‘Weather-watch’ for leading Solonoway contender Alakazi

Connections of Alakazi, second-favourite in some lists for the Tonybet Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday, have warned he is not a definite runner.

The Johnny Murtagh-trained three-year-old has built up a consistent and progressive profile this season, with a narrow defeat in the Desmond Stakes his most recent effort.

However, while many people have been delighted by the recent rainfall ahead of Irish Champions Festival this week, Pat Downes, racing manager of the Aga Khan Studs in Ireland, is not one of them.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing him run again, but he is a horse that really does want good ground so we’re on weather-watch with him,” said Downes.

“We’re not sure if he’ll definitely line up on Saturday at this stage, because we know he absolutely needs a nice surface.”

Jack Channon’s Johan, who won the Desmond Stakes, and Ed Dunlop’s Skukuza, twice a winner in Ireland already and a fast-finishing third in the Strensall Stakes last time out, are among the 10 declared.