Arizona Blaze and Henri Matisse meet in Red Rocks clash

Arizona Blaze’s Classic credentials will be given a thorough examination by Breeders’ Cup hero Henri Matisse in a fascinating renewal of the Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Adrian Murray’s Arizona Blaze has plied his trade over sprint distances thus far, winning at Group Three level as a juvenile last May before going on to be placed in several high-profile races, including a runner-up finish over five furlongs in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

However, having made an impressive return to action in a six-furlong conditions event at Dundalk a fortnight ago, the three-year-old tests the water at seven furlongs for the first time this weekend, with Murray keen to learn whether he has a genuine 2000 Guineas contender on his hands.

“The horse is in serious order and we’re very excited to be going there with him, so hopefully now he can get the seven (furlongs),” said the trainer.

“We think he should get it and if he got the seven, we’d definitely be looking at the Guineas.

“Sunday will tell us plenty.”

Henri Matisse won four of his six juvenile starts for Aidan O’Brien and has proven stamina over a mile having struck Breeders’ Cup gold in the Juvenile Turf.

The son of Wootton Bassett holds big-race entries in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Irish Guineas at the Curragh and the Derby at Epsom.

O’Brien, who also runs Rock Of Cashel in Sunday’s Group Three, said earlier in the week: “Henri Matisse is very well. He’s a fast horse, he likes fast ground and likes to come late.

“The ground looks like it’s not bad ground, but he’s only ready to start back.

“What happened last year was we put blinkers on him on bad ground in France, he got a bump and got frightened early. Then he won very well in America, he did very well to win there because he had a bad draw and it’s a difficult place to win from a bad draw.

“He’s a very good mover, so I’d say we wouldn’t be keen to go on soft ground with him again. I’d say a mile and fast ground and take your time on him.”

The Ballydoyle handler’s eldest son Joseph saddles Spycraft and Tribal Nation, while younger brother Donnacha is represented by Comanche Brave. The Dermot Weld-trained Hazdann completes the line-up.

Three-year-old fillies get their chance to shine at Group Three level in the Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” Stakes.

Aidan O’Brien is again well represented, with Ryan Moore siding with Exactly over stable companions Bubbling (Wayne Lordan) and Merrily (Ronan Whelan). Jessica Harrington’s Barnavara, Dermot Weld’s course winner Swelter and the Ger Lyons-trained Sparkling Sea also feature.

“Exactly was a Group winner last year, she looks good and forward and by running her, it gives her time to go for the English Guineas,” said O’Brien.