Halford confirms his Eastern Rules Mick Halford has confirmed Eastern Rules an intended starter in the Michael Murphy Home Furnishings Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday. The six-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far, winning twice at the Dubai Carnival at Meydan earlier in the year, and he was narrowly denied a first Pattern-race victory when touched off by Wannabe Better in last month's Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown. Halford said: "The plan is to run him on Saturday. He's in good old form and this was always going to be his next assignment after his good run in Leopardstown. "He loves fast ground and it looks like he might get his favoured conditions on Saturday, all being well. "You're guessing what might turn up against him at this stage. I'd say a few lads are just having a look, but we're happy with our horse and we're looking forward to it." Eastern Rules is one of 21 horses still in contention for the seven-furlong Group Three following the latest entry stage. Last week's Fairyhouse winner Darwin could turn out quickly for Aidan O'Brien, who also has Peace Burg, Great White Eagle and Michaelmas engaged. Other interesting contenders include Dermot Weld's Along Came Casey, the Paul Deegan-trained Prince Of All and Viztoria from Eddie Lynam's yard.
