Akira ready for opening day Akira could be back in action on the opening day of the Flat season at the Curragh on March 29. Shay Barry's five-year-old mare is in the Group Three Park Express Stakes over a mile, but also holds an entry in the Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes at the same track on April 19. "The first day of the Flat is coming up at the Curragh and Akira might run in the fillies' Group Three," Barry said. "She's done well over the winter. She got black type two or three times last year, she ran well in a couple of Group Threes. "She's in the Gladness Stakes as well. She's a nice filly and we're looking forward to her again this year."
