The connections of this week’s Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire favourite Patrick Sarsfield appreciate that this Saturday’s feature on Paddy Power Day at The Curragh is a “tough” heat, but are hopeful that Kilkenny conjuror Joseph O’Brien’s charge might become a stakes contender later in the campaign as the four-year-old was among 38 remaining at today’s five-day stage.
The Australia gelding was last seen in action when landing his maiden at the fourth attempt at the same venue in October, when unextended to score by four lengths from Aisteoir.
Bill Dwan, racing manager for Patrick Sarsfield’s owner Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez, who is no stranger to a good horse having owned Qualify who scooped the 2015 English Oaks and Iridessa, successful in four Group 1 races, including most recently the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, said: “The Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire is the plan - we were delighted to see racing continuing in Ireland under very strict conditions, but racing going ahead is a good distraction in a difficult time for everyone.
“Initially you may be surprised it took him four runs to lose his maiden tag, but he ran in good company! On his first run he was beaten by Madhmoon who won a Group race on his next start and was second in the Epsom Derby.
“His second run he was beaten by Sydney Opera House who later that year was beaten a neck in a Group 1 in France. He was then purchased by the existing owners and he went to Cork after a long break and was beaten by Dance Jupiter who we hope is a good prospect for this year.
“His fourth run was a facile four length win at The Curragh in October.”
Dwan admits that the Irish Lincolnshire has been in their minds for some time although acknowledges while hopes are high for their charge, winning this high-class contest will not be easy.
He continued: “It has been the plan to run him in the Lincolnshire for quite a while and hopefully he progresses to Stakes company later in the year. The Lincolnshire historically is a hugely competitive race and this year’s renewal look to be no different.”
This weekend’s contest is over a mile, but it would be no surprise to see him competing over further in the year and Dwan is unconcerned how the ground rides.
He added: “Australia was a super racehorse who won two Derbies and Patrick’s half-sister won over a mile and a half so stamina should not be an issue. He has also run very well on good ground so he does not necessarily need it soft.
“It’s a tough race and it’s his first run so fingers crossed he runs well.”
Patrick heads Paddy’s market at 9-2 favourite. Other Paddy Power-sponsored races on Paddy Power Day include the Paddy Power ‘Return Of The Flat’ Fillies Maiden (2.25pm), Paddy Power ‘Betting Shop’ Handicap (3.25pm), Paddy’s Rewards Club Handicap (4.25pm) and the Paddy Power Onside App Colts Maiden (4.55pm).
Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire
Paddy Power: 9-2 Patrick Sarsfield, 7 Bashiyr, 10 Getaway Katie Mai, Quizical, 12 Njord, Psychedelic Funk, 14 Bucky Larson, Lancaster House, Lightning Amber, Onlyhuman, Trading Point, 16 Black Magic Woman, 20 Memyselfandmoi, Desert Wind, Lord Rapscallion, On A Session, Saltonstall, The Broghie Man, Theobald, 25 Big Baby Bull, Cyrus Dallan, Insignia Of Rank, Leagan Gaelige, 33 Allegio, Aussie Valentine, Bobby Boy, Bring Us Paradise, Drombeg Dream, Facethepuckout, Mutadaawel, Raphael, 40 Aered, Chilean, 50 Adnap, Lethal Power, 66 Sirjack Thomas, Three Comets, Wufud