19:15 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Flat Race

Race preview

Perhaps TOP DOG will prove capable of winning at the first time of asking. His owners, the Colvilles, trained plenty of winners themselves in the past, and they have Top Dog with Colm Murphy, recently back at the number one spot himself after a lengthy absence, courtesy of Botani at Cork. Many will recall Top Dog's dam, Princess Leya, as a bumper and very useful two mile hurdle winner. She's a half-sister to the mighty Altior and on paper at least the selection has plenty going for him. The booking of 4-time, and reigning champion point-to-point jockey, Barry O'Neill for the ride, only goes to buoy confidence in the Leading Light gelding's hopes. Colm Murphy also has All Thumbs Up in the mix, whilst the likes of Hi Ho Phoenix will clearly be on all short-lists.