Ballyroan Stakes Betting Tips & Race Preview 2016

Our race preview focuses on the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown. Our betting tips below apposes the runner up of last years controversial St Leger, who may struggle to give 14lb’s to our selection.

IN SUMMARY: Bondi Beach is a very classy horse as evidenced by a very close 2nd to Simple Verse in the St Leger Stakes in a dramatic finish. Will obviously go very close but whether he can give 14lb’s to STELLAR MASS remains to be seen. He himself won the Ulster Derby and followed that up with 2 decent efforts since then, and can certainly give the most likely short priced favourite a lot to think about.

1 BONDI BEACH – One of the top stayers in the division who has won twice this season, latest when making quite a meal of Group 3 at Navan in May (14f, Good) when 1/9 favourite. He may well find this trip on the short side and could be vulnerable. However with that said, he finished 2nd in the St Leger last year, and therefore he is no push over whatsoever and needs to be given the biggest amount of respect.

2 AGNES STEWART – Won the Group 2 May Hill Stakes 2 years ago and wasn’t seen in 2015. Clearly no push over with that form in the books but his return was bitterly disappointing when last of 5 at the Curragh (10f, Yielding). Needs to put that well behind her.

3 ALMELA – Won a Galway Maiden by 19 lengths back in August on debut (12f, Good to Firm) but didn’t really go on after with two second places in September and October, but those were by no means bad efforts. Has the potential to mix it but she needs more and will need to be at peak fitness on return.

4 LUSTROUS LIGHT – Won very easily at Fairyhouse latest (12f, Good to Yielding). This is much harder but he wasn’t exactly a cheap buy (310,000gns) and has lots of potential, so no surprise to see him there at the finish.

5 SHOGUN – Only win was back in July last year in a Maiden at the Curragh (7f, Good) and has largely struggled in higher grade race since then. Good 2nd in a Group 3 won by Ulysses latest at Goodwood (12f, Good to Firm) and definitely has it in him to win a race like this for powerful connections. Seamie Heffernan opts for Bondi Beach so take that as you will.

6 STELLAR MASS – Won the Ulster Derby at Down Royal in June (14f, Good) and is now looking for his 4th win in 5 races. Clearly in very good heart and has been running very well of late, latest when winning at Down Royal again in July (14f, Good). Conditions are to suit and he will definitely go close.