If there is a clue as to the pecking order among Ballydoyle's representatives in Sunday's G2 Breast Cancer Research Debutante S. it comes in Seamie Heffernan's decision to desert Brave Anna (War Front) for the unproven Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Having partnered the former to a memorable Royal Ascot win for owner-breeder Evie Stockwell in the six-furlong G3 Albany S. at June 17, it is a surprise that he opts for the seven-furlong Glorious Goodwood maiden scorer who is a daughter of the high-class triple group 1 heroine Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}). Rhododendron was second on debut to His Highness The Aga Khan's Rehana (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) over this course and distance June 24 and it will be interesting to see how much their careers have moved on subsequently. Rehana's trainer Mick Halford commented, “She's in good form and we've been happy with her at home since the last day. It's a big step up in class, but her form is good and we thought this was the obvious next step. It's a hot race, but that's what you expect when you're coming into a group two.” Intricately (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) represents Joseph O'Brien and she was third to another Ballydoyle runner in Promise To Be True (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G3 Silver Flash S. over this trip at Leopardstown last time July 21.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.




