Vic gets vote for Laurels follow-up

Ballymac Vic, who was beginning to make a real impact on the Irish Derby when his challenge was cut short at the quarter-final stage, came out on top in the hottest of last Saturday night’s opening-round heats of the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park and he rates nap material to follow up this evening.

Liam Dowling’s dog was on the heels of the leaders when left in front at the second bend in Saturday’s heat but the pace he showed to assert his superiority was devastating, and it’s that which makes him the one to beat this time.

Drawn two in the sixth heat, he should have little trouble getting the better of the red-jacketed Allen Master in the early stages and, as long as he can prevent fellow first-round heat winner Shaneboy Spencer from taking his ground on the run-up, he should come home clear. Allen Master gets the nod to chase the selection home.