Preview killarney 11th May

There's a good dose of quality to be seen on the middle evening of Killarney's three-day fixture and Cuan Na Grai is probably the most decorated performer on show.

Paul Nolan's 2006 Galway Hurdle hero was pitched into Grade Two company for his fencing debut and he came to grief, but the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase is a more realistic aim.

Spring The Que is also a formerly smart hurdler bidding to recapture some form, whereas Sports Line, a progressive sort from the Willie Mullins team, has his best days in front of him and could be the one to beat.

There's a decent prize on offer for the M.D.O'Shea & Sons Handicap Chase, which sees Mullins' Polmar attempting to atone for a defeat as favourite at Cork last month.

The consistent Garryowen Star is a lively threat, while Tony Martin sends veteran Ross River into the fray and he ran pleasingly at the Punchestown Festival.

Martin gives his smart jumper Psycho a spin on the level in the Killarney Racegoers Club Race, but Via Galilei falls just below Group standard and Jim Bolger's colt will be a tough nut to crack if his stamina lasts out.

Apt Approach takes the next step up the jumping ladder in the McSweeney Arms Hotel Hurdle and his mettle will be well and truly tested by the likes of Faltering Fullback, Jimmy Ber and Decoy Daddy

The action gets under way at 5.40 with the Laurels Bar (C & G) Maiden Hurdle, which could be fought out by a couple of newcomers to obstacles - smart Flat recruit Consulate and promising bumper performer Quadrillon.

Saturday's Dundalk winner Curling Bird makes a speedy reappearance in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Stakes, with the Killarney Vintners Handicap a good opportunity for Desert Sands to atone for letting favourite-backers down at Limerick.

© www.irish-racing.com