Weld Optimistic for Homeless Songs in Matron Stakes

A patient approach has paid off spectacularly with many of Dermot Weld's stable stars down the years, and Ireland's eight-time champion trainer will be hoping for a similar reward with Tattersalls Irish One Thousand Guineas (G1) heroine Homeless Songs  in the Coolmore America "Justify" Matron Stakes (G1) Sept. 10.

It's been 111 days since the lightly raced daughter of Frankel  delivered a knockout performance at the Curragh, beating Cazoo Oaks (G1) winner Tuesday  by 5 1/2 lengths.

Connections appear to have been keen to avoid overly quick conditions for the 3-year-old filly, and that will not be an issue after the arrival of more than 116mm of rain in the last week.

This will be Homeless Songs' first start on ground softer than good to yielding, but her dam Joailliere was particularly effective in testing conditions. She rates the one to beat.

Her main rival Saffron Beach  has won on both good to firm and soft ground and looks likely to provide the biggest test the Moyglare filly has faced in her five-race career.

The Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained contender arrives in rude health after winning the Prix Rothschild (G1) last time, with Saturday's rivals Tenebrism  in second and Pearls Galore  in fifth.

Official ratings suggest Saffron Beach has four pounds to find with Homeless Songs, but the older challenger's experience in group 1 company is a valuable asset.

Despite Tenebrism finishing second over this trip last time at Deauville, she looks more effective at seven furlongs. Her chances will be enhanced if Ryan Moore can conserve energy with a ground-saving trip from stall 1.

Pearls Galore, runner-up in this race 12 months ago, is fitted with cheekpieces for the first time and has the potential to show up well, but she hasn't looked quite as good this season as was the case in 2021.

Don't be surprised if the Henry de Bromhead-trained Star Girls Aalmal, who is joined here by stablemate Honey Girl , outruns her odds now back on an easy surface.

Weld Sizing up Autumn Campaign 

Dermot Weld is looking forward to the first step in a major autumn campaign with Homeless Songs, then taking in the Prix de la Foret (G1) at Longchamp and the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland.

The trainer has already won the Matron three times, including 20 years ago with Moyglare Stud homebred Dress To Thrill, and says he wouldn't swap his runaway Irish One Guineas winner for anything else in the race.

"I'm delighted with her progress," said Weld, who also won with Valley Forge in 1977 and Emulous in 2011. "She's in great form. I think being patient was the correct approach for her and long term I certainly think it will prove to be."

He added: "It's a very, very good group 1, an excellent race. They're all very good. Saffron Beach is a very smart 4-year-old and Tenebrism is a group 1 winner.

"I think we could see a better filly there on Saturday, but I wouldn't swap my own filly. I'm very happy with her."