2.30 Leopardstown – Al Shira’aa Racing ‘Mutamakina’ Stakes (Group 3)

This looks a strong opportunity for City Of Memphis, who arrives here with the ideal blend of class, tactical pace and potential improvement. The HRB TimeWise ratings strongly favour her, with the Paddy Twomey-trained filly sitting clear at the top of the rankings, and historically these races are very often won by one of the first two rated runners.

Her comeback success at Gowran was visually impressive after almost a year off the track, and Timeform’s view that she “almost certainly has more to offer” is difficult to ignore. She had previously been thrown into Classic company in the Irish 1000 Guineas after only one maiden start, where she shaped far better than the bare result suggests. That experience now looks valuable.

The race setup also appears ideal. Comment Shaper predicts no obvious front runner and only moderate pace pressure, which should favour horses racing close to the speed rather than hold-up performers. City Of Memphis is expected to race prominently and Timeform specifically notes that Leopardstown’s 7f often suits those ridden handier in evenly-run contests.

Princess Child rates the chief threat. She is already proven at Group 3 level, arrives in good form after a narrow Curragh defeat, and her closing sectionals remain strong. However, she does carry a 3lb penalty and may find herself conceding first run to the selection.

Carla Ridge is respected after a dominant Listed success last autumn, but all her best recent form has come on softer ground and she still has something to prove on this quicker surface.

Aidan O’Brien’s Signora receives a valuable age allowance and remains progressive, though this represents a significant rise in grade after maiden company.

Everything about the race shape, ratings and progression profile points towards CITY OF MEMPHIS confirming herself a high-class filly.

Selection: CITY OF MEMPHIS

Saver: Princess Child

Confidence: Strong