Inside seed Vic can overcome trap five berth

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.

Ballymac Vic and Cuil Cougar are the likely joint favourites, just ahead of reigning champion Razldazl Rioga, Confident Rankin, Coolykereen Imp, Barefoot Allstar and Quail Hollow. Then would follow the likes of Camas Crash, Cambushmore, Killbarry Rover, Cashen Mafuma, Shaneboy Spencer, Newlawn Tock and Dragon Shield.

It’s a pity so many fancied contenders are grouped in the final heat with six inside seeds in opposition. It is particularly tough on the likes of Ballymac Vic in five and Dragon Shield in six, though I am actually nominating Ballymac Vic to win this heat from Confident Rankin.