Rely on St Gallen to continue Murphy's excellent Killarney record

The last of Killarney's three summer race weeks gets under way this evening on ground that is likely to remain on the good side despite the forecast rain, and it looks a mixture of the trappy and the obvious with some interesting handicaps and four maidens or conditions contests that will have their share of likely short-priced favourites.

The Celtic Steps Handicap (6.20) is better than your average 80-rated handicap with a few coming into the race in good form, headed by the hat-trick seeking pair McGuigan and Intrepid Prince, who both have to defy marks that have risen sharply. It could pay to oppose them with Could Should Would. Chris Hayes has built up a fair bit of experience lately in riding the Andy Oliver-trained filly and has every opportunity of getting it right this time.

This daughter of Jeremy has gone close in two of her last three outings, including over course and distance last month, and both runs were near-identical as she got to the front over a furlong out before being worn down late - by the well-handicapped Hidden Oasis here and by Castle Guest at the Curragh this month. It would seem she needs to be held onto for longer and if Hayes succeeds in doing that here she has every chance of keeping her head in front.