Lyons puts faith in love

Love Lockdown goes in search of a hat-trick in the Kerry Spring Water Rochestown Stakes at Cork tomorrow.

After finishing third on his debut at Naas in April, the grey juvenile has gone on to record successes at Leopardstown and most recently at Naas.

Trainer Ger Lyons has the utmost respect for the opposition as his charge steps up to Listed level for the first time but is hopeful he will give a good account of himself having chosen this race over a trip to Royal Ascot.

“He’s a lovely professional two-year-old and if we thought he was good enough to go to Royal Ascot he should be ready to do the job in Cork, but it’s a tough race,” said Lyons.

“Dream Deer was very impressive in Dundalk where he beat a horse of mine called Mister Tee who I think a lot of. To beat him without a run means he’s a very smart two-year-old.

“I was shocked and impressed with King Ledley when he won at the start of the season at the Curragh and the form is working out well. They think a fair bit of him so he’s also going to be a hard nut to crack.

“You can’t knock my horse as he’s done what he’s done but it’s time for him to step up to the next level now.

“Part of the reason I didn’t want to go to Royal Ascot with him was because I didn’t want to run him on rock hard ground so the ground at Cork should be fine.

“I don’t have a more professional horse than him and he’s a lovely horse to have anything to do with.”