Maria To Seek Third Group 1 In Ireland

Amazing Maria (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), one of the surprise packages of the flat season looks likely to seek a Group 1 hat trick when she contests the G1 Matron S. at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend Sept 12. Following her latest top level victory in the G1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville last Sunday trainer David O’Meara has all but ruled out a return trip to France for a crack at the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois. “I’d say the Jacques le Marois is unlikely as it’s only two weeks away, so we’ll probably wait for the Matron at Leopardstown but I’ll speak to her owner Sir Robert Ogden before making a final decision,” said the Yorkshire based trainer. O’Meara is also looking further ahead and is strongly considering a Breeders’ Cup bid with the fast improving filly. “There’s the G1 Sun Chariot at Newmarket which will be on her agenda and also America at the end of the season. There’s the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf over a mile and one furlong and a bit. Olivier Peslier seems to think she’ll stay the trip.” Last weekend’s victory was the fourth Group 1 win for David O’Meara in the space of a year with the Cork born Irishman only in his sixth season with a trainers license.