The feature race at Fairyhouse on Monday is the Listed 6f Blenheim Stakes for juveniles (17:10), and Soul Search can cash-in now eased in grade.
Trained by Ger Lyons, this Zoffany filly has run some fine races in defeat in her career so far. They include when held just a head close home by subsequent Group 1 winner Love in a 7f Leopardstown maiden on debut.
Connections pitched Soul Search straight into top class races off the back of that narrow defeat.
She was nearest at the finish and just a length behind Roman Turbo in third in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes over an extended 6f at The Curragh.
Soul Search then filled the same spot when up in trip and grade for the 7f Group 2 Debutante Stakes at that venue in August.
Regular rider Colin Keane got her upsides the leaders in the final furlong, but she just didn’t quite enough in the closing stages and went down by three-quarters of a length to Alpine Star.
Soul Search far from disgraced in Group 1 company
A crack at the highest level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend followed, and she was far from disgraced when a fading at the death two-length fourth.
That suggests a drop back in trip here is a plus. This is also a massive ease in grade for and looks her easiest assignment for some time.
As a filly, Soul Search gets a 5lb sex allowance from the colts in this. Even before taking that into account, she is the top-rated horse in the Blenheim Stakes field of seven on a mark of 105.
That puts her 8lb and upwards clear of her six rivals on adjusted ratings. Race terms are in her favour, then, and Soul Search looks a worthy 5/4 favourite with William Hill for a deserved victory.
With handler Lyons and jockey Keane still among the winners of late, this is a fine opportunity for her to finally win a race.
Bet of the Day: 5/4 with William Hill, Soul Search in the Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse.
