Foxtrot Liv© Photo Healy Racing
Paddy Twomey is hoping the decision to keep star filly Foxtrot Liv on home soil this weekend pays off in the Weld Park Stakes at Naas.
The impressive Curragh maiden winner was narrowly denied by the Jessica Harrington-trained Sparkle’n’joy in a Listed event at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend and she makes a relatively swift return to action just a fortnight later.
The Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket was also considered as a serious option, but Twomey elected to aim for Sunday’s Group Three instead.
“She’s in good form and we’re hoping she’ll run well again,” said the Cashel-based trainer.
“After her run in Leopardstown, I had this race in mind. The two options were this or the Rockfel and given it’s only two weeks since she ran, it made sense to keep her closer to home.
“It’s going to be another step up in class, but she’s progressed with every run and hopefully she’ll give another good account of herself.”
Foxtrot Liv faces seven rivals, with Aidan O’Brien’s Hermosa arguably setting the standard after finishing third in the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Sir Mark Prescott’s Beverley novice victor Brassica and the Mick Channon-trained Chynna both make the journey from Britain.
Joseph O’Brien’s Galway victor Elleanthus Harrington’s pair of Servalan and Trethias and the unraced Eleganter from Jim Bolger’s yard complete the octet for the seven-furlong contest.
