Strong entry for Marwell Stakes at Naas

The Listed Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes which takes place at Naas Racecourse on Monday August 3 has attracted 19 entries including three from overseas.

The Ger Lyons trained Frenetic, only touched off in a Group 2 contest last time out, sets the standard for this five furlong dash confined to two-year-old fillies.

The dual-winning daughter of Kodiac has already tasted success at Listed level when running out a five lengths winner of the First Flier Stakes at the Curragh in June.

Anther two-time winner in contention for Monday's race is Johnny Murtagh's recent Down Royal scorer Measure Of Magic.

Murtagh said: "I’m very happy with Measure Of Magic at the moment, she looks great and has come out of the Down Royal race very well. She deserves the step up to Listed class at Naas on Monday, it’s a great 5f track there and I am delighted to see Arqana sponsoring the Marwell Stakes."

Adrian Keatley has entered his recent Ripon winner Queen Of Rio which could be his first runner back in Ireland since moving to Malton in North Yorkshire at the beginning of the year.

This is the first running of the Marwell Stakes at Naas and the first time leading bloodstock sales company Arqana has sponsored at the track.

Freddy Powell Executive Director of Arqana commented: “We are delighted to sponsor the first running of the Marwell Stakes and wish the best of luck to all runners! Unfortunately, we cannot be on attendance in the circumstances but we will be watching from the other side of the Channel and our representative in Ireland Nicola Kent will be on hand to reward the winner. We hope we can go back to Ireland soon. Enjoy this beautiful day at Naas Racecourse."

Baroda Stud has also joined the list of new sponsors at Naas this season and the historic stud farm run by David Cox and Tamso Doyle in Co. Kildare will put their name to a maiden race on the same card.

Among the 39 entries for the seven furlong Baroda Stud Fillies Maiden is the Aidan O'Brien trained Classic-placed So Wonderful which will have her fourteenth attempt to lose her maiden tag.