Buenos Y Bobos © Photo Healy Racing
It's 11 years since Ger Lyons landed the Ulster Derby with Green Lassy, but the in-form Glenburnie handler launches a strong two-pronged challenge on the 2015 renewal of the Down Royal highlight. Buenos Y Bobos is possibly the stable's main hope in the Magners-backed heat, and he represents Anamoine Limited. That Cristina Patino-owned operation were also on the mark here back in 2011, when Banksters Bonus triumphed for Jessica Harrington.
It's certainly been a revelatory time so far for Lyons with Buenos Y Bobos, as the Big Bad Bob gelding has gone from six to 10 furlongs in three outings to date. The three-year-old now tackles a mile and a half.
Colin Keane 's mount saw his rating rise from 87 to its current 98 on the back of a Fairyhouse win in a three-runner affair towards the end of last month.
Runner-up on that occasion, Postulation, has certainly done his bit to advertise the form, going on to triumph in the Listed Silver Stakes at the Curragh.
Buenos Y Bobos may just be progressive enough to cope with his 9st 13lb impost, but Lyons also has a nice back-up in the shape of the lightly-weighted Azzuri
The really fascinating one in the line-up is Fields Of Athenry for Ballydoyle. He could be anything judged on his impressive Dundalk maiden victory over an extended mile and a quarter.
In a first-time hood, the Galileo colt made all then and with Joseph O'Brien in the plate, it will be interesting to see what tactics are deployed with the unexposed top-weight.
Lyons and Keane have Plus Ca Change going into battle for them 30 minutes later in the European Breeders Fund Coolmore Stud Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap, where perhaps the fitting of blinkers can help get this one back to top form. Back On Top could prove best here, though, for another trainer going through a productive spell in David Wachman.
