Due Respect

The Irish sprinting scene has never been as vibrant, and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Due Diligence (War Front) is one of the chief protagonists as he returns for Sunday’s G3 Big Bad Bob Gladness S. at The Curragh. Last seen finishing second in the latest renewal of Royal Ascot’s G1 Diamond Jubilee S., Michael Tabor’s bay was racing away from the main action in an unsatisfactory split of the field into two groups on that occasion and subsequently had no chance with the high-class winner Slade Power (Ire) (Dutch Art {GB}). Emerging clear second-best of a talented bunch there, it will be fascinating to see how he fares on this belated comeback. Joining him from Ballydoyle is the 3-year-old Smuggler’s Cove (Ire)(Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who looked a serious prospect when winning the Listed Star Appeal S. over seven furlongs on Dundalk’s Polytrack in October before filling third spot in the G1 Dewhurst S. at Newmarket just a week later. Last year’s winner Sruthan (Ire) (Arakan) warrants respect at a track he clearly favors, while the in-form Dermot Weld stable relies on the lightly-raced Shadwell runner Alkasser (Ire) (Shamardal), who needs to step up on his return second in a 7 1/2-furlong conditions event at Tipperary Apr. 9.