'She was tough and hardy but this is a big step up' - will potential or experience prevail in fascinating Group 3 test?

This race looks set to be a fascinating clash between potential and experience.

Faiyum has been mightily impressive in her two starts. She powered clear of some subsequent winners when landing a maiden on testing ground on her debut at this track over a mile and she followed up that victory with success in a Killarney fillies' race over the same trip. She took a while to get rolling that day and was strong at the line, so the step up to a mile and a quarter looks like it will be in her favour. 

On the other side of the equation is Barnavara, who will be making her tenth start and is a contender with form in the book. The Jessica Harrington-trained filly has placed in a number of Group contests and was the winner of a Listed race at Navan last time, when keeping on well over a mile. She was busy as a two-year-old and is a battle-hardened, likeable sort, while the step up in trip should do her no harm either.

Adding further spice to the mix is And So To Bed, who finished her six-race season on a high in October when a half-length second to subsequent Oaks runner-up Whirl. The Joseph O'Brien-trained runner left a poor seasonal return run behind her when beaten just a head in the Gowran Classic this month.

Darzina has the least experience of all, with just one run to her name. That resulted in a comfortable win at Gowran and there is no knowing what she may be capable of producing.

Barnavara: steps up to a mile and a quarter on her tenth start Credit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of And So To Bed and Dawn Spirit
And So To Bed would like a drop of rain after she had a good run at Gowran last time when beaten a head. Dawn Spirit ran below par last time and hopefully she can take a step back to her form here.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Barnavara and Bonnie Moon
Barnavara steps up to a mile and a quarter, but the way she stayed on to win last time at Navan suggests it should be all right for her. We're hoping for a good run. Bonnie Moon won her maiden very nicely at Dieppe and we'll see how she goes now stepping up in class. 

Willie McCreery, trainer of Bellacanta
I'd love if some rain came. She was tough and hardy at Navan but this is a big step up.

Eoghan O'Neill, trainer of Tamam Desert
She ran well at the track before running in the Guineas. We were happy with that run. She ideally needs soft ground to be at her best. I'm going to monitor the weather to make sure it has rained enough for her to take part.

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.