The recent wet spring has prevented most of them from getting their charges onto the grass gallops and it will take a while before a pattern is established. O'Brien's string usually improve from their first outing of the season, while Oxx is another trainer whose horses tend to be slower into their stride until the campaign starts in earnest, although he has tended to buck that trend over the last two seasons.

The feature event at the Curragh this afternoon, where the management has warned that there will be some disruption to parking facilities due to the commencement of the redevelopment of the racecourse, is the Ladbrokes. com Irish Lincoln.

Dermot Weld is represented by last year's winner, Bawaader, the mount of Pat Smullen. He has been made 11/8 favourite with VC Bet to beat last year's champion Declan McDonogh in this year's title race. Tommy Stack, meanwhile, who won the race three years ago with Tolpuddle, has a good chance of making the frame with Hoffman.

The five-year-old Dr Devious colt bolted in on his handicap debut last October but picked up a 20lb penalty for that effort and has disappointed on his only subsequent start since then.

Deauville Vision, who improved at the backend of last season to win her last two starts, is another one to consider, along with Pantarez and Kalderon, but take a chance instead with Crooked Throw, from the Charlie Swan stable. The lightlyweighted Master Marvel may be good enough to chase him home.

The betting market is likely to decide the outcome of the opening Tally Ho Stud EBF Maiden but Aidan O'Brien may supply the answer in the form of his Danehill Dancer colt Georgebernardshaw, while Dimenticata holds more appeal than last year's winner Danehill Music in the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud EBF Park Express Stakes.

Racing also takes place at Downpatrick where trainer Christy Roche and jockey Alan Crowe will be fancied to complete a double through Care And Share in the Bet At Toals On-Course SP Shop Maiden Hurdle and Great Character in the Toals Play Lucky Numbers Games Handicap Chase. The Tom Taaffe-trained newcomer Born Supreme, a half-brother to dual winner You'vegotmerocking, gets the vote over Drumboy in the Toals (ProAm) INH Flat Race.