Ejayteekay’s hot streak is set to continue in Down Royal sunshine
DOWN Royal General Manager Mike Todd is expecting a large turnout at tonight’s Bank Holiday weekend fixture with the sun forecast to be shining.
Ejayteekay — Andrew Lynch rides tonight — won earlier this month at the course and, despite a rise in ratings, is taken to follow up successfully. The form was endorsed when the runner-up I’ve Got Rhythm scored easily at Wexford on Wednesday.
The Je s s i c a Ha r r i n g - t on- t r ai ned Nearly Famous makes its handicap debut, while Konig Hall has ability but must be delivered late.
Despite top weight and an absence, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Little Folke cannot be ignored.
The opener attracts a near maximum field with Roseriver Has, King’s War, State Of Nirvana and t he l ocally- owned Sir Benford Wales forming the shortlist.
State Of Nirvana, trained by Tom Taaffe, has excellent placed efforts to his credit and could deny Roseriver Has, a winner on the level and over timber.
The handicap hurdle has a maximum field of 20 runners. Aquarian ran reasonably at Downpatrick last Friday night, Oromo has claims, likewise Zagnzig — trained at Ballyclare by Harry Smyth — which has placed credits and could be aided by tonight’s faster conditions and having top jockey Lynch aboard.
Grey Mountain Mist and Redwood Boy — winners last week — should head the market.
Tourboy, Full Cry, Lasocar, Wigs On The Green and Lord In Red warrant consideration in the long distance hurdle, with The White Volcano — trained at Armagh by John Woods — likely to appreciate tonight’s trip and going.
Tourboy f i nished t hird t o Moonshine Bay in a hotter contest at the track last time and could gain compensation.
Round Tower and Oathkeeper look the principal pair in the novice chase with just six declared — the former won his bumper at the venue and could register a repeat.
Persian Wind is taken to land the handicap chase. Bosco Di Alco, Jack Slade and Fenlon’s Hill are the dangers.
Trainer Mouse Morris has a rare bumper runner with Desir Du Large in the last while owners Gigginstown also have Moratorium engaged with similar claims.
Champion amateur Patrick Mullins takes the mount on his aunt Mags Mullins’ Banno, while top local rider Noel McParlan partners Blackyellowred on his debut and should be noted.
However, Kevin Prendergast is another with a rare runner in the bumper with The Abbey — Finny Maguire in the saddle — and could supply the value bet.
Meanwhile, Order Of S t George has four rivals as he attempts to win the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes for the third year running at Leopardstown tonight.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien is again using it as a stepping stone towards the Ascot Gold Cup, which he won two years ago, and was just touched off by Big Orange last season.
TONIGHT’S DOWN ROYAL TIPS: 5.30 State Of Nirvana 6.05 Ejayteekay 6.35 Oromo 7.05 Tourboy 7.35 Round Tower 8.05 Persian Wind 8.35 The Abbey
Clear favourite: Andrew Lynch