Fallon set for a reunion

RACING: Kieren Fallon is on standby to resume his partnership with Hold That Tiger at Royal Ascot next week.

The horse that came third in last year's Breeders Cup remains a possible starter in Tuesday's St James's Palace Stakes alongside another Aidan O'Brien-trained contender, France.

"It looks like France is a very possible starter and if Hold That Tiger goes to Ascot it will be for the St James's Palace. If he runs Kieren Fallon will ride him," O'Brien confirmed yesterday.

Fallon rode the colt to his greatest success in last season's Grand Criterium and in the Breeders Cup.

However Michael Kinane was on board when Hold That Tiger flopped in the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas and the horse has not run since.

Another Ballydoyle entry in the race is Spartacus but last season's double Group One winner is more likely to wait for the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Sunday week.

O'Brien has completed the James's Palace-Coventry Stakes double for the last two years and his top hope for the juvenile highlight this time looks to be the Marble Hill winner Newton.

Miguel Cervantes is the most likely Ballydoyle runner in the Kings Stand Stakes with Marino Marini kept in reserve for Sunday's Group Three Ballyogan Stakes at Cork.

There is no shortage of action at home this evening with 16 races between Navan's flat card and Wexford's all jumps fixture.

Navan could be the place to focus on and in particular Lemonstown Lad in the mile maiden.

The Oxx-trained Pepperwood is likely to be fancied for this but he was also expected to score on his seasonal debut at Tralee and he looked particularly one paced.

Pepperwood looks worth opposing and Frank Ennis and Seamus Heffernan proved they are a good team when Miss Childrey won a Listed race recently.

Lemonstown Lad ran a nice third to Military Option and Kurbaan at Leopardstown and looks a value alternative.

Plume Rouge was beaten just over eight lengths by Yesterday in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and although the ratings suggest she has it to do against Mombassa in the mile conditions race, the Prendergast filly should still score.

Sauntering ran a decent third to her stable companion Maigue Princess at Gowran and appeals in the apprentice handicap while Miss Orpen looks the answer to the opener.