THE HIGHLY regarded Lone Eagle makes his seasonal debut in today's Junction Race at Tipperary. If Aidan O'Brien's charge is in any way impressive he will probably take his chance in the 2,000 Guineas.

Lone Eagle won on his only start at two years when just getting the better of Asmara at the Curragh in July. He was subsequently successful at Roscommon and favourite for a Group Three on her final outing at the Curragh, where she was eased after meeting with some interference. The likelihood of good ground will suit Lone Eagle.

Crehelp Express has not raced since falling in a chase at Punchestown in November. She had some decent form over timber since winning her maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse a year ago and the three miles of the Guinness Handicap Hurdle should present no more problems than the ground. Roundwood is consistent and the Dessie Hughes trained top weight got the better of No When To Run over this distance on reasonably good ground at Naas in February. Jimmy The Weed and Clashwilliam Girl won on heavy going at Limerick and Lady Daisy won her maiden hurdle with ease at Naas. Brave Fountain will be supported, but in an open race, my idea of the winner is the Tommy Carberty trained Native Status, who just got the better of Roundwood over this distance at Navan in December and who subsequently divided Moohono and Roundwood over the same course and distance.

Blinkers may make a difference to the Jim Bolger trained Junikay, who renews Naas rivalry with Omy Dancer and Nitha in the South Tipperary Maiden. Junikay started an odds on favourite on that occasion.