The feature at Fairyhouse today is the Listed Belgrave Stakes where Jim Bolger's Dane River is selected to repel challengers that include the Mark Johnston-trained Tadeo.
Although Tadeo is a decent handicapper and Aidan O'Brien's Kincara Palace has decent Stakes form, Dane River looks a type that can spring something of a surprise. Not that springing something of a surprise in a Listed race is what was expected of Dane River at the start of the season.
The Danehill colt disappointed on the second of his two juvenile starts but the his winning first effort at the Curragh 13 months ago screams quality. He put Heed My Warning and Tarascon firmly in their place in a maiden and did it comfortably.
Bolger hoped Dane River was destined for the top but the sickness that plagued his yard earlier this year can't have helped and Dane River reappeared only last Saturday.
That was in the Desmond Stakes when fifth to the rejuvenated Second Empire. With normal improvement, Dane River should be much sharper today and the drop back to six furlongs looks significant.
Bolger and jockey Kevin Manning can also the land the second most valuable pot, the Rathbeggan Handicap, with Christy Senior who easily beat Lets Clic Together at the Curragh and looks a type that can keep on improving.
John Oxx and John Murtagh can also be on the double with Sanchez and Sanaka while Kevins View can also win for Murtagh in the Tatts Maiden.
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