Leopardstown preview: Green Impact puts intriguing formlines to the test

Green Impactcould give the Derby claims of Delacroix a timely boost at Leopardstown on Thursday, as he returns to action in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Glencairn Stakes after his respectable effort in the 2000 Guineas.

Jessica Harrington’s son of Wootton Bassett twice accounted for Aidan O’Brien’s Epsom favourite as a two-year-old, including in the Group Two KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at this track last September, and stepped up to the highest level for his reappearance when taking a shot at Newmarket’s opening Classic of the summer.

Although only sixth behind another Derby contender, Charlie Appleby’s Ruling Court, on the Rowley Mile, there were valid excuses on the day and connections retain the utmost belief in their runner as the high-class colt reverts to Listed company at a venue where he is unbeaten.

“It’s a good race to start him back after the Guineas,” said Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to owner Marc Chan.

“He lost a front shoe coming down the hill at Newmarket and clearly didn’t handle it, but on the other hand it was a very good race and he was sixth beaten six lengths and maybe if that hadn’t happened he could have been fourth beaten three lengths.

“Without doubt, there is no question he is a smart performer, and hopefully this will prove a nice race for him.”

Stablemate Norwalk Havoc will also run having scored at the track in Listed company in the autumn, with other notable names among the field of eight include Ger Lyons’ Prix Niel third Bravais and Paddy Twomey’s Currawood, who had his early-season momentum slightly checked at the Curragh recently.

On the same card, nine go to post for the King George V Cup, with Acapulco Bay and Rock Of Cashel tasked with enhancing Aidan O’Brien’s fine record in a race he has won for the last two seasons and five times in total.