AIDAN O’Brien’s surprise decision to run Guineas favourite Albert Einstein in the 1xBet.ie Supports Irish Racing Gladness Stakes (3.05pm) brings plenty of excitement to the Curragh this afternoon, but Ed Walker has ensured a true test by sending over his proven five-year-old Ten Bob Tony.

“He is a legend, a real yard favourite and a very special horse,” Walker said of last season’s Group 3 winner and Prix de la Foret third.

“He has flown the flag at the highest level and he really is a seven-furlong, soft ground specialist, which makes life tricky. He’s really well, he goes well fresh and he’s a little bit inconsistent, but when he’s got his conditions, he’s a very good horse.

“We know how good he is, he was third in a Foret. He’s a very good horse so I think people will be fearing him. He’s a very solid yard stone.”

Regarding the inconsistency referred to by Walker, TBT Racing’s gelding had excuses whenever he disappointed last season – he raced alone from a wide draw in the Park Stakes, and the Champions Sprint wasn’t over his preferred trip.

He earned respect in the John Of Gaunt Stakes, beating Kinross, and proved it was no fluke when taking third in the Prix de la Foret won by Maranoa Charlie, with French 1000 Guineas winner Zarigana in second. Importantly regarding today’s chances, the Foret was run on very soft ground.