The Ken Condon-trained Piano Solo should give punters a much-needed injection of cash when the three-day Derby Festival begins at the Curragh this evening.
Pipped by Shellir in an early-season Navan maiden, the Planteur colt then finished fourth – beaten a little over two lengths, behind the same Dermot Weld-trained colt in the listed Tetrarch Stakes, over seven furlongs – at the Curragh.
Back up to a mile and returning to maiden company, 96-rated Piano Solo sets a high standard in the Troytown Irish EBF median Auction maiden and should be very tough to beat.
The John Quinn-trained El Astronaute, one of eight British challengers, will make a bold bid to land the featured Tote Rockingham Handicap over five furlongs.
This veteran, winner of ten races, made all to land a recent listed event in Cork and will renew rivalry here with the runner-up Smash Williams, Ardhoomey (third) and the well-treated Rapid Reaction (fifth).
From a high draw, El Astronaute might be able to bag the stands side rail. He possesses plenty of speed, is a tough customer and will take catching, despite his burden of 9-13.
Peter's tips
5.45. InnervIsIons
6.15. Armory
6.55. Perfect tapatIno
7.15. Piano solo (nAP)
7.45. El Astronaute
8.15. Sweet Dime
8.45. Lancastria
Next Best
5.45. Love
6.15. ArrAnmore
6.45. Sea the Lion
7.15. PocotalIgo
7.45. Dark Shot
8.15. RecentrevelatIons
8.45. MacquarIe
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