ALTHOUGH he has gone up quite a bit in the handicap as a result of his last two successes at Gowran Park and Tipperary, Sir Big John will probably start favourite to complete his hat trick in this evening's Dowdallshill Handicap at Dundalk.

But this is an open race and on his best form the Dermot Weld trained Sweet Ciseaux would take beating.last month and although a long way adrift of Sir Big John at Gowran Park he swallowed his tongue and was also slowly into his stride. He now meets Sir Big John on much better terms. However he disappointed when attempting to make all the running here last Sunday but faded from below the distance.

Bolero Dancer has won over this course and distance but Ardlea House, third last Sunday, appears to have a good chance of turning the tables at these weights. Classic Express is another to consider but fearing Sweet Ciseaux, who started favourite at Gowran, I take Sir Big John to give the weight.

A very easy winner of an extended three mile chase at Kilbeggan the Noel Meade trained Wild Country reverts to the smaller obstacles with prospects in the Forkhill Opportunity Handicap Hurdle and Fraser Carey can win the Dromiskin Novice Hurdle for Declan Gillespie.