Following 12mm of rain overnight, the ground is now soft, soft to heavy in places. Currently raining with a further 6mm (approx) this morning, to clear late morning & dry thereafter. 6 yards of fresh ground today.

1.55 Fruit Shoot Maiden

1m 1f

Having looked a winner all over before being caught close home at Naas last time, Maestro Bernstein can go one better. Mid division on his racecourse debut at Listowel, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt took a significant step forward from that introduction. If improving as much from his second to third start, the son of Wootton Bassett should take beating.

Third at Punchestown last month, the Johnny Feane-trained Playin Cool looks a strong contender. Having only got the hang of it late on, the son of Belardo stayed on very strongly in the closing stages to reach the frame.

SELECTION: MAESTRO BERNSTEIN

Next best: Playin Cool

2.25 Bahrain Turf Club Knockaire Stakes (Listed) 1m

The veteran Mutasarref can provide Robert Whearty with an important winner in his quest for the apprentice title. A four-time scorer at this track, the Ger Lyons-trained seven-year-old can always be relied on to run his race when he turns up here. With upwards of 8lb in hand on official ratings, the gelding has strong claims.

UK raider Sallaal has to be respected for the Roger Varian stable. A lightly-raced colt having just his sixth career start, the son of Frankel is open to any amount of improvement.

SELECTION: MUTASARREF

Next best: Sallaal

2.55 Gables Foxrock Cup Handicap 1m

Summer Snow can register a second course and distance win for trainer Peter Lawlor. A three-time scorer earlier in the season, the grey was far from disgraced when third here on her most recent start. Given that both the winner and runner-up went on to land impressive victories subsequently, the form of that race looks particularly strong.

Runner-up on her last two starts, the Paul Flynn-trained Fast Tara shouldn’t be far away. Although raised 7lb for her most recent effort, the daughter of Fast Company has the services of a capable 10lb claimer now.

SELECTION: SUMMER SNOW

Next best: Fast Tara

3.26 Trigo Stakes (Listed)

1m 2f

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Trustyourinstinct can record an eighth career win. Twice successful earlier in the season, the Churchill gelding had a rare off day when well beaten here on Champions Weekend. Unquestionably much better than that bare form, it would be surprising if the five-year-old isn’t involved in the finish.

Acapulco Bay, who finished ahead of the selection last time, looks to hold every chance. A consistent colt, the Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Dubawi shouldn’t be inconvenienced by dropping back in trip.

SELECTION: TRUSTYOURINSTINCT

Next best: Acapulco Bay

4.00 Christmas Festival

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Handicap 1m 2f

Pillar Of Hope will require plenty of luck in running given his hold-up style but shouldn’t be far away if getting the breaks. Winner of the Apprentices Derby at the Curragh, the Paul Sweeny-trained gelding remains well handicapped on recent efforts. Adaptable trip wise, this 10-furlong race could prove to be ideal.

Winner of his latest two starts, the hat-trick seeking Castleheath shouldn’t be discounted. Although he will need to improve again, the Ciaran Murphy-trained four-year-old arrives here in the form of his life.

SELECTION: PILLAR OF HOPE

Next best: Castleheath

4.35 Bahrain Turf Club October Handicap (Premier Handicap) 1m 4f

Off the track since disappointing in the London Gold Cup in May, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Genealogy catches the eye. It has to be significant that connections have opted to race the lightly-raced colt again at this late stage of the season. Also holding a Group 3 entry next month, the son of Wootton Bassett is almost certainly believed to be well handicapped.

A former winner of this race, Zoffman returns to what is arguably his optimum trip. With Colin Keane back in the saddle, the Noel Meade-trained gelding deserves serious consideration off a reduced mark.

SELECTION: GENEALOGY

Next best: Zoffman

5.10 Watch Every Irish Race Live On Racing TV Handicap 7f 24yd

Making a quick reappearance, Skippinandajumpin can open her account for Joseph O’Brien. Runner-up at Killarney on her penultimate start, the form of that race received a boost when the winner followed up next time.

Although a beaten favourite at the Curragh earlier this week, the daughter of The Grey Gatsby didn’t get the clearest of passages.

Pandion Power is 4lb higher following a second placing at Gowran last month. However, with the winner franking the form subsequently, that form looks much better than it did at the time. First-time cheek pieces should also help this prominent racer in the latter stages.

SELECTION: SKIPPINANDAJUMPIN

Next best: Pandion Power