REST OF THE CARD
2.35 CLUB GODOLPHIN IRISH EBF MAIDEN 7F
Mount Tabora can put the experience of his first two runs to good use. He began his career with an encouraging fifth to Viadera in a 6f maiden at this track last month and he showed up quite well when stepped up to 7f at Newmarket last weekend when beaten just over 3l into third by Al Hilalee.
He could easily progress again and he is preferred to Guaranteed whose career began with an encouraging second over this course and distance three weeks ago when he was beaten ½l by the smart-looking Klute. Giga White also showed promise to be beaten just 1½l into fourth in the maiden won by Klute and he appeals as another likely contender.
Third World holds a National Stakes entry and he is a son of Dansili and a very useful Galileo mare.
Selection: MOUNT TABORA
Next best: Guaranteed
3.10 EXTRA.IE HANDICAP 7F
A tentative vote goes to Casimiro who returns to the trip that he won over at Leopardstown two months ago. He defeated Ice Cold In Alex by 1½l at Leopardstown and looked like one that could easily win again but he was unable to make his presence felt when dropped back to 6f here last month, finishing at the rear in a handicap won by Shore Step.
He ran better than his final position would suggest last time so he is worth another chance. Kailee was beaten a short-head by Red Avenger on her comeback and she was involved in some prolonged scrimmaging that day which would not have helped her cause. There is more to come from her and she can reverse form with Red Avenger.
Georgian Bay showed up well in that same race and is certainly better than he showed at Killarney last weekend.
Selection: CASIMIRO
Next best: Kailee
3.45 TOTE SCURRY HANDICAP 6F 63YDS
Master Speaker is a hopeful choice to secure a race in which he has been placed twice before. He is only 3lbs higher than when taking second in 2016 and he has been in good heart this season as evidenced by efforts such as his second in a premier handicap over 1m on Guineas Weekend. He is dropping down in trip but he is returning to a distance over which all four of his victories have been achieved.
After losing his way somewhat, Gunmetal has made a resounding return to form this season as evidenced by wins in 6f handicaps at Thirsk and Newmarket. He has crept up 10lbs in the weights for those wins but should still be closely involved.
Ice Age won a premier handicap here on Champions Weekend and two wins from his last three outings underline his wellbeing. However, he is 11lbs higher than when scoring here in September and he may have to settle for a minor role on this occasion.
Selection: MASTER SPEAKER
Next best: Gunmetal
4.20 JEBEL ALI RACECOURSE AND STABLES ANGLESEY STAKES (GROUP 3) 6F 63YDS
An impressive debut victory in a 6f maiden here on Derby weekend earns Viadera the vote. The Bated Breath filly looked a potentially high-class sort when coming from off the pace to get on top nearing the line and she should be right at home at this level.
There should be plenty of improvement to come from her following that first run and she can deal with the threat posed by Just Wonderful.
The latter looked a cracking prospect when she made a winning debut at this track just under two months ago. She was unplaced in the Albany Stakes at Ascot next time but she faced no easy task going into that race off just one run and expect her to leave that form well behind.
The Railway Stakes runner-up Marie’s Diamond commands respect, while Gee Rex isn’t one to underestimate as he has run with credit in good company.
Selection: VIADERA
Next best: Just Wonderful
4.55 FRIARSTOWN STUD MINSTREL STAKES (GROUP 2) 7F
So Beloved, who reached the frame at Group 1 level last season when taking second in the Prix de la Foret, appeals as a likely winner.
He comes here off a creditable 1l second to Sir Dancealot in a 7f Group 3 at Newmarket and prior to that he didn’t run at all badly to be beaten just over 4½l in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. This is his ideal trip and this track should suit him well.
St Patrick’s Day made an encouraging turf debut when finishing third to I’m So Fancy in a 1m listed race at this track three weeks ago.
The slight drop back in distance won’t be any problem for him and he should be all the better for his first run of the year. He is a lightly raced type and is open to improvement.
Larchmont Lad was only 1l behind So Beloved at Newmarket last time and appeals as another likely contender.
Selection: SO BELOVED
Next best: St Patrick’s Day
6.05 BOODLES LADIES DERBY HANDICAP 1M 4F
This could see Batts Rock follow up his recent victory in a Bellewstown conditions race where he defeated stablemate Percy by 1¼l.
The five-year-old has crept up 6lbs in the ratings as a result of that victory but it was his first outing since September so there should be improvement forthcoming from him and he was quite a capable handicapper during his time in Britain.
He is given preference over Dasmyhoss who chased home the progressive Baba Boom at Limerick last month before showing up well at Killarney on Wednesday evening when he was fourth to Emperor Waltz in quite a useful 2m handicap.
Dasmyhoss is getting quite a significant weight concession from Batts Rock.
Selection: BATTS ROCK
Next best: Dasmyhoss
6.40 HANLON CONCRETE MAIDEN 1M 4F
Winner Takes Itall showed enough on his debut to suggest that a maiden success is well within his reach.
On that occasion the Nathaniel gelding was beaten just under 1½l into third by Somerset Maugham and he looked as though he would be all the better for that experience. His effort there also indicated that a longer trip would suit him and his pedigree suggests that today’s distance will suit him very well.
Persian Lion has contested a couple of reasonable maidens so far and his 6l fourth to Victory Salute at Cork represents quite a respectable showing given that the first two home in that race have more than done their bit to uphold the form.
Falcon Eight is a fascinating newcomer as a half-brother to the top class Free Eagle.
Selection: WINNER TAKES ITALL
Next best: Persian Lion