contender to leave behind seasonal debut Paddy Twomey is expecting an improved performance from Black Caviar Gold in the Coolmore Auguste Rodin Irish EBF Athasi Stakes (3.35) at the Curragh this afternoon. The daughter of Havana Grey is returning to the scene of her victory in the Group 3 Weld Park Stakes over the same seven-furlong trip in September, and will be fitted with cheekpieces for the first time. Sent off joint favourite with yesterday's 1,000 Guineas winner True Love for her return at Leopardstown last month, Twomey's charge weakened out of contention to finish a well-beaten ninth and was reported to have lost a shoe in running. "She was a very good two-year-old, but took a few runs to get going," said the Golden handler. "She was a good bit short the last day and my horses were slow to come to hand. She will strip a lot fitter this time." Earlier on the card, Twomey will saddle Cork winner Velozee in the AES Recycling First Flier Stakes over five furlongs.  The Sioux Nation filly overcame a slow start to get up on the line in a race run on soft to heavy ground, and will encounter a faster surface this afternoon. "She won well on debut and has come forward for the run," said Twomey of his juvenile, who is now due to face just three rivals after the withdrawal of Blixen Force, Maria Quiteria and Star Prospect this morning. 
