Hogan hoping rain comes for Meain Denis Hogan is praying the rain arrives ahead of Inis Meain's attempt to win back-to-back renewals of the Martin Molony Stakes at Limerick. The Barry Connell-owned gelding claimed the Listed event in testing conditions last season but with the ground currently good to yielding at the Greenmount circuit, Hogan has warned any further drying will force him to withdraw his charge. The seven-year-old has already struck in Listed company this season, clinching the Alleged Stakes at the Curragh, and the second and third, Tarana and Parish Hall, reoppose this weekend. "We're just hoping the rain arrives - that would be a big help. We're promised 10-12 millimetres. If it was in any way too good he won't run," said Hogan. "He came out of the Curragh race really well. It looks the same opposition again with Parish Hall and Tarana. He won it last year, beating Missunited, and a reproduction of that or the Curragh form would see a big run. "He's also in the three-mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday. Barry is a National Hunt man and would love to run at Punchestown, but again if they don't get rain he would be a doubt." Asked whether Inis Meain could run at both Limerick and Punchestown, Hogan said: "It's a possible - I wouldn't rule it out." Tarana ran well on her reappearance at the Curragh when making just her third start and steps up to a mile and a half for the first time. Trainer John Oxx said: "She ran very well two weeks ago. It's the same sort of race and the same sort of opposition with the winner and the third plus a couple of highly rated horses. The distance is the difference. It will be interesting to see if she can improve for it, hopefully she can. We should learn a lot. "She's been finishing out her races really well and the way she's been running over a mile and a quarter you would think she would be suited by a mile and a half." Sir Ector enjoyed a terrific campaign last year, winning valuable pots in the Magners Ulster Derby and November Handicap. Jimmy Lambe's charge weakened in the closing stages on his return to action over hurdles at Navan last month, but better is expected back on the level. "He seems in good order. We usually give him a run over hurdles before he starts on the Flat just to give him something different to think about," said Lambe. "He had a fantastic season last year winning two premier handicaps and being Listed placed. He has done well over the winter and we're looking forward to a nice season. He's an exciting horse to look forward to. He's entered in the Vintage Crop Stakes and the Yorkshire Cup and all going to plan he'll go for one or the other." Drifting Mist signed off last year with a fine run to finish third in Listed company at the Curragh and makes her return to action for trainer Mick Halford. He said: "She is in good form and is ready to start. She wouldn't want any rain, she is better on good ground. On ratings she has a bit to do, but she has done well over the winter and I'm hoping for a good run."
