Burgundy Boy© Photo Healy Racing
Roscommon races for the first time this year tonight, with the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race the most valuable contest on the seven race mixed card.
Five have been declared for this mile-and-a-quarter heat, with Burgundy Boy appearing the one to beat.
This grey colt won his maiden over the course last summer when trained by Sheila Lavery and finished fourth of four on his debut for Dermot Weld at Leopardstown last month.
That latest effort was in Group Three company, while it was also his first run of the season.
Leopardstown maiden winner Future Proof looks his main danger. He was successful on debut at the Foxrock venue and it will be interesting to see how he fares now.
Escamillo disappointed on his return to action at Cork in March, but he can be expected to come on for that run, while newcomer Boho and the Johnny Murtagh-trained Valdus complete the line-up.
Colm O’Donoghue will be aboard Boho, while he takes the ride on Tullyallen in the Roscommon Handicap.
This eight-runner contest looks an open affair, with For Pleasure Remmy D and Well Why Not likely to prove popular with punters. Like An Open Book and Stay With Me are the stand-out names in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, while recent winners Curley Bill and Bianca Minola look the ones to focus on in Knockcroghery Handicap.
The myITdepartment.ie Handicap Chase is the feature of the three National Hunt races, with nine declared for this three-mile contest.
Five-time-track-winner Dinnie’s Vinnie would appear the safest option here, with recent Limerick winner Concordin and the Pat Rooney-trained Witness Of Fashion obvious threats.
Pat Kelly saddles Buck Dancing but he appears to have stronger claims with Bishops Quarter in the Kepak Flat Race.
This son of Beneficial was an easy winner of a point-to-point at Belclare last year and he should give a good account of himself now on his racecourse debut.
Others to consider in this two-and-a-half-mile contest are Small Farm Steelambition Another Cyclone and Momus
Willie Mullins trains Small Farm and his Screaming Rose should be able to take the concluding Follow Us On Facebook Mares Beginners Chase. Girly Girl The Green Lady and The Kings Baby appear to be her main rivals.
