Michael Dods may run Mecca's Angel in Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh
Tuesday 12 July 2016 16:36, UK
Mecca's Angel is likely to make the journey to Ireland in a bid to get her season back on track in Saturday's Kilfrush Stud Sapphire Stakes.
The Michael Dods-trained mare was narrowly beaten in the Curragh Group Two 12 months ago before claiming Group One glory in the Nunthorpe at York.
Following a pleasing return to action at Haydock in May, she was a hot favourite for the King's Stand at Royal Ascot, but proved a bitter disappointment and was later found to have been in season.
Dods was initially keen to give his charge a break and head straight back to the Knavesmire next month for a Nunthorpe defence, but he has had a change of heart.
"We'll make a proper decision tomorrow (Wednesday), but it looks like they'll get decent ground, I'm told, and it's looking like we'll probably run," said the Darlington-based trainer.
"She's very well. Paul (Mulrennan) came and sat on her on Saturday and he was very happy.
"If we're going to run her before the Nunthorpe this is the only option, so it's looking likely at the moment."
reopens Mecca's Angel was among 16 left in the five-furlong dash at the confirmation stage. G Force, winner of the 2014 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock when in the care of David O'Meara, has been supplemented by trainer Adrian Keatley. As well as Mecca's Angel, British interests are well represented with Kevin Ryan's Brando, the Jeremy Gask-trained Medicean Man, Mick Channon's Divine, David Evans' Gracious John and the Robert Cowell-trained duo of Spirit Quartz and Iffranesia. Eddie Lynam has four hopefuls in Byzantium, Moviesta, Sole Power and Fort Del Oro. Aidan O'Brien can choose from The Happy Prince, Washington DC and Waterloo Bridge while Ger Lyons' Ardhoomey completes the list.
