RACING/News: Aidan O'Brien is expected to walk the Epsom Derby track today but Michael Kinane has all but committed himself to riding Hawk Wing in Saturday's big race.
The one doubt is if the weather takes a turn for the worst and the ground at Epsom softens considerably. Rain is forecast for the east of England over the next couple of days.
Kinane said: "I believe Aidan O'Brien is going to Epsom on Wednesday to walk the course so I won't finally decide until then. But if the ground is fast then I will ride Hawk Wing." That means John Murtagh is, as expected, set to take the ride on the other O'Brien-trained contender High Chaparral.
In the meantime, a less problematic evening fixture at Leopardstown than the one planned for July 6th goes ahead tonight with the Listed Glencairn Stakes featuring.
Last year's winner One Won One goes for another crack at the prize on the back of a run behind Jessica's Dream in last weekend's Ballyogan.
Dermot Weld runs both Tarry Flynn and Social Harmony but the popular choice could be the highest rated in the race, Just Special.
The Grassick filly won the seven furlong maiden on the card last year and comes here on the back of an encouraging fourth to Rum Charger in the Athasi.
Pat Smullen is slowly eating into Michael Kinane's lead at the top of the jockeys table and his tally of 20 is now just seven behind his rival.
De Laroche, an expensive odds on failure when runner up at Naas on her debut, looks a good mount for the reigning champion in the seven furlong maiden and so does Rare Presence in the mile and a half maiden.
Rare Presence, a son of Sadler's Wells, should not have a problem with the forecast testing ground and could also improve for the hike in trip from his fifth to Diaghilev here.
Archie O'Leary's colours, made famous by Florida Pearl in three Hennessy Gold Cups here, will be on view in the qualified riders maiden and Joueur D'Estruval can keep up the winning average.
The French-bred showed a lot of pace when winning his bumper at Fairyhouse and wasn't disgraced with a fourth to Supreme Developer at Punchestown.
Young amateur Andrew Lynch stole the limelight at Downpatrick yesterday when completing an 83½ to 1 double aboard Altregan Lady and Bavardante.
Lynch (17), son of former rider Sean, only opened his account under rules on Tristernagh at this venue last month and was again on the mark with Altregan Lady in the Down Point-To-Point (QR) Maiden Hurdle. The seven-year-old mare and Zaffaran In Eden fought out a terrific battle on the final climb to the line, with Paddy Mooney's charge just prevailing by a head.
Bavardante led four out in the Ardglass Hunters Chase, although the Al O'Connell-trained gelding was undoubtedly a shade fortunate as Glynn Dingle fell two out when poised to challenge. Lynch, who has also ridden two winners in point-to-points, now switches his attention to studies as he sits the Leaving Certificate.
