Rain Delayed set to shine
Croisultan is the highest rated horse in the race, but Ger Lyons’ Rain Delayed is the nap choice to prove too strong for him.
The selection is on the upgrade and down in class, having contested a Listed event at Sandown 12 days ago.
He never threatened to get in a real blow then, but battled on in fine style to claim third behind the smart William Haggas-trained, Triple Aspect.
Prior to that, the Oasis Dream gelding again showed the right qualities when beating Sioduil by two lengths at Down Royal.
Croisultan is a decent sprinter at his best, but all the evidence is he is most effective with plenty of cut in the surface.
The talented Keagan Latham can guide Atlantic Cycle to success in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden.
He made a solid start when a close fourth to Dream Deer in a decent race at Dundalk and lost all chance at Navan subsequently when rearing badly on leaving the stalls.
Biggest worry could be Tommy Stack’s newcomer, Capulet Monteque. She is by first-season stallion, Camacho, who is himself a son of the great Danehill.
Another Stack newcomer who will arouse lots of interest is Carazam in the Thomastown Castle Stables Median Auction Maiden.
He gets the vote, being a son of another first-season sire, Azamour, who was a terrific racehorse.
The Freshford Maiden is a woeful heat, with the nod falling on Carrig Girl. She made little show behind Apt at Cork on her debut, but might now appreciate both the level of opposition and another three furlongs plus!
