Bolger looks for double

Compared to previous years Jim Bolger has had a relatively quiet start to the flat season but the tempo can accelerate at Dundalk this evening where the Coolcullen trainer looks to have a decent prospect of a double.

Union Project, rated an 86 by the handicapper, looks to have a clear chance in the mile maiden and while Nordic Isle has 9.13 in the Cooley Handicap, he does at least have winning form.

Union Project, a son of Project Manager, should break his maiden at the third time of asking this season. Tribal and Robzelda, both rated 81, look obvious dangers this evening but Union Project should be up to beating them and a bigger threat could be Lucky Gem, fourth to Royal Command at the Curragh last time.

Nordic Isle was a winner at Down Royal last October on good ground and also had some decent placed efforts. He has no easy task with this weight but could have too much stamina for Gossie Madera.

One trainer who has yet to get off the mark on the flat but who is progressing nicely over jumps with 18 winners is Pat Hughes and he too could be on the double.

Hughes runs Silverware in the Mountain Handicap, not a great race, but one which Silverware could be up to taking on the form he showed when fourth to Taisho at Leopardstown last November. Meehan trained Maxime.

Hughes has Duinin in the handicap hurdle and a reproduction of his third to Savu Sea at Thurles last November would see this one with a decent chance.

On the flat ratings the 88 rated Admiral Wings stands out in the opening maiden hurdle and he should also prefer this better ground. However, the value could lie with the consistent if luckless Huntmore.