'The softer the better for him' - connections of British raider Spycatcher hope forecast rain arrives

This Group 3 has been a beano for British-based sprinters in recent years with five overseas winners since 2017, but if that trend is to continue Spycatcher will have to do the business as he is Britain's sole representative. 

Spycatcher is a real force on his day. His sixth success came in a Deauville Group 3 last month, when he once again showed his love for soft ground. Indeed, his last three wins have all come when 'soft' has appeared in the going description, so the rain set to hit Ireland on Sunday will most definitely play to his strengths. 

My Mate Alfie is the highest-rated runner in the field and has developed into a seriously smart sprinter this season. To win the ultra-competitive Bold Lad Handicap off top weight takes some doing, and he won it decisively too. 

He has twice been well beaten on heavy, so if the ground deteriorates – as the weather forecast suggests it might – My Mate Alfie may struggle, although he seems a different horse now to the one who tried those conditions. He won a Listed race on yielding ground in June. 

Torivega is another who would prefer the rain to stay away and will have a big chance if it did. 

Two who will come into the reckoning at decent prices on really soft ground are Go Athletico and, in particular, Jakajaro. The latter has been holding his form together well all season and, while he might not have won as much as he should for a horse of his ability, this looks a big chance for him to hit the back of the net. 

What they say 

Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere Thoroughbreds, owners of Spycatcher
He's in good form and should have his conditions as it's a case of the softer the ground, the better for him. We've been waiting for the weather to change and Karl [Burke] is delighted with him and was definitely keen to go. He carries a penalty but we'd be hopeful he'll be very competitive.

Sheila Lavery, trainer of Torivega
He's bounced out of his run in the Bold Lad in great form, but those big dark clouds are worrying. We're forecast to get a lot of rain and that definitely won't suit him. It was the draw that beat him the last day and he probably deserves a bit of luck.

David Marnane, trainer of Jakajaro
He goes on any ground but this sort of surface will be more to his advantage than some of the others. He seems to be training better than ever at the moment and he's run some really big races for us this year.

Paddy Twomey, trainer of Super Sox
She's in good form and this race should suit. She's run in a straight line twice and won twice so hopefully that trend can continue.

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