Recital can advance Derby prospects
He does have to concede weight to all of his rivals, but looks much too good for them and can keep his unbeaten record intact.
Recital won his maiden at Navan and then took a giant step up in class in a Group 1 at Saint-Cloud last November.
He came through that test with flying colours, scoring in a canter by five lengths. The ground was testing on that occasion, but good when he won at Navan, so that should not be a major worry.
Dermot Weld’s Famous Name faces a simple task in the Listed Heritage Stakes. A useful perfomer in his own right, he rounded off last season by winning another Listed event on this track and has a lot in hand over his three rivals.
Aidan O’Brien’s Raphael Santi can take the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden for juveniles.
It took a long time for the penny to drop with the son of Excellent Art when fourth to Gold Lace at the Curragh and he will surely come on a bundle for that.
At Tramore today take a chance on Edward O’Grady’s Phoenix Rose in the Newtown Maiden Hurdle.
She was left at the start in a six furlongs race at the Curragh on her latest appearance, but caught the eye prior to that over flights at Navan.
She was noted doing her best work at the finish when third to Narima and could be capable of taking a moderate race such as this.
Jimmy Mangan’s Annacarton is the one to beat in the Dungarvan Hunters Chase. He was a creditable third behind Viking Splash at Gowran Park and this looks an easier assignment.
At Tramore tomorrow row in with Willie Mullins’ Pickapocketortwo in the opening maiden hurdle.
He was a costly failure when beaten 14 lengths into second by Days Hotel at Clonmel last month, but may be seen in a better light on faster ground.
Andrew McNamara’s Dance The Devil, beaten half a length by Saoirse’s Sister at Clonmel, is fancied to deliver in the Bumper.
