Zoom in on Zimbabwe
There is a strong possibility the progressive three-year-old has been laid out for this, having been rested since contesting a ladies’ race at the Curragh in the middle of July.
He made a brave attempt from the front on that particular occasion, only giving best close home to smart stable companion, Kiteflyer, the verdict a head.
The selection has had just four races this season, will love the fast ground and should run a big race.
Paul Nolan’s Cloone River heads the list of dangers, having failed by a length to concede Hanorla 14lbs at Tipperary eight days ago.
Aidan O’Brien and Michael Kinane can team up for a double with Amalie Bay and Trevi Fountain.
Amalie Bay, who is by Danehill, won’t have to be any world-beater to make a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden.
The once-raced Sadler’s Wells colt, Trevi Fountain, gets the nod in the Directors’ Maiden. He performed with some promise at Leopardstown back in October when a well beaten seventh of 15 in a contest won by Sea Dart.
Vintage Port is the obvious danger, having finished a neck second to Monsignoer Phil at Roscommon.
Dermot Weld’s Dancing Colors may get off the mark in the valuable Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Premier Nursery. The daughter of Spectrum will never be one for the mortgage but looks reasonably treated, following her three parts of a length second to David Elsworth’s Love Triangle at Galway. It is also significant she is fitted with blinkers for the first time.
