Authinger © Photo Healy Racing
No less than five course winners head north to Down Royal on Friday evening for the Live The Dream With Tote Galway Plate Trial Handicap Steeplechase over two and a half miles. Whoever lands the spoils may yet get to realise the dream in Ballybrit's big race at the end of July.
Tony Martin's Authinger comfortably won a novice chase over course and distance in May and aims to follow up in better company. A spin on the Flat around Roscommon a month ago will have left him spot on for this task.
Local hope Howwoulduno dips his toes into handicap company for the first time. Liam Lennon's six-year-old landed a good ground novice chase at Punchestown and should enjoy the available quick ground.
Noel Meade, who took this race last year with Johannisberger, is represented by Ulster Cesarewitch winner Fisher Bridge.
Flat trainer Willie McCreery has done well with Fourni coaxing wins out of her in a Galway bumper and Punchestown maiden hurdle. She goes for the two mile www.thetote.com (Mares) Hurdle.
Paul Carberry has been booked for Captain Carleton's first racecourse appearance in the Taste At downroyal Maiden Hurdle. The form of his third place at Tyrella point-to-point is working out well as the winner that day, Long House Hall, has since won a maiden hurdle in Kilbeggan.
Gordon Elliott's recent Punchestown winner Cape Glory gets in off bottom weight in the Down Royal Punter Pack Hurdle and sports first-time cheekpieces. Gimli's Rock will be looking to pick up the winning thread again though for Jessica Harrington and Barry Geraghty.
Forjoethepainter bids to go one better for handler Anthony Mulholland in the two-and-a-half-mile Sean Graham Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle. He was second to stablemate Valley Of Stars at the last meeting held here in May.
Butney Rock and Winnie Cooper look to have the Dark Horse Café & Wine Bar Beginners' Steeplechase between them. The former gelding must give the latter mare 7lb.
The bumper sees a clash between Paul Nolan's Solita and Morning Run for Willie Mullins. Both impressed when winning last time out. The five-year-old mares are by King's Theatre and should handle the forecasted good to firm ground.
