Royal Dress goes for next glory to the Curragh

A return to the Curragh for the Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford Stakes seems to be the favoured next step for Royal Dress following her recent success at the track.

James Tate’s four-year-old has finished outside the top three only once in four starts this season. She began the campaign with a Listed win at Goodwood and then finished a tough-luck third in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom on Derby day. Although she was disappointing at Royal Ascot, she rebounded with a strong performance in the Meadow Court Stakes in Ireland, successfully stretching out to nine furlongs in the Group Three event.

While Royal Dress holds several entries for the coming months, Tate has indicated that a return to the Curragh in mid-September is the most likely option, given her preference for softer ground. 

Tate commented that they had considered the Prix Jean Romanet, but the ground would be too quick for Royal Dress. She has demonstrated a preference for softer ground, and the summer conditions this weekend are not ideal for her. They are targeting autumn races on softer ground to end the season.

She is entered in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday, but would only run there if the ground is very heavy. The following week, she is also entered in the Group Three Snow Fairy Stakes at the Curragh. Given her previous Group Three win, they are considering stepping her up in class, with the Group Two Blandford Stakes at the Curragh on September 15 being the most likely target.

Her victory in the Meadow Court Stakes was achieved on just soft enough ground, and the fast pace helped her stamina. It demonstrated that a mile and a quarter should suit her as well.