Curragh© Photo Healy Racing
Paul Midgley believes Epsom 'Dash' hero Desert Law may still be ahead of the handicapper as he bids to clinch another big prize in the Tote Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh this afternoon.
Rated in excess of 100 when trained by Andrew Balding a couple of years ago, the seven-year-old dropped down to a mark of 89 ahead his Derby day test and despite being handed what appeared a nightmare draw in stall one, he finished powerfully on the Downs for a comprehensive success.
The assessor has had his say and Desert Law is rated 97 ahead of his Irish debut, but Midgley remains confident of a bold show.
He said: "Everything is good, he's been fine since Epsom and came out of the race really well.
"He goes there in good form, he has a decent draw (stall 22) and we're keeping our fingers crossed for a big run.
"It's a tough race, but I certainly wouldn't swap him for anything else. He did ever so well to win from where he was drawn at Epsom and put the race to bed in a few strides.
"I know he's gone up 7lb for that, but he was rated higher than he is now when he was with Andrew Balding a couple of years ago and I'd like to think with a bit of luck, there is still a bit of scope there handicapping-wise."
Desert Law is one of 24 sprinters set to do battle over the straight five furlongs and forms part of a strong British challenge that also includes Tony Carroll's Caspian Prince the Mike Murphy-trained Discussiontofollow and Foxy Forever from Michael Wigham's yard.
The Martin Hassett-trained Master Speaker is one of the major hopes for the home team, with Ryan Moore on board once again having guided him to a course victory at the end of May.
Hassett said: "He's in good form, he did it well there the last day and looks to have a nice draw.
"We've the main man on board again, which is great. I'm sure he had choices in the race, so hopefully it's a vote of confidence that he's riding our horse again and Ryan is obviously on fire.
"We'll just keep our fingers crossed. As always in these big handicaps, you need a bit of luck.
"We'd probably prefer a bit more cut in the ground, good ground would be better than good to firm. That might be the only negative.
"But with Ryan on board, we have to go there confident."
Veteran sprinter Bubbly Bellini is seemingly in the form of his life this season, claiming his third victory of the campaign in a Cork conditions race last time.
Trainer Ado McGuinness is praying for rain ahead of the fiercely-competitive handicap.
He said: " There is some rain forecast on Saturday night and I only hope they get it, as the ground is a bit lively for him at the minute.
"He's in great form at the moment. He has improved this year, why I don't know, but he seems to have got a new lease of life."
