Dermot Weld© Photo Healy Racing
The feature event on day two of the Galway Festival is the Topaz Mile Handicap and last year's one-two Vastonea and Pintura renew rivalry in the 115,000-euro contest.
Neither arrives at the peak of their powers, though, whereas the Dermot Weld-trained Tandem picked up a big pot at Leopardstown less than a fortnight ago and, thanks to runner-up Fortify going one better since, actually reopposes on better terms.
Fortify is also worse off with his previous Curragh conqueror Ansgar, while Captain Joy and Brendan Brackan contested a Listed affair last time, and Jim Bolger's Beyond Thankful made the pace in the French Derby.
Weld's Tarfasha wasn't given too hard a time, yet still made smart prospect Geoffrey Chaucer pull out all the stops on her racecourse introduction, so she is sure to be popular ahead of the Topaz EBF Fillies Maiden.
Her trainer also unleashes newcomer Pirate Cove in the Caulfieldindustrial.com EBF Maiden, while stable companion Dancers Dilemma makes his handicap debut in the Caulfieldindustrial.com Handicap.
The master of Rosewell has declared Diplomat for the opening Topaz Novice Hurdle at 5.05, but he is also scheduled to appear here on Monday and, if turning out again, will do well to get to grips with Willie Mullins' hat-trick seeking Shamar.
A quality field has been assembled for the Latin Quarter Chase, with Rathlin and Dantes King both in search of trebles, while Hidden Cyclone makes his first appearance since falling in the Red Mills Chase.
Paul Nicholls sends over Woolcombe Folly and the conditions of the race suit him best, with fitness also assured after his Market Rasen second 10 days ago.
Knights Templar's winning run came to an end at Leopardstown earlier in the month, but that effort to fill the runner-up spot was arguably a new career-best and there will be plenty who keep the faith in the Caulfield Industrial Athlone Handicap.
