Real Force (nearest)© Photo Healy Racing
The most valuable event at Leopardstown on Thursday evening is the opener, with the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race carrying a prize-fund of E30,000.
Punters would be well advised to monitor proceedings over at Royal Ascot on Wednesday with a view to the chances of Real Force in this extended seven-furlong event.
The grey went in at odds of 25/1 at Naas on debut in April and he returned to the County Kildare venue for his second start in May.
Last of four then behind Ballydoyle's Pistoletto in a conditions contest, Ger O'Leary’s charge was far from disgraced, beaten only a length and three parts in all.
A decent performance from second-placer on that occasion, Red Epaulette, in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes, would certainly boost the form.
Judging by the way Real Force was running on at the end last time, a step up of two furlongs in trip would seem likely to play to his strengths. Killian Leonard will be aboard the likeable juvenile again. Rebel Tale and Law Breaker are other previous victors in the mix, and the three newcomers could easily have a say as well.
Supported down from 25/1 into 6/1 when fourth behind an Aidan O’Brien trio at the Curragh on the Friday night of Guineas weekend, Galactic Grey cannot be taken lightly either.
Ken Condon, trainer of Galactic Grey, had Romanised finish fourth in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, and he also has Celtic Beauty engaged in the Albany on Friday.
The Classic-winning handler runs Split Down South in the Get Your Free Trial Now At Racingtv.com Maiden.
Condon has care of this Dark Angel colt for Johnny Collins of the renowned sales consigning Brown Island Stables team.
Split Down South is worth keeping an eye on, if not for now but with the future in mind. Little Clarinet (6.50) and Raffaello (7.50) are among the others to note on this seven-race card.
