Vinnie aims to fend off strong raiding party

Dermot Weld`s Vinnie Roe leads the home defence for the Jefferson Smurfit Memorial Irish St Leger at the Curragh on Saturday.

A field of eight is equally divided between the home team and British raiders following today`s declaration stage.

Vinnie Roe stays at home for the #130,950 contest in preference to the English equivalent at Doncaster.

The Definite Article colt is on a hat-trick having landed a Listed event over course and distance on his latest start.

Willie Mullins` Sadlers` Wings, who finished four-lengths second to Vinnie Roe at Leopardstown previously, reapposes while the other two home runners are Mouse Morris` Rostropovich and Luke Comer`s Chimes At Midnight.

Godolphin`s Marienbard will be the mount of Frankie Dettori, and comes off a second to Holding Court in the Grand Prix de Deauville over 12 furlongs.

Veteran stayer Persian Punch represents David Elsworth. Richard Hughes rides.

Last year`s Rothmans Royals St Leger victor Millenary, trained by John Dunlop, will attempt to record his first victory since landing the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket on his seasonal debut in May.

Pat Eddery takes the mount on the four-year-old.

The British quarter is completed by the Mark Johnston-trained Yavana`s Pace (Joe Fanning), who has finished second in the Group One race for the past two years.

Irish St Leger: Chimes At Midnight, Marienbard, Millenary, Persian Punch, Rostropovich, Yavana`s Pace, Sadlers Wings, Vinnie Roe (8).