Troubadour to hit right note

Racing: Aidan O'Brien gives Troubadour a first start in over nine months when he takes on just three opponents at Naas this evening.

The Danehill colt hasn't run since finishing a close fifth to Milk It Mick in the 2003 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, the third of only three starts as a juvenile.

That was enough to earn a 113 rating which technically should see him well clear of this evening's opposition which includes the Leopardstown maiden-winner Fandango Dancer and the 90-rated Queen Of Palms who ran second last to Attraction in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Troubadour is an unknown quantity form wise this term but last year he looked the type of colt to develop with time and his class should see him through.

Those wanting to bet on a Ballydoyle runner, however, will probably be looking at Tivoli Fountain in the six-furlong maiden.

O'Brien won this race with Giants Causeway in 1999, and with Tumblebrutus last year, and Tivoli Fountain should have come on for a second at Gowran last time out.

The shock Savel Beg winner, Windermere, runs under 12st in the handicap hurdle and the weight concession might be too much with Almier in the field.

Michael Hourigan's horse is a stone higher in the ratings for a four length defeat of Rampart at Killarney six days ago but even that might not be enough to stop David Casey's mount this evening.