Lyons Expects Jig To Bounce Back

Irish Jig could attempt to redeem his reputation in the Kerry Spring Water Rochestown Stakes at Cork on Sunday.

After landing a Leopardstown maiden by five lengths in May, the son of Celtic Swing was sent off a well-supported 7-2 favourite for the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom won by Declaration Of War.

However, events conspired against him on that occasion when he trailed in a well-beaten eighth and connections are keeping the faith ahead of this weekend´s Listed test.

Handler Ger Lyons said: 'He was just too fresh last time. He´s a big bull of a horse and he was the first into the stalls and had a bad enough draw.

'He just got a bit upset in the stalls and the stalls team had to hold his head. It was frustrating really as he was just too fresh on the day.

'All credit to the winner, who was beside him, and I think he could be an exceptional horse, but I think ours is a Pattern horse. He just couldn´t get into a rhythm so we´ll draw a line through it.

'He came out of the race a million dollars though and he holds an entry in the Listed race at Cork on Sunday, so if the ground is OK for him he´ll run there.'

While Lyons believes Irish Jig did not give his running at Epsom, he was heartened to see ninth-placed Cee Bargara go on to score at Kempton four days later.

'Jamie Osborne´s horse has come out if it and won well since and I think highly of mine ? he´ll be a cracking three-year-old,' the County Meath handler added.

(C) PA Sport