In-form pair clash in Ballinrobe feature

Dawn Hoofer and Ruler Of France are the two standout names in the 30,000 euro Win Big With Tote Handicap at Ballinrobe this evening.

The Jim Bolger-trained Dawn Hoofer has been in great spirits of late, finishing third or better on her last six starts.

Successful at Roscommon and the Curragh last month, the daughter of Dawn Approach again got her head in front on her most recent outing at Killarney.

Ruler Of France has been successful three times at Ballinrobe, making all to win here just last month.

Paddy Twomey ’s charge faces a tougher task now, but with Ben Coen taking a valuable 7lb off his back, he can be expected to go close.

Sheila Lavery saddles Sevenleft and Secret Wizard in this valuable contest, while she is represented by Encantador in the one-mile-one-furlong Win Big With Tote Maiden.

Second on her most recent outing at Leopardstown, the daughter of Dandy Man looks a leading contender in the hands of Robbie Colgan. Active Approach and National Wealth are obvious threats, while it will be interesting to see how the Dermot Weld-trained Mutaabeq fares on debut.

Lavery again appears to have strong claims in the Tote Handicap, saddling three of the 14 set to take part.

The 73-rated Daubney’s Dream is perhaps the pick of them, while other leading hopes are Dream Point Faughill and A Few Bob Short

Killian Leonard will be aboard A Few Bob Short, and he takes the ride on Sunnyhill Lad in the Tote Apprentice Handicap.

Denis Hogan ’s chestnut was successful on his penultimate start at Limerick and should give a good account of himself after finishing second on his most recent outing at Sligo.

Biblotheca was also successful on her penultimate outing and she is one of seven set to take part in the Tote Handicap over a mile and five furlongs.

After finishing fourth in a decent race at Killarney, the Japanese-bred five-year-old is sure to have plenty of supporters here, with Small Bit Of Love and Greenpanda the dangers. Holding Pattern looks the one to beat in the Win Big With Tote Maiden, while another bold bid can be expected from Tennessee Waltz in the opening Tote Claiming Race.