1.25 Alkumait Standing At Castlefield Stud With A 100,000 Euro Bonus Irish EBF Maiden 5f

Midnight Toker, a half-brother to two fillies who won over the minimum distance first time out, can also make a successful debut. Ger Lyons is not often represented in the opening juvenile races, so that in itself would suggest that this son of Acclamation is well forward and pleasing connections in his work. In a race where there is nothing to go on form-wise, he is given a speculative vote.

Ocean Quest should also be involved, as her pedigree suggests she should be an early type. The daughter of Sioux Nation has received favourable mention from connections in recent days, so a big run can be expected.

SELECTION: MIDNIGHT TOKER

Next best: Ocean Quest

1.56 DMG Media Handicap 5f

Laugh A Minute, one of the unluckiest losers of last season when fourth here last September, can recover losses. Ado McGuinness gave the sprinter a nice prep at Dundalk recently and with that outing under his belt, he should be spot on for this assignment. The booking of Colin Keane very much catches the eye as well.

Swift Flight remains a potentially well-handicapped horse, as aside from disappointing on his final start last year, he was a model of consistency. A hold-up horse who needs to get the breaks at the right time, he will always give supporters a few anxious moments but he does look the type to improve and the more rain that falls the better his chances.

SELECTION: LAUGH A MINUTE

Next best: Swift Flight

2.31 Cavalor Equine Nutrition Fillies & Mares Maiden 7f

Toy, a 1000 Guineas entry, would need to be making a winning return if she is to justify such lofty aspirations. Second on her racecourse debut over this course and distance in October, she stuck to her task well all the way to the line. If anything, she may benefit from stepping up in trip but her ability might be sufficient to see her gain a winning bracket at the second attempt.

Perfect Thunder looks the biggest threat, particularly if her tendency to hang left has been ironed out. The daughter of Night Of Thunder probably should have won her maiden first time out but for swerving sharply when in contention. It may just have been greenness that saw her veer off a straight path and that being the case she is a leading contender.

SELECTION: TOY

Next best: Perfect Thunder

3.06 Finlay Volvo (C&G) Maiden 7f

Boundless Ocean can make it fourth time lucky by winning on his seasonal debut. The Jim Bolger-trained colt boasted some high-class form as a juvenile, ending the campaign with a mark of 100, after two big runs in group company. He was unquestionably unlucky when denied a clear run on his penultimate start at Leopardstown. Unless there is something very smart amongst the newcomers then he should win.

Ivy League, a full-brother to Ontario, has to be respected. He holds an entry for both the Derby and Irish Derby so has to be smart. He may just want further in time, so could be vulnerable over this trip.

SELECTION: BOUNDLESS OCEAN

Next best: Ivy League

3.41 Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) 1m

Mother Earth, who made a winning seasonal debut in last year’s 1000 Guineas, should prove too strong for this sort of opposition. Although she will no doubt have loftier targets in sight as the season progresses, this looks an ideal starting point for the Ballydoyle filly. Nicely treated by race conditions, it will be disappointing if she can’t take full advantage.

Insinuendo looks the main danger, as a lightly raced dual group race winner. Willie McCreery usually has his horses well forward in the early weeks of the season and this race will likely have been a target for some months.

SELECTION: MOTHER EARTH

Next best: Insinuendo

4.16 Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire (Premier Handicap) 1m

Ahandfulofsummers could prove well treated off a mark of 86 on her first venture into handicap company. The Fozzy Stack-trained filly had some smart maiden form prior to finally getting her head in front at Tipperary in October. Indeed, what was arguably a career best came over this course and distance when she was also second a Group 3.

With neither trip nor ground a concern, she can record yet another Irish Lincoln for the Stack family.

In From The Cold, fifth in last year’s renewal, has to be competitive off his revised rating. An unlucky in running fourth in the BMW Mile at Galway after, he arrives here fit from hurdling and has the excellent Jack Kearney claiming a very valuable 7lbs.

SELECTION: AHANDFULOFSUMMERS

Next best: In From The Cold

4.51 Barberstown Castle Handicap 1m

Princess Sela, absent since making a winning handicap debut at Gowran last May, could be the answer if ready for this reappearance. A lightly raced four-year-old with scope for improvement, she will appreciate stepping up in trip. Shane Foley would most likely have had the choice of the O’Leary trio here and it could be significant he has sided with the daughter of Slade Power.

McCabe, who has dropped to a lenient mark, also has to be of interest. Few trainers tend to hit the ground as well as Jim Bolger during the early weeks of the flat, so his runners are always worth a second look.

SELECTION: PRINCESS SELA

Next best: McCabe

5.21 TRI Equestrian Handicap 6f

Conservant, who has won off a long break in the past, is well drawn here for a horse that usually races prominently. A former course and distance winner, his is likely to be fit enough for this seasonal return and with Joey Sheridan offering serious value for his 3lb claim, the partnership can record another success.

Mogwli, another horse that has form over this course and distance, should also be capable of playing a leading role off his mark. The five-year-old seems to run his best races in these big field sprint handicaps and has won off higher ratings in the past. He is well enough drawn to tag on to either side if there is a split and again, he hails from a yard that tend to do well early on.

SELECTION: CONSERVANT

Next best: Mogwli