Impressive winner on first start at this track in November over 7f. One of two in the race for yard with a 40% win and place strike rate here in the last four years in the first three weeks of the year.
Winner over C&D on second career start in November. The race has failed to produce a winner from 12 starts since with only one runner hitting the frame. Appears to be up against it.
Gelding by Tough As Nails out of a Trade Fair mare. Mixed bag so far in five career starts including finishing last of 14 beaten over 10L over 7f at this venue when last seen in October.
Daughter of Dark Angel out of an Invincible Spirit mare. Encouraging debut at this venue when last seen in November finishing sixth of 13 beaten a little over 5L.
Daughter of Gleneagles out of a Pips Pride mare. Cost €150,000. Closely related to Motherland a winner over 1m4½f/1m5f. Plenty to like on debut.
Forecasts
Dark Vader (2/5), Power Ahead (11/4), Pip's Eagle (9/1), Talking Tough (25/1), Briseuse De Coeur (33/1), Tommy The Hat (100/1)
Trainer Joseph O'Brien holds a strong hand with newcomer Pip's Eagle and the Dark Angel colt, DARK VADER. The three-year-old struggled last time out over 1m but can win this dropping in trip to back up his impressive win on AW at this venue in November, a race that has produced the second Hieroglyphic and the fifth Distant Vista to win since. The Andrew Slattery-trained Power Ahead looks next best.