Nunthorpe Stakes heroine Winter Power faces fierce test in Flying Five

Sunday: 2.55 Curragh
Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (Group 1) | 5f | 3yo+ | RTE1/RTV

Winter Power has been unstoppable at York, but can she do it away from home against the fastest in Ireland and Britain? That is the poser for punters in what is a fascinating running of the Flying Five, a sprint which was upgraded to Group 1 status in 2018.

It certainly warrants being a top-level race this year, that's for sure. The explosive Nunthrope winner takes on Glass Slippers, winner of this race 12 months ago on the way to Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint glory. She also took the Abbaye in 2019 and certainly knows what it takes to win at the top level.

Dragon Symbol has been ultra-consistent and you sense one of these days everything is going to fall into place and he'll get the Group 1 win he deserves. He did, of course, pass the post first in the Commonwealth Cup only to be demoted in the stewards' room after he interfered with Campanelle.

The Irish challenge, looking for only a sixth win in the last decade, is spearheaded by the rapidly improving Mooneista, who looked better than ever when swooping late to land the Sapphire Stakes over this course and distance in July.

What they say

Archie Watson, trainer of Dragon Symbol
He's been very consistent all year and we've been happy with him at home. This looked the obvious next step for him. I think he's versatile in terms of trip – his five-furlong form looks just as good as what he's done over six – and hopefully this distance at the Curragh will suit him well.

Karl Burke, trainer of Significantly
He's in great form. It's a big ask, it's one of the strongest runnings I've seen of this race. But he's only a three-year-old, we'll let him take his chance and I'm sure we've got a good sprinter for next season even if it's not tomorrow.

Glass Slippers: winner of last year's Flying FiveCredit: Patrick McCann

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer of Glass Slippers
It's a stronger running. Winter Power was extremely impressive at York, I think the track will suit Dragon Symbol more and the Irish horses are improving. She was last off the bridle in the King George and it was nine months since her last run so she's entitled to improve for that. She's in great order, a triple Group 1 winner, and we know everything suits her over there. She's the horse of a lifetime.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Measure Of Magic
She had a great start to the year and she ran her heart out at Ascot. It probably took a little more out of her than I thought it did at the time. She was a bit flat the last day, but she's fresh and well now and working well. She's back over five and I've always had this race in mind for her. A stiff five at the Curragh where they go fast, it's made for her. It's going to be tough but she's going well again.

Jack Davison, trainer of Mooneista
She's flying and I think she's in even better shape now than she was going into the Sapphire. She's a proper speedster and is learning what's required of her now. It's obviously a hot race, but it's a Group 1 and I'd expect nothing less. There is lots of pace in there so that will suit my filly.

Read more Sunday previews:

2.20 Curragh: Love faces serious opposition dropping down in grade for the Blandford Stakes

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

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

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