Joe McGrath Handicap preview

Ger Lyons has high hopes for his trio in the Mongey Communications Joe McGrath Handicap at the Curragh today.

The Co Meath trainer goes to war in the valuable six-furlong handicap with Greek Canyon Joe Eile and Machete Mark and gives them all a chance.

"They are all good. Greek Canyon is coming off a hat-trick, he needs fast ground and he is in great order. He has never been as high in the handicap so we will see how he gets on," said Lyons.

"Joe Eile is also high in the handicap and we are claiming 10lb off of him to give him a chance. Machete Mark is dropping back in trip for the big prize fund. He shows plenty of speed and he might be my best horse in the race."

Tom McCourt tries his luck with My Good Brother and Kiss The Stars

"My Good Brother is as well as ever. He is climbing up the weights and the draw (eight) wouldn't be ideal as I would like to see him on the rail, but that is not going to happen.

"Colin Keane is booked by Ger Lyons so we have Luke Dempsey on him and he is good value for his 7lb claim.

"Kiss The Stars will be more suited to the six furlongs than the five which she ran over on her last start. She has a good draw (22) and I would be hopeful of a good run. She doesn't show a lot at home and she does her best work on the track."

Michael O'Callaghan believes Fastidious will have no trouble coping with this shorter trip after being campaigned over seven furlongs in five races since April.

"He is in good form. He is dropping back in trip, but a stiff six furlongs at the Curragh should suit him," said the young Co Kildare handler.

"There will be loads of pace in the race, and he will be one of those forcing the pace as has to really. He is running off a winnable weight for the first time in a while, and claiming 7lb off 8st 13lb means he just has 8st 6lb to carry.

"Charlie Elliott is a promising young apprentice, and he is a horse that might be suited to an apprentice. The draw (six) is not ideal, but he runs well fresh and we gave him a little break since his last run, so I'm hopeful of a good run."