Zihba (Billy Lee) makes a winning debut at Dundalk last month© Photo Healy Racing
Zihba made a big impression at Dundalk in December and returns to the track for the Jimmy McGeough Median Auction Race.
Fozzy Stack's colt was among the market principals for his racecourse introduction and there was a lot to like about the way he accounted for the experienced odds-on favourite Port Lions, who has since opened his account.
Zihba must concede weight to each of his four rivals on his second start, but will need to be up to the task if he is to take up future engagements in the Gladness Stakes at Naas and the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained Irish Minister was fourth behind Zihba on debut and reopposes.
The American-bred youngster has run three sound races since, most recently filling the runner-up spot behind the aforementioned Port Lions, but even in receipt of 5lb it is hard to see him turning the tables on Stack's charge.
David Marnane's admirable course regular Seanie bids for a third Dundalk win in the opening claimer and he will not lack for assistance from the saddle, with Pat Smullen booked.
It's All A Joke will not be winning out of turn if striking gold in the Windsor Bar & Restaurant Handicap following a couple of recent placed efforts.
However, he has to concede weight to Darren Bunyan's course scorer Clebourne, which will not be an easy task.
Chateau La Fleur kicks off her career for Smullen, Dermot Weld and Moyglare Stud in the Jack Murphy Jewellers Maiden.
The three-year-old is a daughter of Frankel out of a mare who has produced a few winners, most notably the high-class Ernest Hemingway.
Connections went to 900,000 guineas Chateau La Fleur as a yearling, so it will be a little disappointing if she is unable to make a successful start.
