High hopes for Mawaakef Kevin Prendergast is looking forward to seeing Mawaakef make his seasonal reappearance in the P.W.McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday. The three-year-old showed some smart form during his juvenile campaign, with a Killarney maiden win sandwiched between runs behind Classic hopes Pathfork and Casamento. Prendergast believes there is plenty to look forward to for the season ahead, but the trainer has warned his charge may benefit from this first outing since September. "He had three runs last year - he was fourth first time, then he won and then he was second in the Beresford to Casamento, who went and won the Racing Post Trophy," said Prendergast. "He couldn't be better. He might just need the run on Sunday but he's in good shape." Mawaakef is one of seven runners in the recognised Derby trial, with Aidan O'Brien's Group One winner Recital the star attraction. The master of Ballydoyle also saddles Exodus and Regent Street, while Adilapour is an interesting contender for John Oxx and Johnny Murtagh. Rich Tapestry and Banimpire complete the field.
