Ballymac hard to beat

Ante-post favourite Ballymac Vic will be the last of the big names to launch their Ladbrokes Derby challenge when he lines out in tonight’s final heat of the opening round at Shelbourne Park.

Liam Dowling’s charge will be a red-hot favourite to make a winning start and the Champion Stakes runner-up should have matters in hand by the opening turn. Forest Simon can chase him home.

Reigning champion Razldazl George lines out in Heat 19 where Captain Scolari, Tyrur Domingo and Ballybough Hawke could put up serious opposition. If George can recapture his best 2011 form, he will be hard to beat.