Treat Team Doing Rain Dance

Connections of Treat expect a big run from the only British representative in the Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday ? especially if the forecast rains arrive at the Curragh.

Mick Channon´s charge finished a five-and-a-quarter-length fourth in the Newmarket equivalent and the prospect of inclement weather over the weekend has only increased stable confidence.

'I think she ran a great race in the 1000 Guineas without a prep run,' said Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

'She´s a tough, gritty filly that doesn´t give up. The ground at Newmarket that day was quick and that wouldn´t have been in her favour.

'If we get the rain they are forecasting at the Curragh then I think it will improve the filly quite significantly.

'A mixture of the run and the rain will make her competitive.

'We are going to need all the help we can get to get closer to Finsceal Beo but the ground is the key.

'We wanted to give her two shots at a mile and especially this stiff mile at the Curragh. There is a lot of speed on her dam´s side and it is right to go again over a mile.

'If it looks like she is crying out to go further, then maybe we will try that at Royal Ascot or later in the year.'

Jim Bolger has given Finsceal Beo no time to rest on her laurels as she prepares for her third Guineas attempt in as many weeks.

The star filly will be on home turf this time and Bolger is pleased with her condition.

Finsceal Beo spreadeagled the field at Headquarters at the start of the month and her trainer surprised many when turning her out seven days later in the French Guineas at Longchamp.

Sent off a long odds-on favourite, she made a bold bid from the front before being worn down by Darjina close home.

Finsceal Beo is a short price again, this time 10-11 with the sponsors.

Bolger said: 'She´s very well and has just done a nice bit of exercise since France and a little piece of work.

'You have to keep her on the move as otherwise she puts on weight. The ground will hopefully be fine and I am very happy with her.'

Bolger is also responsible for outsider Gaudeamus in the 11-runner field, but Finsceal Beo is likely to be given more to do by the John Oxx-trained Arch Swing, who was two and a half lengths second on the Rowley Mile.

She was unbeaten from three previous outings but could struggle on the ground.

'We´ve had a good run with her since Newmarket and I´m happy she´s in good shape,' said Oxx.

'My concern is the weather forecast as it does not look great on Saturday and Sunday.

'Rain will impede her chances. If it is good ground, I will be happy. If it is slow, it may not give her the best chance, and it is very soft, we would not run at all.'

(C) PA Sport