Sunchart on course for repeat success in Devoy Stakes

Flat racing returns to Naas on Sunday where the €45,000 Tote Irish EBF Devoy Stakes is the feature event on an eight-race card beginning at 1.28pm.

The 14 entries for this Listed race include last year’s winner Sunchart and trainer Andy Slattery has confirmed that the eight-year-old is on course for a repeat bid.

“He goes back for the Devoy Stakes and hopefully we get a bit of rain. He worked in the Curragh the other day and worked very well. He’s in good form,” said the Killenaule trainer.

The Adrian Murray-trained pair Dallas Star and Persian Bliss finished first and second respectively at Dundalk last month and have race fitness on their side.

“We were delighted to get Dallas Star back on track at Dundalk and it was always the plan to go for the Devoy Stakes at Naas after that run,” said Ryan McElligott of owners Amo Racing.

“Dundalk was his first run since the Derby at Epsom so we think there will be some natural improvement to come from him after Dundalk and Adrian has been pleased with both horses since their run.

“Dallas Star appears to be a horse that is very versatile on different ground so hopefully he will step forward again on Sunday.

“Persian Bliss is a very consistent colt who has yet to run on grass but has an entry for Sunday and we’ll see how he is later in the week.”

Ger Lyons could introduce an interesting French recruit in Bravais who was placed in a Group 2 on his last start for Andre Fabre in 2023 and carries the famous Juddmonte silks.

Joseph O’Brien has won this race twice in recent years and has entered the JP McManus-owned duo Dawn Rising and Trustyourinstinct, while O’Brien’s brother Donnacha is represented by course winner Uncanny.

The €45,000 Irish Racing Writers Association Ron McKnight Memorial Madrid Handicap has attracted 17 three-year-olds and champion trainer Aidan O’Brien, who won this race in 2023 with Paddington, has included 2,000 Guineas and Derby entries Acapulco Bay, Genealogy, Isambard Brunel and Serengeti.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Miracle Beauty, who is already a winner at Naas, and the Donnacha O’Brien-trained Deo Vero both hold entries in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Kodilicious, fifth in the Birdcatcher Nursey at Naas last season, is joined by stable companion Gloriously Glam for Jessica Harrington while in-form trainer Stephen Thorne will be eyeing a big prize with Wizard Of Odds.