Verhoyen bids to get off mark at Fairyhouse Verhoyen bids to get off the mark at Fairyhouse on Thursday evening after narrowly missing out on Listed glory last time. The Michael Grassick-trained colt ran a cracker to chase home True Blue Moon in the Rochestown Stakes at Naas on his last outing, going down by half length after staying on from the rear. He drops back to maiden company now in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Maiden and looks the obvious one to beat in the six-furlong contest. The son on Piccolo had been fifth in a similar contest won by Beckford at the Curragh previously and the form of that race has worked out particularly well. Reopposing now is Red Persian who ran a fine race to finish second that day on his debut, for Patrick Prendergast. More patient tactics seemed to work better for Verhoyen last time and it will be interesting to see if he can turn around that form having shown improvement when stepped up in grade. Gordon Elliott has already struck with his first juvenile runner this season and it will be interesting to see how he fares as he saddles two in the race. Kyllachy colt Only William's dam is a half-sister to Listed scorer Adaala, who is also the grand-dam of Awtaad. He is also represented by Rock Of Gibraltar filly Smiling Eliza, who is closely related to Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Samitar. Her dam is a half-sister while she shares the same sire. The 103-rated Noivado sets a good standard in the six-furlong conditions event on the card, the Next Meeting Friday 16th June Race. Ger Lyons' charge has already been placed in Listed company this season, when narrowly denied at Dundalk in the Patton Stakes. He didn't make any impression behind stable-mate Doctor Geoff at Naas last month in the Tetrarch Stakes but wasn't beaten far at the end and should make most of a drop in grade now. The potential improver in the field looks to be Solar Halo, who enjoys a 8lb pull at the weights with Noivado. She finished well to get up on the line in a competitive handicap at the Curragh on her return and there looks more to come from the Willie McCreery-trained filly. Having tested the waters at Group Three level as a juvenile she is obviously well regarded and may be capable of moving on to better things.
