Salt bids to step up in Eyrefield

Michael Halford is hopeful Saltonstall will handle the step up in class when he tackles TheTote.com Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Godolphin colt opened his account at the second time of asking when claiming a Limerick maiden in good style earlier this month.

The son of Pivotal steps up two furlongs now for the Listed contest and Halford thinks the nine-furlong affair is a natural next step.

"It's a new trip and a step up in class for him but he's in good form and I don't think either will bother him," said Halford.

"We've got a disappointing wide draw but aside from that, he's in great form and I'm happy with him.

"He's a lovely big horse with loads of scope and you'd like to think there is still room for improvement with him.

"This will obviously be a big step up for him but it's a logical step."

Bound and Queen Anne's Lace renew rivalries having finishing second and third behind English raider Calare in the Staffordstown Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

The latter gave way in the closing stages having been lunged at by the winner inside the final furlong.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Bound, sets a bit of a poser for punters, with son Donnacha riding progressive nursery winner Galilean.

Bound would even appear to be third string on jockey bookings, with Seamus Heffernan getting the leg up on Butterflies, who was fifth behind her stablemate at the Curragh.

English raider Sovereign Debt would look the one to beat in the other Listed prize on the card, TheTote.com Knockaire Stakes.

Dandy Nicholls' charge is a frequent visitor to Irish shores and comes into the race in fine form having taken a conditions event at Doncaster in good style last time.

Rose De Pierre lost her unbeaten record when chasing home the impressive Imitation at Naas but may prove the best of the home team.

Blue De Vega makes his first start since a slightly disappointing run at Royal Ascot back in June.

Michael O'Callaghan's charge had previously been a fine third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and if he can recapture that kind of form, he has to be a serious contender.