Trainer Kevin Prendergast has reported that his stable star Madhmoon is in rude health ahead of his return to the track this afternoon at Leopardstown as he is set to get ready for some big challenges in the Autumn.
The three year old takes aim in the Group 3 Invesco Pension Consultants Desmond Stakes tonight where he takes on six rivals in what is a big step down in grade for the colt.
The Irish Champion Stakes next month over a mile looks to be the next challenge if coming through this minor contest unharmed and still in good form, where the colt will be looking to add to his course and distance form at the Dublin track.
Madhmoon this season has ran to a very high standard in defeat and this race looks like an event where the horse can build his confidence heading into some tougher races during the rest of the season.
Racing four times this year, the three year old finished second in a Listed contest over seven furlongs at the track, with it being soft ground that day and not his favoured conditions.
He then went to Newmarket for the 2000 Guineas and was a good staying on fourth, he showed his true potential that day and his trainer many potential options of where to go next.
With that in mind he was stepped up in trip to 1mile 4 furlongs and was entered in the Epsom Derby where he was a very unlucky loser being touched off on the line by Aidan O'Brien's Anthony Van Dyck.
He went to get his revenge in the Irish Derby at the Curragh but was blown away by three of O'Brien's runners and never competed in the contest.
Prendergast has now put him back down to a mile where he will look to thrive in these conditions and should really get back to winning ways.
(Credit At The Races) “He couldn’t be better, he’s in great shape,” said Prendergast.
“It’s a start for him. He’s in the Champion Stakes – he has to have a run somewhere and this is a good place to run him.
“He’s been there three times. He’s won there twice and been second the other time. He likes the track and conditions suit him, so he should be there or thereabouts.”