Mr Wong looks the best

Mr Wong has a score to settle with today's Specsavers Ulster Derby and the Jessica Harrington-trained runner looks like scooping…

Mr Wong has a score to settle with today's Specsavers Ulster Derby and the Jessica Harrington-trained runner looks like scooping first prize this time at Down Royal.

Last year the versatile, fast ground-loving runner had to settle for the runner-up money behind Blue Corrig but he looks to have conditions right in his favour now.

Mutakarrim, who sports the same colours as the 2,000 winner Media Puzzle, tops the weights which allows Mr Wong in on 7st 12lb.

He also has had a warm-up run at Gowran behind Carlesimo which was a first start since October and the Harrington horse will relish the forecast quick ground.

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Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning can successfully team up with Comfort Zone to beat Mascalucia and Pharoah Prince in the 10-furlong maiden and they could also be on the mark with Beautifulballerina in the Ulster Oaks.

Sunday is a very busy racing afternoon but the Harrington team should be on the scoresheet in the maiden hurdle at Gowran Park with the Cork bumper winner Star Horse who also ran a fine third to Green Lassy on the flat at Leopardstown last time out. John Oxx unveils En Passant, a son of Danehill and the Irish Oaks winner Winona, in the seven furlong maiden and significantly he also gives Darabanka another start over a mile and six in the McEnery Cup.

It is an all-jumps card at Navan and Carlesimo goes for the conditions hurdle on the back of a defeat of Mr Wong on the flat at Gowran. If the Ulster Derby contender can score today then Carlesimo's chance against Major Burns will seem even more obvious.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column