top 2yo´s at Leopardstown today

the top-rated 2yo race today is the Group One Criterium International, at Saint-Cloud, but the Group Three Killavullen Stakes over 7 furlongs at Leopardstown is arguably the more interesting event. This sees the second start of the most-hyped juvenile of 2011- Born to Sea (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh). Born to Sea won his first start, a 6 furlongs listed race at the Curragh, in very promising style, but his main claim to fame is the fact that he is the last foal out of the outstanding Arc winner Urban Sea, the most influential broodmare of the last 50 years. He is thus a half-brother to Sea the Stars, Galileo and other stars so has a lot to live up to. Whether he will ever be as good as his siblings will not be known until next year, but he should at least win today, although Nephrite, one of 3 Aidan O´Brien entries and partnered by son Joseph, looks a serious opponent. He also won his only start over 6 furlongs at the Curragh in impressive manner and however he runs today, look s a colt worth following.
The other big race at Leopardstown is the listed Trigo Stakes over 10 furlongs at 15.30, and the admirable Famous Name (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) will be a hot favourite to win this event for the third time. The only dangers would appear to be the lightly-raced 3yo´s Atlantic Swing (Oxx/ Murtagh) and his own stable companion Zaminast (Pat Shanahan).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Wonderful - Twirl - Princess Highway
2. Race: Born To Sea - Nephrite - Ishvana
3. Race: Mr Red Clubs - Antiquus - Coolnagree
4. Race: Zaminast - Atlantic Swing - Hurricane Havoc
5. Race: Thomasgainsborough - Golden Hill - Fatcatinthehat
6. Race: Fred Fenster - Star Links - Shirley Blake
7. Race: Midnight Music - Sun Disc - Leroy Parker