Ballyoisin© Photo Healy Racing
Ballyoisin is back to defend his crown in the feature at Killarney on Tuesday evening, the Rentokil Initial Handicap Chase.
The Enda Bolger-trained seven-year-old has added three wins from seven starts in the intervening year, winning a Grade Three in convincing fashion over the course in May.
He was since successful at Punchestown and will be well-fancied to complete the hat-trick now with Barry Geraghty in the saddle.
He bids to further enhance his record at Killarney where he is two from two.
JP McManus owns Ballyoisin and he is also represented by the Jessica Harrington-trained pair of Rock The World who was fifth in this race 12 months ago, and Don’t Touch It.
Gigginstown House Stud are responsible for three of the nine set to take part, with Devils Bride the highest rated of these on a mark of 145.
Henry de Bromhead trains Devils Bride and he saddles Balzac Turgot in the concluding Bunkers Bar & Restaurant Novice Chase.
The Willie Mullins duo of Robin Des Foret and Screaming Rose are likely to prove popular with punters here, while Wexford winner Le Martalin is another obvious contender.
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase appears a much more open affair, with the consistent Fintara probably the safest option in this two-and-a-half-mile contest.
The first four races are on the level, with the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race the most valuable of these. Cardini who was a good fifth in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last start, appears the one to beat here, with winners Kestrel Prince Lethal Turbo, and Copia Verborum his main rivals.
Colin Keane will be aboard Kestrel Prince and he also takes the ride on Rionach in the Irish Examiner Rated Race.
This daughter of Sea The Stars got off the mark at Tipperary recently and should give a good account of herself here with just 8st 10lb on her back. Aussie Valentine who went down narrowly at Leopardstown on Thursday, carries top-weight in this mile contest, while Navan victor Arthurian Fame is another leading hope.
Joseph O’Brien trains the latter and his Tremendous Leap looks the one to beat in the six-runner Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Fifteen are set to take part in the International Hotel Handicap, with Path Of Silver Rosin Box Stamp Of Authority and Althib a few for the shortlist here.
