Sparta Maestro can further tighten his grip on the Mulvaney Memorial 600 at Shelbourne Park this evening when he lines out in the opening semi-final of the €5000 competition.

Seeing as not one bookmaking firm has put up prices for the Red Mills Irish Laurels, we will try to sort out the likely ante-post fancies for the classic which commences on Saturday at Curraheen Park.

When Owen McKenna’s Confident Rankin went around Curraheen in 28.25 in a trial last Friday he sent out a message that the Red Mills Irish Laurels is not going to be easily won.