Kilcarry Bridge© Photo Healy Racing
Racing belatedly returns to Sligo for the first time this year today, with the Kilcawley Construction Opportunity Handicap Hurdle the most valuable contest on the card.
Ten have been declared for this two-and-a-half-mile contest, with six-time winner Kilcarry Bridge sure to have plenty of supporters.
The John Ryan-trained 10-year-old is a dual course victor and landed the valuable Mayo National Handicap Chase on his most recent start at Ballinrobe.
The son of Balakheri is now rated 133 over fences and will be looking to take advantage of his much lower hurdles mark of 116.
The four-year-old Jefferson Davis is an interesting contender for Eoin Doyle. He has won twice from his last four starts and another good effort can be expected.
Clonmel winner Eight Till Late course victor Bendanella and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Zig Zag are other leading hopes.
O'Brien looks to have a strong hand with Mischievous Max and Tree Of Knowledge in the opening Martin Reilly BMW Maiden Hurdle.
The former won a bumper on his penultimate start at Down Royal, while the latter has been placed on his last two starts.
All eyes are likely to be on Tay Lane as she makes her debut for Willie Mullins in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Rated Novice Hurdle.
The daughter of Scorpion impressed when winning her maiden at Tipperary in May for Niall Madden and she has since changed hands.
The consistent Arbor Des Champs is an obvious danger, while Penny Jane and La Bella Vida are others likely to feature prominently in the betting.
Mullins introduces Itsonlyrocknroll in the concluding Foley's Bar & Off Licence Flat Race and this son of Shantou will not have to be a star to claim this weak-looking contest. Fridaynightlights Roachdale House and Mr Moondance appear the ones to focus on in the Joe Henry Memorial Handicap Hurdle, while Canny Tom might finally be able to get his head in front in the Taylor Construction & Civil Works Maiden Hurdle.
The Durkin Bros. Electrical Handicap Hurdle looks a wide-open affair, with Cnoc Na Sioga Colette's Choice Brooklynn and Se Mo Laoch a few for the shortlist.
