Noel Meade hoping ground remains fast for She's A Star to shine at Down Royal

Noel Meade is hoping the ground stays fast for She’s A Star’s bid to land the Ulster Cesarewitch (7.20) under Jonathan Moore at Down Royal on Friday evening.

The versatile six-year-old is a five-time winner, having landed a bumper and two hurdle races in addition to scoring twice on the Flat.

And Meade, who enjoyed back-to-back wins in the 2m2f event with Blue Cannon and Fisher Bridge in 2012 and 2013, said on Thursday: “She’s A Star is in very good form. I’d like to see the ground, which they described as good to firm today, staying that way.

“We ran her twice at the Galway festival and, in hindsight, that probably wasn’t a good idea. She’s had a break since and I’m very happy with her. She stays well, so there are no worries about her getting the trip.”

Crezic should appreciate longer trip

Crezic will be bidding to get off the mark over fences at the third time of asking when he faces 13 rivals in the 2m4f beginners' chase (6.35) at Kilbeggan.

Trainer Gordon Elliott believes the step up in trip will suit the five-year-old, who ran second over shorter trips at Roscommon and Killarney last month.

“Crezic is in good form. He's taken well to fences and I think the longer distance should suit him," Elliott said of Keith Donoghue’s mount, who faces 13 rivals.

Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Crezic won his maiden hurdle over Friday's course in April.

Hopes high for Dylan follow-up

A course-and-distance winner two weeks ago, Freewheelin Dylan returns to Kilbeggan for the 3m1f handicap chase (7.05), having been raised 5lb for his two-length win.

The six-year-old’s trainer Dermot McLoughlin said on Thursday: “He’s in good nick and loves good ground, so hopefully it doesn’t rain too much.

“He's gone up in the ratings, but the rise could have been worse.”

Conor Maxwell, who rode Freewheelin Dylan last time, is again on board the former hunter chaser.

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