Panstarr back at Naas for Park Express Stakes

Four-year-old filly Panstarr steps up to G3 level for the one-mile Park Express Stakes, the best race on the opening day of the Irish turf season at Naas on Sunday, 25 March.

The daughter of Pivotal, trained by Jim Bolger, makes her seasonal debut after coming home fourth over the same course and distance in the Listed Garnet Stakes on soft ground in October.

Panstarr has gained three victories, including when staying on gamely to take a 10-furlong premier handicap at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend in September.

Kevin Manning takes the ride as usual on Panstarr, who faces six others, headed by the first and second from the Garnet Stakes - Elegant Pose and Making Light.

Jimmy Hyland of Godolphin commented: “Jim Bolger has been very happy with Panstarr and the soft ground should suit her.

“She was a progressive filly last year, who went up through the handicap and we would like to try and get some Black Type with her this season.”

Sunday’s card also features the first major handicap of the year in Ireland, the Irish Lincolnshire over a mile, in which Godolphin is represented by Saltonstall (Michael Halford/Pat Smullen).

The four-year-old, also by Pivotal, was a maiden winner over seven furlongs at Limerick in October, 2016, from three starts as a two-year-old.

He makes his first appearance since disappointing in the 10-furlong G3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown in April, his only outing of 2017.

Jimmy Hyland added: “Saltonstall is a lightly-raced four-year-old who had some issues last year but he is training very well at the moment.

“He has been gelded since his latest run and has done well over the winter.

“He should like conditions and we think that he will have a decent season this year.”