Focus on the key players as Rosie Alice bids to go one better

8.00 Ballinrobe
Broderick's Electrical Handicap Hurdle |4yo+ | 2m5f104yds | ATR

Rosie Alice, who came from well off the pace to finish second in a valuable mares' handicap hurdle at the Galway festival on her most recent start, will be attempting to go one better for trainer Charles Byrnes when she returns to the west of Ireland on Monday.

A gambled-on favourite at Galway, where she finished runner-up to Miss Eyecatcher over two and a half miles, the six-year-old steps up in trip, with Paul Townend taking over from Davy Russell, who partners Clondaw Farmer for Shark Hanlon.

Byrnes said: "Rosie Alice is in good form but it will be tougher for her this time, taking on the geldings. The Galway race was a valuable pot and was a race we had targeted but it didn't work out.

Snugsborough Benny: a leading fancy for the Boylesports Irish Grand NationalCredit: Patrick McCann

"I don't think the longer trip will be an issue and hopefully things will work out better for her this time."

Snugsborough Benny, winner of two of his last three starts – at Tipperary in May and at Limerick last month – represents Liam Cusack, who said: "He's gone up 9lb for his last win, so we're putting up Richie Deegan to claim 7lb.

"The horse is in good form but I hope they get the rain that's forecast as that would definitely help his chance."

Successful at Bellewstown last month, Steamboat Quay represents Gordon Elliott and JP McManus, whose colours will also be carried by the 'Boots' Madden-trained Whatever It Takes, a five-time hurdles winner who achieved his most recent success when scoring over three miles and a furlong at Kilbeggan last month.

Steve Mahon's Freedom Statue, who finished third here last month, is the only course winner in the line-up, and Mahon also runs Generous Guest.

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