The unique experience of Laytown gets its 1998 go-ahead this evening when the tide recedes enough to allow a six-race card on the beach. A large crowd should again be attracted by the festive atmosphere and one young man who should have no problem enjoying it is Eddie Ahern who can set the gambling ball rolling by winning the opening race on Magic Annemarie.

Twelve months ago, Ahern got a substantial boost to his winning of the apprentices championship when landing a treble in the four races open to him. Indeed, he only missed out on a clean sweep by the two and a half lengths he was beaten into second in the last race.

He's unlikely to have such a bonanza this time but his good record on the beach is a plus over what is such a unique "racecourse" for one evening in the year.

The Pat Martin-trained Magic Annemarie has no such experience but this filly has been a consistent sprinter over the last couple of seasons and her overall form gives her the winning of the Guinness Race.

A slight worry is that Magic Annemarie may be just more effective over five furlongs rather than six. Although dropped a place by the stewards to sixth she still ran prominently for a long way behind Lady Shannon over the minimum distance at Leopardstown last time.

There is also the question mark as to how she will take to the sand but if she does Magic Annemarie and Ahern should have too much pace for the frustrating Key To The City who has been running over longer distances.

Course experience really comes into play among the horses, however, and none has a better tally than Bolero Dancer who goes for a remarkable fifth win on the sand in the last. In 1993, `94, `96 and last year, Tommy O'Neill's veteran has come out on top. Lately there has been little to write home about in terms of form but give Bolero Dancer Laytown and form emphasis disappears.