KEVIN MANNING, who sustained a muscular injury when kicked on the thigh by his fallen mount at Naas on Wednesday, hopes to be back in action at Gowran Park this evening and I expect him to land the Moate Race on Sheffield, who neatly reversed previous course placings with Requin Bleu when winning a conditions race over a mile at Naas six weeks ago.
Requin Bleu's stable companion Bold And Gorgeous beat Life Support in a mile handicap at Bellewstown but Force Of Will, fourth behind Idris in a Group Three race at Leopardstown, is regarded as the danger to Jim Bolger's charge.
Bolger is enjoying a good season and he may set the ball rolling with Junikay in the opening Duiske Maiden. Junikay was only caught in the last strides by stable companion Azra at Leopardstown in April and the winner subsequently won twice over the same course. Shantarini ran well to finish third behind Beautiful Fire at the Curragh and will be the better for the experience and the market may be the best guide to the Moyglare Stud's newcomer Simple Ideals.
Family Project may have Marlonette to fear in the Rath Handicap and Dermot Weld can take the Fountain Maiden with Shunaire.
. Royal Figurine finished only sixth behind Miesque's Son in the Group Three Prix de Ris Orangis over six furlongs at Evry yesterday.
