Time for Stefka to pay back

CONSISTENCY doesn't always get its reward in racing but it looks like pay back time for Stefka at Tipperary this evening.

Jim Bolger's filly has been running well since the start of the season without managing to get her head in front, but tonight's Racecall "Irish Live" Maiden looks the ideal opportunity to put that right.

It must have been particularly hard for Stefka's connections last time at the Curragh when she led everywhere except at the post in a competitive handicap. Seemingly with the race won, she was just overhauled by the fast finishing Diligent Dodger.

This furlong shorter journey will put a premium on her impressive early pace and although Sweet Mazarine can improve for her debut, when fourth to Glasshouse with Stefka second, it may not be enough.

Racing opens with the Bansha Maiden Hurdle which gives Tom Taaffe's Snow Falcon the chance to redeem himself.

Maybe that's a bit hard on the horse, who probably found the ground too soft at Killarney last time, but it was still a shock to see the 4 to 9 favourite beaten four and a half lengths by Blues Project.

Snow Falcon started at that fancy price on the strength of his previous excellent second to Grimes at the Punchestown Festival and, on that form, and importantly back on this sound surface, he should win.

Marigot Bay has been one of the rare failures among Aidan O'Brien's seemingly invincible juvenile team but she can get her head in front on the fourth attempt in the Ashtown House Stud Maiden.