Majestic Queen To Conquer At Fairyhouse

The females take centre stage at Fairyhouse on Sunday via the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes over 7f (3.30), and this year’s renewal looks well up to scratch.

Queen To Rule
First up there is Tracey Collins’ 5yo, Majestic Queen, who heads the weights as the highest rated runner in the race (106) – a rating that has been earned courtesy of two Group 3 wins, the second of which came at Lingfield in May.

Majestic Queen bettered that effort a few weeks later despite only finishing third (beaten over 1l) in Group 2 class against the males at the Curragh (6f, yielding), but the return to this trip and grade will be to her liking.

It’s also worth noting that while the Classic generation won the Brownstown three times since 2005, the older runners triumphed at a higher strike-rate…

Trends Summary
Of the last 10 Brownstown winners…

9 ran over 6.5f or further last time
9 made the top four last time
8 won during their last three runs
8 were non-favourites
8 were Irish-bred
7 were 4-5yo’s (20%) – 3yo’s were 3-46 (7%)

History Points To The Elders
Also representing the older brigade is David Wachman’s, Fastnet Mist (rated 94), who has been second and third in a couple of 1m events, but will need more on Sunday, while Michael Halford’s 6yo, Slipper Orchid, is a C&D winner on fast ground, but remains 0-6 in Listed/Group company.

3yo’s To Hit Back?
As for the 3yo’s, then Ger Lyons’ Ainippe arrives with a progressive profile, having recorded a career best in landing a Group 3 at the Curragh a month ago (6f, good). As she is related to middle-distance winners, this step up in trip looks sure to suit and her best days are ahead of her. She makes the short-list.

Edward Lynam also has an interesting 3yo in Byzantium, who was unlucky not to land a valuable handicap at the Curragh last weekend (7f, good). Conditions won’t be a problem for her and there is more to come on what will be just her fourth outing.

Fastnet Mist’s stablemate, Queen Nefertiti, also has her fourth career outing having been beaten 12l in the 1,000 Guineas, and the betting may provide clues to her chance.

Recommended Bets
The 3yo’s are certainly respected, with Ainippe, a filly who looks to be going places, but with the older runners bossing this race down the years, the nod goes to top-weight, Majestic Queen. She may have to concede weight, but her close third against the males in a Group 2 last time suggests she will find this task easier.

*Prices correct at time of publication