Coolmore Stud Blackbeard Race

Justified 4-7 favouritism at Dundalk on debut in April, when 1.25l in front despite showing signs of greenness over 5f; disappointed when sent off the same odds in a Curragh Listed contest last time (5f, good), running keenly and jinking right late on to fade into third (6l behind What A Girl Wants); something to prove now but likely has more to give.

Starman colt got off the mark at the first time of asking over 5f at the Curragh (soft) when 1.25l ahead of What A Girl Wants; ran through the line strongly and while he has different ground to contend with now, he is a half-brother to two fast-ground winners; leading contender.

Moderate debut at Roscommon when a 6.5l sixth of ten (7.5f, good), weakening late on; he will have easier opportunities to get off the mark than this.

St Mark's Basilica filly; 62,000euros yearling was then purchased for 230,000gns as a 2yo; half-sister to five winners inc' Too Soon To Panic (1m/9.4f inc Listed; RPR 106), Wargrave (7f turf/1m2f snow, 102; 2m hurdle) and Ahandfulofsummers (1m1f; 98); dam 5f/6f winner (inc 2yo/Group 3; 106); interesting pedigree and worth a market check.

One of two for trainer; made a promising start when a 1.25l third behind Star Prospect at the Curragh last month (5f, soft); showed improvement to take second in a 5f Curragh Listed contest last time (4-7 fav' New Yorker 6l behind in third); 3lb better off with Star Prospect now compared to their initial meeting; in the mix.