Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Race

Off time: 17:00 | Winning time: 1m 40.22s

(1)

Branch Line¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Declan McDonogh| T: A Slattery| OR: 92

12/1

Gelded over the winter, he ran a nice race behind Rock In Peace at Limerick over 7f a fortnight ago, a contest that is working out nicely, with the fourth home running a big race in a 6f handicap here yesterday. Off the same mark now, he's one to consider up in trip.

Form: 15-32

(2)

Homesman^v1¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien

5/1

Off the mark last time out in a Limerick maiden over 1m3f on third start, didn't have much to spare at the line but with visor on first time and shorter trip can go well again.

Form: 2-41

(3)

Irishcorrespondent³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Shane Foley| T: M Halford

8/11

Made light work of a mile maiden at Leopardstown on debut last month, this Teofilo colt holds an entry in the Epsom Derby and would take a step towards that target if maintaining his unbeaten record here, rates a big player.

Form: 1

(5)

Percy¹⁹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Colin Keane| T: G M Lyons| OR: 100

13/2

Killarney maiden winner over extended mile in August, final two starts last year saw him running with great credit in Group/Listed races. Sets standard on form for this return from 197-day layoff if ready to go.

Form: 4144-

(4)

Spanish Tenor³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Billy Lee| T: T Doyle| OR: 99

6/1

Well beaten off last month in Leopardstown Guineas Trial over the mile, acquitted himself well previously in 7f Group 3 at that same track in the autumn and couldn't be discounted here.

Form: 5214-6

Forecasts

Irishcorrespondent (8/11), Homesman (5/1), Spanish Tenor (6/1), Percy (13/2), Branch Line (12/1)

IRISHCORRESPONDENT made a very impressive start on the track last month at Leopardstown, easily accounting for his rivals over this trip in a maiden. He should be at home in better company and with some lofty entries in the book, could prove more than capable of winning this contest with likely improvement to come. Homesman is respected having got off the mark last time at Limerick over a much longer journey while Percy also has the credentials for winning this. In truth, none of the quartet are easily ruled out and the market could prove an invaluable tool.