Trip right for Russian Blue
The Danehill colt reverts to sprinting after failing to stay when fourth of five behind Indesatchel in a seven furlongs Listed race on his seasonal bow at the Curragh last month.
Russian Blue had some high-class form over this trip as a juvenile, finishing third behind Damson and Divine Proportions in Group 1 contests at the Curragh and Deauville respectively.
Osterhase ran the life of his life to finish fourth behind Var in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbayefie at Longchamp last October but has failed to win on his seasonal debut for four seasons running.
Dermot Weld’s Gaff is another stepping down in trip, having finished third of four behind Alayan in the 2000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown last month.
However, he may prefer faster ground and has 7lbs to find with Russian Blue and Osterhase on official ratings.
Mick Channon, who struck with Ba Foxtrot at the Curragh last Monday week, sends over Turnkey.
A winner of a conditions event at Leicester last month, Turnkey was slowly away when sixth of nine behind Indesatchel in a Group 3 at Newbury last time and probably needs to improve to take a hand here.
Whatever the fate of Gaff, Weld can strike with Dream To Dress in the St Margarets Fillies Maiden.
Fifth behind Virginia Waters over seven furlongs at the Curragh on her only start last year, Dream To Dress ran well on her reappearance over a mile at Leopardstown last month, finishing third behind Emerald Cat.
The Theatrical filly was doing all her best work in the closing stages and should relish the extra two furlongs.
Tom Hogan, who turned out a couple of winners at Killarney this week, can add to his tally with Common World in the Swords Handicap.
The six-year-old, who had a bit to do at the weights when fifth in Listed company at Leopardstown last time, finished third in the Lincoln at Doncaster and runner-up in the Spring Cup at Newbury and would not be scoring out of turn here, although the drying ground is a concern.
Daniel Hymm, who shaped well when third behind Light Of The Broom in a three mile handicap chase at Down Royal last Monday week, can land the Dunboyne Beginners Chase for in-form trainer Frances Crowley.
