Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown

The Ballysax Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.45 CET is always one of the most informative Irish Derby trials and Aidan O´Brien has an excellent record here. He has 3 runners here of whom Recital, unbeaten in 2 races last year including a French Group One, looks easily the best. Speculation continues regarding O´Brien´s choice of stable jockey this season, but his declared policy of using "the best available" seems borne out by the fact that he has booked Ryan Moore for this ride (and 3 others on the undercard). Main danger here should be Mawaakef (Kevin Prendergast/ Dclan McDonough), runner-up to Casamento in a Group Two last September.
The main supporting feature is the listed mile race at 15.45, in which there are only 4 runners. This looks at the mercy of course specialist Famous Name (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who won this last year and has plenty in hand on official ratings, even taking into account the weight he is set to concede.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Raphael Santi - Parish Hall - Requinto
2. Race: Famous Name - Finicius - Barack
3. Race: President Lincoln - Flavia Tatiana - Adiynara
4. Race: Recital - Mawaakef - Banimpire
5. Race: Claiomh Solais - Quest For Peace - Sinntani
6. Race: Daring Man - Northern Rocked - Great Realief
7. Race: Dolphin Bay - Midnight Dreamer - Bahrain Storm