IN a rare departure from the norm, trainers Aidan O'Brien and David Wachman bypass their local meeting at Tipperary in favour of what is expected to be a successful raid on this afternoon's other fixture at Fairyhouse.
Kieren Fallon has several fancied rides for both trainers, and Wachman may be the first to strike with the Stravinsky filly Mythical Echo in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2-Y-O Maiden.
The well-bred newcomer gets the vote to prevail at the expense of Kevin Prendergast's luckless performer El Soprano.
Mythical Echo's stablecompanion Striking has been knocking at the door in recent outings, and should have the edge over her nine rivals in the Dunboyne Maiden.
O'Brien, meanwhile, has an excellent chance of collecting with Albertinelli in the Rackenstown Race. The selection was a good third to Mustameet in a listed race at the Curragh last time, and a reproduction of that effort would suffice.
John Mulhern's great servant Osterhase goes in search of his 12th career win in the listed Bulmers Belgrave Stakes. The seven-year-old is rated 7lb ahead of the opposition, conceding weight all round, but he shouldered topweight to victory in last Saturday's Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh.
Borderlescott is the sole English raider for this six furlong event, and he may represent the biggest danger to Osterhase, judged on his most recent effort when fourth in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot.
Meanwhile, Tipperary stages an eight race mixed card, with the feature eventthe Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle.
Barry Geraghty's mount Callow Lake, the veteran Adamant Approach and Red Square Lady are likely to be the three principals, but take a chance instead with the Pat Doyle-trained Feel Good Factor, with in-form jockey Davy Russell in the saddle.
Callow Lake finished second in the Menolly Homes Handicap Hurdle at this venue in April and will have his share of supporters. Red Square Lady and Barati are also fancied, but Feel Good Factor is preferred.
Trainer Eoin Griffin has been enjoying a purple patch of late, and Artiste Bay is fancied to keep up the momentum with success in the Ramada Ballykisteen Hurdle. The Paul Nolan stable has also captured its share of races recently, and Zaydar can add to the trainer's impressive haul of winners by landing the O'Dwyer Tarmac Handicap Hurdle.
Dermot Weld has an excellent strike rate at the venue, and his filly Cherokee Stream holds most appeal in the www. banshahousestables. co m Maiden. Her jockey Pat Smullen has a good chance of doubling up for his father-inlaw Joe Crowley, courtesy of course and distance winner Drumin Orpen in the Jack & Jill, Crumlin Hospital Mascot Derby.
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