Flying Dolphin primed to make a big splash for Johnny Murtagh

Thursday: 4.20 Listowel
Listowel Printing Works Handicap | 1m4f | 3yo+ | RTV

Flying Dolphin completed an unforgettable tricast for Johnny Murtagh in the 16th and final race of Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh this month.

The three-year-old was third behind stablemates Kerkiyra and Safecracker in the 22-runner Northfields Handicap, a rock-solid effort that brings him right into the reckoning here off just a 2lb higher mark. He has the inside stall and steps back up to 1m4f for only the second time.

His first try over the trip was in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, where he flew home to finish fifth of 19 having met plenty of red lights.

The first two home at Ascot are now rated 111 and 115, 18lb and 26lb higher than they were back then, which makes Flying Dolphin look very nicely treated here off 96.

Tony Martin has wasted little time in sending Nibiru back to work. He was produced late to land a handicap hurdle at Navan on Saturday under Maxine O'Sullivan, and this time Martin has booked Siobhan Rutledge, who takes off a valuable 5lb. He is only 4lb higher than the mark he won off quite convincingly at Fairyhouse in July.

Fozzy Stack has two of the top four in the weights, but the trainer has made no secret of the fact they will both need rain.

Ruler Legend is surely the more interesting of the two. You get the impression we have yet to see the best of the three-year-old who was supported from a double-figure price into 7-2 favourite for a premier handicap at the Galway summer festival last time.

He was far too keen that day and faded tamely in the closing stages. However, it is worth noting he beat the now 99-rated Shark Bay by five and a half lengths at Naas in May, albeit when in receipt of 8lb. That is arguably the best piece of form on offer and, if the rain arrives, it would be no surprise to see punters pouring in again.

Fozzy Stack: runs two of the topweightsCredit: Patrick McCann

What they say

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Pita Pinta and Ruler Legend
Ruler Legend needs the rain that is forecast. He seems to be back in good form and I'm happy with him, but he would need more of an ease in the ground than there is at the minute. Pita Pinta is in the same boat so we're hoping for plenty of rain.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Flying Dolphin
He ran very well the last day at the Curragh. We gave him a break after Leopardstown as he had been busy during the summer so it was nice to see him run the way he did. My only worry is that this race is coming quite soon after the Curragh, but he seems well in himself. I think he stays a mile and a half well.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Empyrea
She is a nice filly who is returning to the same course and distance as her maiden win. I expect her to run a very nice race and I'm very happy with her.

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