Shelir aims to avail of drop in class Shelir will try to regain the winning thread as he drops back to Listed company in today’s Dunloe Hotel & Gardens Vincent O’Brien Ruby Stakes at Killarney. Dermot Weld’s charge was a winner at this level back in May, but was subsequently unplaced in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and beat just one horse home in the Royal Whip on his latest outing. He faces a full field of 14 rivals in this mile heat, with Ado McGuinness’ Bowerman the top-rated performer while Lady Wannabe has solid claims for Fozzy Stack after being beaten just a short head in Listed company last time out. The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race has attracted six intriguing runners, with Paddy Twomey’s well-entered Raven’s Cry an eyecatching contender. She struck gold in fine style at the Galway Festival, with Ger Lyons’ Baby Zeus seemingly one of her main rivals after winning on his debut. Joseph O’Brien sends two in Zoom Zoom Babe, who finished third on debut, and newcomer Strawberry Picker. He runs Calidus Mirabilis in the Irish EBF Supporting Irish Champions Weekend Nursery Handicap, in which Sea The Dawn tops the weights for Adrian Keatley having won last time out. Come September won on her debut at Gowran back in June but has subsequently changed hands and makes her first start for Gavin Cromwell in the Irish Examiner Rated Race. Ideal Pal won three on the bounce earlier in the year but has been beaten the last twice while Tony The Gent makes his debut for Denis Hogan after being claimed following his Leopardstown win earlier this month. The closing JOC Metal Fabrication (Q.R.) Race features the Willie Mullins-trained Stratum, who is trying to get back on the winning trail with some big-race entries to come in the autumn.
