There may be some punters out there prepared to oppose the flying sprinter Osterhase when he races over six furlongs at Fairyhouse tomorrow but that could prove to be an expensive mistake.
John Mulhern's seven-year-old lines up for the Bulmers Belgrave Stakes, and while the evidence of his lengthy career might suggest Osterhase is best at the minimum trip, it should not be a problem against this opposition.
The three-year-old Group Three winner An Tadh is going the other way after running at a mile last time while the English raider Borderlescott ran fourth in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot.
Both face a big task against Osterhase anyway, but especially since four of the topweight's 11 career wins have come at six furlongs, including two at tomorrow's course and distance.
Five might be best, but this six should not be a problem.
Distance could, however, be a serious hassle for the Scurrys winner Taqseem who tries his longest ever trip in the nine furlong conditions race. The Gowran winner Danak is unexposed but all the evidence points to an Albertinelli success for Ballydoyle.
Kevin Prendergast's horses are in excellent form lately and the hot-streak can continue tomorrow with El Soprano's experience likely to be a crucial factor in the six furlong maiden and Rebel Rover looking the best of those who have run in the mile and a half maiden.
Pat Smullen will be back from Chicago in time for the Tipperary fixture tomorrow and he can make an immediate impact with Cherokee Storm, third to Snow Gretel at Roscommon on her debut, in the nine-furlong three-year-old maiden.
The Tipperary feature however is the 70,000 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle where Callow Lake can finally secure a much deserved big race pot.
Runner-up in both the Ulster Derby and the Swinton Hurdle on his last two starts, Callow Lake is set to carry topweight in the Galway Hurdle but actually gets weight from Adamant Approach tomorrow. With Barry Geraghty on board, and with fast ground guaranteed, this looks a fine chance for Jessica Harrington's hardy handicapper.
The impeccably bred Naigani carries the Papillon colours of Betty Moran in the seven-furlong maiden and those waiting for the bumper should probably side with Cobham who was mugged in the last strides by Tusa An Fear on his last visit to the track.
