Solo And Go can get Laurels bid back on track at Curraheen Park

Irish Laurels ante-post favourite Solo And Go was hampered by the draw and a poor start in round one. 

If Solo And Go is to win the Laurels, this is a heat he really ought to oblige in. Pic; Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

The Bar One Racing Irish Laurels continues at Curraheen Park and early ante-post favourite Solo And Go, who was fortunate to qualify in fourth place in round one, can get his bid back on track by taking the fifth heat for Liam Dowling.

Last time out, he was drawn in trap five and his tendency to go left got him in early trouble as he shipped a bump which resulted in him stumbling. To his credit, he tried to recover quickly but that only resulted in him running into trouble at the first bend.

Much better than that result, with a smarter break from this more favourable draw, he should be able to lead around, and if doing so it will be a major shock if he gets reeled in. If he is to win the Laurels, this is a heat he really ought to oblige in.

Born Braver won his first-round assignment with ease and while this is considerably tougher, he will improve for that run and must be given plenty of respect. Silverhill Freya’s first round return was disappointing on the clock but there is abundant evidence that she is considerably better. Getting around no worse than second is key to her chance of qualification.

In heat seven, Lemon Joey appeals. In round one, Murt Leahy’s dog finished a close second behind Ballymac Brandan and, but for having to check when challenging along the inside at the third turn, he would likely have come home comfortably in front.

With a slow starter on his left and plenty of early pace amongst the inside runners, he has every opportunity to slip around close to the pace and use his middle and finishing speed to get on top. There is plenty of potential for traffic amongst the early pacers on his left, and he has all the pace required to take full advantage.

Droopys Patriot and Unanimous Leo renew first-round rivalry in the final heat and while it is difficult to look beyond the former given he won last time and has an even better draw this time, there is enough potential downside to leave him alone at early prices as ridiculously short as 2-5.

Heat 1: Ballymac Setanta (Faypoint Harvey) 

Heat 2: Ballymac Brandan (Faypoint Ranger) 

Heat 3: Priceless Romeo (Silent Kobbie) 

Heat 4: Shanahee Boomer (Made To Measure) 

Heat 5: Solo And Go (Born Braver) 

Heat 6: Droopys Deploy (Born To Perform) 

Heat 7: Lemon Joey (Magical Keith) 

Heat 8: Droopys Patriot (Unanimous Leo)