Lord Jim pictured on his way to victory at Bellewstown in 2012© Photo Healy Racing
Patrick Prendergast hopes to saddle his first winner at Laytown as his Lord Jim lines-up in the concluding Hibernia Steel (Q.R.) Race at the unique Co Meath venue.
The six-year-old son of Holy Roman Emperor hasn't been seen since June 2014 and he takes on just five rivals here with Declan Lavery taking off a valuable 5lb.
"He hurt himself and has been off the track for a long time so we are hopeful rather than confident," he said.
"At his best he would have every chance. I think he will like the beach, I think he will enjoy it".
He added: "I've only had a few runners at Laytown and we were just beaten last year by Togoville. I didn't realise how good a horse Togoville was going to be (has since won five times at Dundalk)." Usa won this contest in 2013 and he looks a leading contender under Nina Carberry while fellow course-and-distance winner Our Max is another with strong claims. Mr Bounty was successful on this card 12 months ago and he returns to the seaside for the opening Download The At The Races App On iPhone Or Android Handicap.
The Michael O'Callaghan-trained five-year-old is fitted with a tongue strap for the first time now while Shane Kelly takes three pounds off.
UK raider Putin is an interesting runner for Phil McEntee while Lake George Oor Jock and Danz Gift are others to consider.
McEntee has Swiss Cross in the O'Neills Sports (Q.R.) Handicap and Katie Walsh has been booked to ride this seven-time winner.
Patrick Mullins will be aboard Cash Or Casualty who won on his last start at Bellewstown, while Pauline Condon gets the leg up on recent Dundalk winner Strait Of Zanzibar who is trained by her husband Ken. Acroleina has been knocking on the door of late and she is sure to have plenty of supporters in the Balmarino Handicap while War Anthem Tubeanie and Pershing look the three to focus on in the Gilna's Cottage Inn Maiden. Rigid Rock won at Gowran last week and he is sure to have plenty of supporters in the Marquees Nationwide Claiming Race while Bussa Captain Midnight and UK raider Herbalist are others to consider.
