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Varian filly set for Classic rematch with Hermosa

Roger Varian’s Qabala  has been supplemented for a rematch with Hermosa in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday.

Winner of the Nell Gwyn on her seasonal return, she was strongly fancied for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and stayed on to finish third as the 7-2 favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained Hermosa.

Varian has been happy with her at home since and feels she warrants another chance to win a Classic.

“Qabala has impressed us since running a very good race in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket where I felt she was a touch unlucky not to finish closer,” he told his website, www.varianstable.com.

“I feel she deserves another crack at a Classic, and everything about her demeanour suggests she is ready to go again.”

Eleven go forward with the addition of Qabala, with O’Brien responsible for five.

Heading his team is Hermosa, who could be joined by Coral Beach, Fairyland, Fleeting and Just Wonderful.

Joseph O’Brien has left in Iridessa while Richard O’Brien could run Dean Street Doll.

Kevin Ryan’s East, third in the French Guineas, Michael Bell’s Pretty Pollyanna, a Group One winner at two, and Paddy Twomey’s Foxtrot Liv are also in contention.