No escaping Wizard King

It may not be the Prix de l'Arc but Tipperary's Coolmore Concorde Stakes tomorrow is an attractive contest in its own right and, while it may not get ten out of ten for originality, it's hard to get away from Wizard King as the likely winner.

This is the third time Sir Mark Prescott's admirably tough horse has run in this race, winning last year and finishing runner-up to Wild Bluebell in 1995, but, if anything, Wizard King is getting better with age.

He indicated as much when quickening superbly at the Curragh last time to beat Snow Kid by two and a half lengths and, although he has to give weight away again to the likes of Hidden Meadow and Burden Of Proof, Wizard King looks well up to the task.

Aidan O'Brien has Theano and Dangerous Diva in the race and while they look likely to be fighting it out for the minor money at best, it could still turn out to be a very good day for the Ballydoyle trainer.

At his best, Idiot's Venture should have the clear winning of the Croom House Chase and Finnegans Hollow, close to the top of the novice hurdle class last term, should have little difficulty in the Beginners Chase.

What's The Verdict has to shoulder topweight in the Templetouhy Hurdle but he, too, looked a very promising novice last season as ultimately shown by a second to Midnight Legend at the Punchestown festival. O'Brien could end up with four winners should Chateau Royal improve slightly on his Curragh debut. The form of Hayward's Gowran win has been boosted and he is selected for the Cashel Handicap while Emerald Lord is tentatively suggested for the bumper.

Epsom Derby winner Benny The Dip pleased connections with a fluent workout at Newmarket yesterday, but no decision will be made as to his next engagement until next week.

The colt galloped over the Rowley Mile with stable companions Resounder and Mamalik after the first race.