Bertie to make most of class drop

Bertie Le Belge sets the standard in tonight’s feature in Dundalk, the listed Star Appeal Stakes.

This Ger Lyons-trained Big Bad Bob gelding has looked a smart juvenile in his three starts, earning an official rating of 98 and, dropping in class after an abortive effort in Group 3 company last time, he should prove tough to beat.

Apparently unfancied for his debut at the Curragh back in June, he swooped late to foil Cape Clear Island before following-up in a seven-furling conditions event in Leopardstown the following month.