Matron Stakes news & views Connections are optimistic Duntle can do herself justice when she tackles Group One company for the first time in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday. The David Wachman-trained filly has shown progressive form, wining the Sandringham Listed Handicap at Royal Ascot and the Group Three Desmond Stakes on her last two starts. She now returns to the scene of her latest triumph three weeks ago. "David Wachman reports her to be in very good form and she should be able to give a good account of herself," said Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners the Niarchos family. "It's a very strong race and a big step up in class, but we are hopeful. "She showed a lot of class when winning over the course last time and, all being well, she can run well. "We will take it step by step and see what happens on Saturday before we make any plans for the future. "She is a very nice filly. David is happy with her and we will see how she runs on Saturday." Dermot Weld hopes the ground does not dry out too much for Emulous, who won the Matron 12 months ago. The Curragh trainer has saved her for an autumn programme after she found the going too quick at Royal Ascot, where she was only seventh to Joviality in the Windsor Forest Stakes. "The ground was maybe a little too fast for her at Ascot," said Weld. "I'd always planned an autumn campaign for her, and this is the start of it. She was very good last year and let's hope she can be as good this year. "She loves a bit of ease so I wouldn't want to see the Leopardstown ground dry out too much. Hopefully it will be beautiful ground." Alanza is back competing amongst her own sex after filling third place in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. The John Oxx-trained filly will be partnered by 24-year-old Shane Foley after Johnny Murtagh's contract to ride for owner the Aga Khan was terminated last week. Oxx said: "She ran a good race in the Hungerford Stakes last time on what was her first run this year on proper fast ground. "She should get her ground again on Saturday, so we'll let her take her chance. "It's been a tough year for her with the weather and going for a Group One might be aiming a bit too high with her."
