‘PRINCE’ TO REIGN IN ST LEGER

GRAHAM HOLLAND, who won last year’s St Leger with Clonbrien Hero, mounts a powerful challenge for this year’s 550-yard classic which commences at Limerick Stadium tonight.

Indeed, five of the top seven in the BoyleSports’ betting list are trained by

Holland and they include last year’s winner Clonbrien Hero.

However, my idea of a real Leger type is a dog which has shown top-class form without being over-raced.

One that fits that qualification ideally is Clonbrien Prince.

Representing the husband-and-wife team of Jim and Kay Murphy, Clonbrien Prince was hugely impressive on Derby final night when beating fellow Leger hopefuls in a sizzling 29.20 for the 550 yards.

If he maintains that form around his local Limerick track he should thrive in this classic and is nominated to lead home the Consolation

Derby winner Newhall Missile in Heat 10.

The opening heat will set the tone for the Classic with the line-up including David

Murray’s Gurteen Feather,

Pat Buckley’s Borna Gin and Droopys Davy, and Peter Cronin’s Whoops Jack.

Shelbourne’s card will feature the semi-finals of the Open 600 and the red jacket could be successful in each of the heats.

Paul Hennessy’s Pudgie

Budgie (10.12) can lead home Minor Mike in the first while Holland’s Macaroon Cruz (10.27) looks the part to see off Swithins Brae and Beara Gig in the second. The sprinters rule at Mullingar these weeks with the Agri Stores Fair Warrior and Buckley’s Droopys

Steel (9.48) looks the banker, while the other heats can be won by Wee Puma,

Rosbirr Ranger and Non Conformance.