It's a bumper Friday with racing at Wexford and Down Royal, and it's appropriate that John Murtagh looks the rider to get the evening off to a flying start with Hazarama in the Duncannon Maiden at the south-east track.
Murtagh has sprinted away from the blocks this season's and leads the table in his bid to win the jockeys' championship for the third time.
Hazarama will be the latest filly that Murtagh's employer John Oxx sends to Wexford, a track where he has a fine record. And on the strength of her second to Chauncy Lane at Naas 12 days ago, the daughter of Kahyasi should have no problem being involved at the business end of this. Indeed it will be a surprise if she doesn't win out at that business end.
The other seven races are much less predictable. Sixteen go in the Brennan Handicap Hurdle, and while it will be a competitive contest, preference is for Dancing Venus, runner-up to China Tealeaf in a maiden at Downpatrick last time and off whom Fran Berry takes a valuable 3lb.
Fifteen go in the Quinns Handicap Chase which will also test the mettle of those trying to collect a Jackpot, boosted by a £5,000 guarantee. Persian Life represents the in-form Noel Meade yard, however, and ran well enough when second to Riszard at Roscommon to suggest he can play a part in the finish.
