Duke confident Roicead can step up Brendan Duke is confident that Roicead can make the step up to pattern company in the Market Slide Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. The Curragh handler has supplemented his charge for the Group Three contest after two impressive handicap successes this month. The gelding was given a rating of 108 following his cosy success at Cork on Monday and Duke believes his future now lies in Group company. “The plan is to run and we are very hopeful with the horse. He's in great form,” said Duke. “He's been doing exceptional times and did a great time at Cork where he didn't have a hard race. He's really improving and we are very much looking forward to Sunday. “The horse is on a real high and confidence is sky high. He's done everything I've ask him to do in a professional manor and in my opinion he's been very impressive. “I know we would be 4lb wrong with Sole Power at the weights if he runs but I think my horse is well up to the challenge. “Just at the moment he might have a stronger profile than Sole Power and that's taking nothing away from what he achieved last season. “This is the first time I've ever supplemented a horse for anything and I wouldn't go spending the owners money if I didn't think we would be thereabouts. “These are the races we have to go for now. If I was to go for a handicap he'd have to carry 10st5lb. I'm not prepared to change the jockey on him. So where do we go. “We are really looking forward to taking on the English sprinters on home soil also.” Gary Carson
