The last installment of the thrills, spills and traffic jams that have characterised the Killarney summer festival gets under way this afternoon where the undoubted star of the show will be the prolific Colins Double.
Cathal McCarthy's seven-yearold piled four wins into three weeks of May with commendable enthusiasm but what was remarkable was that he did it in all branches of the sport, over hurdles, fences and on the flat.
The chase came at Punchestown, the hurdle at Navan when Colins Double put six lengths between himself and the smart Gift Token and the flat wins came at Fairyhouse and Laytown's strand.
The first of those came off a mark of 38, the Laytown win was off 48 and today Colins Double lines up for the £14,000 Dawn Milk Handicap off 55 and facing a two-mile plus trip. Still, it shouldn't be a problem to the horse making it five in a row.
The trip is not really an issue for Philip Fenton's mount, he is best on fast ground, he has been pleasing his connections recently and his improvement rate may not be stopping. Aboriginal and Reggae Rhythm rate the dangers.
Dermot Weld has been uncharacteristically quiet at this Killarney but can make up for that, courtesy of Irish Blessing in the 11-furlong maiden.
Ginger Lily is proposed as the possible winner of the mile handicap but favourite backers could be out in force for the opening race, the novice hurdle, where Aidan O'Brien saddles Hang 'em High.
The form of this one's victory at Cork was subsequently boosted by Dark Trojan and Mandalink but slightly let down by Ennoble here on Monday. Nevertheless, he finally showed what many expected of him at Cork and should probably be followed now he has hit form.
