My Mate Alfie (nearest) © Photo Healy Racing
A field of 12 will face the starter in the Irish Racing Writers Cliff Noone Memorial Madrid Handicap at Naas this afternoon, with Ger Lyons responsible for two strong contenders in the shape of My Mate Alfie and Duplantis
The former is the choice of Colin Keane, with this Dark Angel gelding successful once from six starts last season, finishing a fine third of 23 in the Goffs Million at the Curragh on his penultimate outing.
Leigh Roche will partner Duplantis who made the breakthrough on his fourth start at the Curragh in August. Beaten just a head into second when last seen in the Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final over the course and distance in October, he finished ahead of his reopposing stable companion who was fifth.
Speaking at Dundalk on Friday, assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: "100 per cent (both entitled to be thereabouts on ratings) and we have been very lucky in the race before.
"Ground is an unknown, but we are delighted that they are fit and well at home.
"All our horses aren't really wound up until Punchestown."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
