Can Jessica Harrington break Ballydoyle's Beresford stranglehold with Hotazhell?

Ballydoyle had a stranglehold on the Group 2 Montane Developments Beresford Stakes for more than a decade, landing 11 runnings on the bounce from 2011 to 2021 with smart performers such as Luxembourg, Saxon Warrior and Japan. Lambourn and Trinity College are their two representatives this year, but Jessica Harrington could hold the key with Hotazhell.

Having finished fourth behind subsequent National Stakes winner Scorthy Champ on his debut, Hotazhell landed his next two starts, first putting in a smart display to beat Swagman in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown.

On his next start he had Scorthy Champ behind him when runner-up to Henri Matisse in the Futurity at the Curragh. The form of that race couldn't have worked out much better, with the third and first filling the first two spots in Group 1 company next time. The step up to a mile should be fine on pedigree and racecourse evidence, and he sets a lofty standard.

Wayne Lordan is on Trinity College, who was ninth in a strong maiden at the Curragh on his debut and improved on that to finish fourth at Leopardstown behind Hill Road. However, he proved a different prospect at Galway last time out on yielding ground when scorching 12 lengths clear of the field.

It's hard to gauge the strength of that form given two debutants filled the places and they haven't run since, but he clocked a strong time and appeals as the type who could really relish some dig in the ground.

Lambourn wouldn't mind any rain either given he landed a Listed event on soft at Craon when last seen. He didn't look the finished article on that occasion, which is understandable given it was his second start having scored at Killarney on his debut in July. However, he showed a good attitude to prevail and seems a strong stayer at this trip. He sports blinkers for the first time and Declan McDonogh is on board.

Tennessee Stud represents Joseph O'Brien and landed a Tipperary maiden in excellent style over a furlong longer trip earlier this month. That was a smart performance, particularly given he pulled two and a quarter lengths clear of Shackleton, who ran to a good level on his debut the time before. While the drop back in trip probably isn't ideal, he can't be taken lightly.

Andrew Balding sends over Windlord, who readily landed a novice at York when last seen. He left Shah trailing in his wake on that occasion and that rival finished runner-up to the promising Angelo Buonarroti the time before, so Windlord's form looks strong and he looks another potential threat in what looks an intriguing race.

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Hotazhell
He ran very well at the Curragh the last day and is stepping up to a mile now. He wouldn't mind the rain and hopefully has a good chance.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Trinity College and Lambourn
We were delighted with Trinity College at Galway the last day. He seems to be in good form since and we don't think he'll mind if a bit of rain came. Lambourn was very green in France but still won nicely and has been in good form since.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Tennessee Stud
He won well at Tipperary and drops down to a mile. He was impressive the last day and hopefully can run well. It seems a very good renewal of the race but it looks a nice spot for him.

Barry Mahon, racing manager to Juddmonte, owners of Windlord
He’s in good form. He won his novice at York last time, and Oisin [Murphy] was quite impressed. The drop of rain which we’ve had in Ireland will suit him.

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