British challenge may hold the key to tricky Ballyogan Stakes puzzle

Tally-Ho Stud Irish EBF Ballyogan Stakes (Group 3) | 6f | 3yo+ | RTV

The draw has become a significant factor in races on the straight track at Naas. Of the 13 races ran on that part of the course during their last three meetings, eight winners have come from stall three or lower, while another came from stall four.

That bodes well for the chances of Teresa Mendoza, Pirate Jenny, Adaay To Remember and My Eyes Adore You, who are drawn in stalls one to four respectively, but it is likely to take more than just the draw to figure out the winner of this highly competitive Group 3.

Four challengers have been sent from Britain to have a crack at this €80,000 contest and the standard on ratings is set by the Patrick Owens-trained Adaay To Remember and Benefit for Clive Cox – both rated 104. William Haggas sends over Perfect News, while the travelling brigade is completed by the David Loughnane-trained Hello You.

The home team is not bad either. Teresa Mendoza is a rock-solid performer who relishes these contests. Third in this last year when it was run at the Curragh, she landed the Listed Dash Stakes on Irish Derby weekend, but has been well-held twice since. Ken Condon will be hoping she can get closer to proceedings on this occasion.

Gary Carroll has opted for Sacred Bridge out of the Ger Lyons-trained pair. Last season’s Ballyhane Stakes winner is enjoying a fine season but has a length to find with stablemate Pirate Jenny on their Yeomanstown Stud Stakes running at this venue last month.

Gary Carroll has opted for Sacred BridgeCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Sablonne split Lyons’ pair in that Listed contest and is sure to improve again, while Ano Syra is a filly going from strength to strength and John Feane will be hoping she can build on her recent second in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes.

What they say

Patrick Owens, trainer of Adaay To Remember
She was an immature yearling. We didn’t run her at two so all her races have been calculated and her campaign has been mapped out to do what’s best for her. Ground wise she’s pretty versatile so the ground shouldn't be a concern. Hopefully she'll enjoy the track.

Ken Condon, trainer of Teresa Mendoza
She’s very consistent for a sprinter. She likes a strongly run race. She has finished third here before and is best when there's a good pace to aim at – she needs that to get involved.

John Feane, trainer of Ano Syra
She’s improving and ran a cracker in a strong Group 3 the last day and has been in good order since. We think she’ll run well.

Clive Cox, trainer of Benefit
She's travelled over well and conditions should be suitable for her. She won well at Salisbury and ran with credit in a better race at York. John Fahy gets on really well with her and this race is a logical step. She goes there with a live chance.

Dave Loughnane, trainer of Hello You
She's in good form and ran well at Goodwood last time. We're dropping to six furlongs, but it's a stiff six and I don't think it'll be a problem and it'll probably suit her better.

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