Vinnie Roe can land an historic third successive Irish St Leger against five rivals in the Irish Field sponsored Group 1 at the Curragh tomorrow.
Dermot Weld´s charge has been given plenty of time to get over his exertions in Australia last November when a gallant fourth behind stable-companion Media Puzzle in the Melbourne Cup.
The five-year-old made his belated reappearance at Leopardstown last month, and overcame a troublesome passage under regular partner Pat Smullen to get up close home for a narrow win over Carpanetto. That outing should leave the son of Definite Article spot on for this mile and three-quarters test.
Bollin Eric was successful in the St Leger at Doncaster last year, and the Tim Easterby-trained four-year-old returned to winning form over two miles at York last month. He was previously only beaten six lengths when fourth to Alamshar in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, and represents the chief threat.
Powerscourt is the main contender from the classic generation and, having waited until the Budweiser Irish Derby for his seasonal reappearance, has been making up for lost time since by scoring twice including against stable-companion Brian Boru in the ´Great Voltigeur´ at York.
The Ridgewood Pearl Stakes is the main supporting race, and Easterby supplies a likely candidate here with Fayr Jag. The four-year-old will be suited by a return to Group 3 company having finished a creditable fifth at the highest level behind stablemate Somnus in the Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup at Haydock last Saturday.
