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English/Ire

Swelter strikes in Ballylinch Stud Stakes to emerge as Irish Guineas contender

Swelter preserved her unbeaten record resuming from a 255-day layoff to land the 7f Group 3 Ballylinch Stud 'Priory Belle' Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Racecourse : Leopardstown (Ireland)
Racecourse : Leopardstown (Ireland) Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Leopardstown has proven a happy hunting ground for Juddmonte's Swelter, having made a successful debut over one mile at the South Dublin course back in July. Dropping back to seven furlongs was no disadvantage to the Dermot Weld-trained filly, who stayed on strongly in the closing stages to see off the late challenge of the well-supported 5/6 favourite and Group 1-placed Exactly.

As well as landing a double for Weld and stable jockey Chris Hayes following Tarima's win in the opening maiden, the style of the three-year-old's victory has marked her out as a genuine contender for the Irish 1000 Guineas. Mounting a challenge one furlong out, Swelter's turn of foot to persevere in the closing stages was particularly impressive given the length of her absence from the track.

Regally bred, she is by Kingman out of Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes winner Hot Snap, who in turn is a half-sister to Midday – the winner of a record three Group 1 Nassau Stakes, alongside triumphs in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks, Group 1 Prix Vermeille, as well as the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Already boasting several wins this contest, most recently with Homeless Songs in 2022, Dermot Weld told Racing TV: "I'd say it was a good renewal of the race, a very competitive Group 3. I was delighted with her as it was only her second start.

"She won over a mile here last year and my concern was that seven might be a little too sharp for her.

"My reason for running her was that she would learn a lot from it, and I thought she came home very nicely.

"We'll see how she comes out of the race, but my present thoughts would be to head for something like the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

"She is a filly that will hopefully get ten furlongs as the season progresses."

Unibet currently make Swelter an 8/1 chance for the Irish 1000 Guineas in May.


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