Maestro to call tune

Sparta Maestro produced one of the greatest performances ever seen on these shores when lowering the 600yd track record at Shelbourne Park last weekend.

The previous record of Late Late Show was seen as almost untouchable, but Sparta Maestro not only beat the record, he took a whopping ten spots off the mark.

Phil Gough’s powerhouse is back in action over course and distance tonight and he will start an unbackable favourite in Heat 3 of the Billy Mulvaney Snr and Jnr Memorial 600.

If prominent to halfway, none of his rivals will be able to live with his superior pace and power. Rockchase Bullet is likely to emerge in second.

The opening heat looks likely to provide a thrilling contest with Martinstown Snow, Oneco Cool and Riverside Luke all capable of mounting a bold bid. Much will depend on the opening yards, but should Martinstown Snow come away racing he can assert before halfway. Red Mills 600 winner Riverside Luke will finish fast, but Oneco Cool is probably the main threat following a superb a 31.23 in his latest outing over 575yds.

If Noirs Buachaill can reproduce his best form he will be hard to stop in the second heat.

The final heat is perhaps the weakest of the round. After a 28.36 solo spin last week, Moss Lane might start favourite, but it’s worth noting that he has only one win to his name after 14 starts.

Elsewhere on the card Airlie Jet appeals in one of the supporting Open 550s.

The Larry Mason-trained youngster has a perfect draw on the fence and his early speed can carry him clear and on to victory.