A look ahead to the Greenlands Evanna McCutcheon is confident recent York scorer Maarek remains at the top of his game as he turns out quickly for an excellent renewal of the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh. The seven-year-old claimed the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp when trained by Barry Lalor last year and got off the mark for County Tipperary-based McCutcheon with a superb effort under his Group One penalty in last week's Duke Of York Stakes. With the ground at the Curragh on the easy side and more rain forecast, Maarek looks set to encounter his favoured conditions this weekend. "He came out of York in good form, he's been eating up and we're very happy with him, so there's no reason not to run him," said McCutcheon. "The ground is in his favour and he's got a good draw. It's a proper race and I'm sure it will be a good race to watch. "We'll see how he goes on Saturday before we make any plans. Royal Ascot is an option, but that would be ground dependent." Eddie Lynam launches a formidable twin assault on the Group Three contest with last year's British Champions Sprint winner Slade Power joined by stable companion and talented filly Viztoria. Lynam said: "We're just looking forward to getting the two of them started. They both need to get going and this looked a good place for the both of them to start off their seasons. "It's difficult to choose between the two of them, they've both got Group Two penalties and the run should set them both up for the rest of the year. "The ground should be fine for both of them. Slade Power seems to go on any ground and Viztoria likes a bit of cut." Aidan O'Brien saddles a fascinating contender in American recruit Darwin. The son of Big Brown won his first two Irish starts last year, claiming the notable scalp of Gordon Lord Byron in the Minstrel Stakes, but was beaten at odds-on on his final start of the year over a mile. He drops back to six furlongs for his return, with O'Brien keen to find out whether he can make it as a sprinter. The Ballydoyle handler said: "He has been working very well since returning from Dubai and we are looking forward to getting him started for the season." Andrew Slattery's An Saighdiur and the Jim Bolger-trained Focus On Venice complete the six-strong field.
