Akeed Mofeed will bid to follow in the hoofprints of some of John Oxx’s all-time greats when he tackles the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
The trainer used this race as a stepping-stone for multiple Group One winners Alamshar and Azamour and was most recently victorious with the great Sea The Stars, winner of the 2000 Guineas, Derby and Arc.
The Jaber Abdullah-owned Akeed Mofeed certainly looked the real deal when bolting home in a Leopardstown maiden at his latest appearance, and Oxx admits he has always held the youngster in high regard.
“He’s looked promising right from the word go at home. As soon as he started fast work he looked good so we’ve always had a high opinion of him,” Oxx said.
“He had a good first run and it was nice to see him progress from that in the manner we expected next time.
“He certainly won well so it will be interesting to see how much he comes on again and it would be nice if he comes forward.
“I would probably expect this to be his last run of the season.”
Abdullah’s racing manager, Bruce Raymond, added: “I’m pleased to see he’s favourite because there are plenty of (Aidan) O’Brien horses in the race.
“It’s nice to have a favourite in front of theirs. Let’s hope he runs like a favourite.
“He’s definitely a good horse and we will see how good he is after this race.”
O’Brien has remarkably saddled 10 of the last 15 Beresford winners and this year relies on Athens, David Livingston and Furner’s Green.
Jim Bolger is doubly represented by Parish Hall and Whip Rule, while the Dermot Weld-trained Blue White Fire completes the seven-runner field.
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