Vastonea back for more in Cambridgeshire It's a premier handicap that wouldn't be the same without Vastonea's presence and the grey sneaks in at the bottom of the weights for the Tote Irish Cambridgeshire at the Curragh. Kevin Prendergast's charge will be contesting the 100,000 euro mile event for the fifth year in succession, and in 2014 from a mark of 96 the Verglas gelding found Sretaw just half a length too good when runner-up. Last year Vastonea finished last of the 22 behind Hint Of A Tint, while in 2012 he was a beaten favourite when 14th. In 2013 the Prendergast runner (also has Aared engaged this time under Gary Halpin) was sent off at 25-1 and ran accordingly when 10th. Sean Davis claims 10lb and will partner eight-year-old Vastonea on this occasion. Another of the elder statesmen in this party is An Saighdiur, at the age of nine. Just over a week ago An Saighdiur scored at the venue over seven furlongs and here he'll bid for three wins on the bounce. "He's in great form and seems fine after the race on Saturday. We are unsure about him staying a mile but there's only one way to find out and he didn't seem to be stopping the last day," said An Saighdiur's trainer Andy Slattery. "Billy Lee came back in after finishing fifth on him at the Curragh earlier in the season and said he could be a Cambridgeshire horse so that is why he got the entry and we'll find out on Sunday if Billy was right!" Kevin Prendergast's nephew, Patrick, has Canary Row in the mix, and this Holy Roman Emperor gelding has finished sixth and fifth in the past couple of renewals. "He's a good old servant but he's back up at a rating where he has nothing left to spare. It's hard to tip one of our own against the English horses in a handicap like this. Any little drop of rain that comes for our fellow would be appreciated," commented Prendergast. "Negatives aside he's in great form. He's drawn 19 but he's a good old breaker - he jumps fast out of stalls and he can slot in. "As I said though he has nothing up his sleeve. Hopefully some Irish horse might do it. Maybe the English won't travel over well or that, but if they do they've got an advantage." Michael Halford's Hasanour filled the third spot in 2014. He's back again and the Copper Beech Stables handler has Eastern Rules, Wychwood Warrior, Cailin Mor and Katiymann in contention as well. Fit For The Job came home in seventh 12 months back. He'll go for JP McManus and the successful trainer from 2015, David Wachman. Three British-trained runners are among the 24-strong field. Top-weight Instant Attraction will be Jedd O'Keeffe's second runner at Irish Flat headquarters. Also making the journey over are Boomshackerlacker for George Baker, and Galway Festival victor Dream Walker will attempt to supply Brian Ellison with another good day in Ireland.
