Can Search For A Song land the hat-trick in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh?

Sunday: 4.40 Curragh
Comer Group International Irish St Leger (Group 1) | 1m6f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTE1/RTV

Search For A Song has produced pitch-perfect performances to win the Irish St Leger for the last two years in a row and Dermot Weld says an audacious hat-trick attempt has been on his mind all season for the daughter of Galileo.

Weld has kept her fresh for this. She has only raced twice this season and her most recent appearance was in the Tattersalls Gold Cup over an inadequate 1m2½f back in May. While others have been locking horns in staying showdowns all season, she has been keeping her powder dry.

Her first victory in the race in 2019 was an extraordinary display. She pulled Chris Hayes's arms out for half-a-mile so he consented to let her roll. We all presumed she couldn't possibly stay in front given the amount of energy she used in the early part of the race but stay in front she did, finishing with two lengths to spare over Kew Gardens.

On the figures that was her best career performance as she posted an RPR of 118. She is a more relaxed filly now and Oisin Orr has got to know her very well, so the hat-trick could well be on the cards.

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Baron Samedi, Master Of Reality and Twilight Payment
This race has been the plan for Baron Samedi and we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on. He's got a wide draw but the return to this trip should suit him. Twilight Payment has lots of form over his course and distance so hopefully he can run well. Master Of Reality was good on his last start at Down Royal and looks to have an each-way chance.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Sonnyboyliston
He's a great horse. He was big and backward at two, did well at three and even better at four. He runs in the Irish St Leger and he'll run well. I definitely think he's up to it. He's not far behind them on the ratings. It's one of those years, it's open.

'I definitely think he's up to it' - Ebor winner Sonnyboyliston makes his Group 1 debutCredit: Edward Whitaker

Dermot Weld, trainer of Search For A Song
She's in very good form and I'm very happy for her. She has won the race for the last two years and we've had it in mind for her all season. It would obviously be a massive achievement by her to win it for a third time in what looks a very competitive renewal of the race.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Amhran Na Bhfiann, Passion, Carlisle Bay and King Of The Castle
Amhran Na Bhfiann would like a bit of nice ground and is in good form since his last start. He won around here before in the Curragh Cup when Passion ran well to finish third. She has come forward from that run but we think she'll come forward more. Carlisle Bay will stay and should like the trip. An ease in the ground wouldn't bother him. I think King Of The Castle should be fine at the trip too. He was a bit slow away at York last time but still ran well.

Read more Sunday previews:

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3.30 Curragh: Agartha and Homeless Songs renew rivalry in fascinating Moyglare Stud Stakes

4.05 Curragh: 'Straightforward' Point Lonsdale out to extend perfect record in National Stakes

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