Greenlands preview

Richard Fahey's Don't Touch takes another step up the ladder in the Group Two Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

Unraced as a two-year-old, the Dutch Art gelding did not make his debut until last May, when successful at Newcastle.

After that he has progressed at a rate of knots, winning at Haydock, Wolverhampton, Ripon and then the Ayr Gold Cup.

Fahey recently brought him back in a conditions race at Haydock and he was arguably as impressive as he has ever been, beating former stablemate Baccarat to take his record to a perfect six out of six.

Regular jockey Tony Hamilton, who again receives the leg-up at the Curragh, said: "It's a step up in class, but he's entitled to go for it. His form's solid, so we'll see how we go.

"I didn't really know how he'd run at Haydock as he's such a laid-back horse at home. We didn't really know where we were with him, but he only ever does enough and he's an exciting horse.

"Everything they put in front of him, he seems to find a way of beating them. He's won on all sorts of ground, so I wouldn't be bothered about that."

The nine-year-old Maarek has been second in the race for the past two seasons and is back again. Trainer Evanna McCutcheon feels he is still has all his old spark but is just hoping a bit more rain falls.

"He certainly deserves to win it," she said.

"He's in great order and he's run a couple of good races already this season. Obviously, any more rain that falls will be in his favour and there is an unsettled forecast.

"He's still showing the same zest for life as he always has. He's run well on good ground at the Curragh before and he definitely likes it there so he has plenty in his favour."

Another veteran taking part is Tom Hogan's Gordon Lord Byron, who scoped badly after his reappearance in the Gladness Stakes.

"We put a line through his first run and he's carrying a bit more condition than I'd like," said Hogan.

"He'll improve for the run, I'd say, but he's in good form and we're happy to let him go. I'd rather it didn't rain. I've walked the track and it's in magnificent condition but I'd doubt it still will be come the race as we're forecast a fair bit."

Eddie Lynam is responsible for the improving filly Fort Del Oro and the in-and-out performer Moviesta.

Mick Channon sends over Cammidge Trophy winner Mobsta, ridden by Pat Smullen, while Jim Bolger is represented by Flight Risk.

Aidan O'Brien had hoped to run Australian star Vancouver but his bloods were wrong on Friday morning, so Ballydoyle are instead represented by Dick Whittington.