Trainer Ed Dunlop believes “all the signs are good” for Snow Fairy as she bids for a seventh Group One success in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
The five-year-old mare added even more value to her incredible CV when she made a perfect return from a career-threatening injury in last month’s Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville.
Dunlop reports Snow Fairy to have touched down in Ireland in rude health and is confident of a big run – especially with the drying ground in her favour.
“She’s travelled over well. Let’s hope the ground continues to dry out,” said the Newmarket handler.
“I think it’s going to be beautiful racing ground and I don’t think anyone will have too many excuses.
“I don’t think it’s going to inconvenience any of the others, but it will certainly help us, rather than hinder us.
“I’ve already said I wouldn’t have run her if it was slow ground, so we’re happy with the way things are working out with the weather.
“It’s a Group One race and anything can happen.
“Obviously Nathaniel is there, St Nicholas Abbey is a very capable horse, and then you’ve got the three-year-olds.
“Our filly seems to have taken her race at Deauville well.”
After her narrow defeat in the Irish Champion Stakes 12 months ago, Snow Fairy went on to finish third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
While the same races are possible targets again, Dunlop is keen not to look to far ahead.
“After the injury she had, I think it’s sensible to take each race as it comes,” said the trainer.
