'He has flawless form' - Paddy Twomey confident as Melbourne Cup hopes clash

Saturday: 3.10 Leopardstown
Paddy Power Stakes (Group 3) | 1m4f | 3yo+ | RTE2/RTV

Aidan O'Brien and Dermot Weld have been dominant forces in this Group 3 since its inception in 2001, jointly-responsible for 16 of the race's 21 winners.

Despite the pair accounting for four of the nine runners this year, the market is dominated by other stables sending out possible Melbourne Cup contenders in the race won two years ago by Flemington runner-up Tiger Moth.

Point King, trained by Joseph O'Brien, is among the potential Australia challengers and is seeking a fourth win on the bounce this season.

He handled the step up to Listed class comfortably when winning the Vinnie Roe Stakes over 1m6f here a month ago and remains open to improvement as an unexposed sort.

Earl Of Tyrone is also in contention for a trip down under after emerging with plenty of credit from his Ebor third last month.

His trainer Paddy Twomey also calls on Beamish, proven in testing in conditions and capable of having a big say if others fail to flourish on rain-softened ground.

Point King: progressive three-year-old represents Joseph O'BrienCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Thunder Kiss, representing last year's winning trainer Ger Lyons, is a rock-solid player who should appreciate stepping back up in trip after being promoted to third in the Pretty Polly Stakes over 1m2f.

Her owner-breeders Newtown Anner Stud also have a live outside chance with Duke De Sessa, representing Weld, as he makes his first start over 1m4f.

His impressive maiden win at the Curragh last season came in testing ground and he could have more to come as a lightly raced three-year-old.

What they say

Noel Meade, trainer of Layfayette
The ground might have been a bit quick for him last time and the ease in the going should help him here, but it's not easy having to give weight away. He seems to be in good form at home and we've freshened him up since his last start.

Paddy Twomey, trainer of Beamish and Earl Of Tyrone
It's a very competitive race and they're two lovely horses. Beamish has flawless form and I think the ground would have been plenty quick enough for him last time. I'm looking forward to running him. Earl Of Tyrone has had a great year and ran well in the Ebor. He's got the option of the Melbourne Cup after getting a slot for the race when third at York and if he wins that's a real live option.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Bluegrass, Kiss You Later and Perotan
We think Bluegrass will be happy back at a mile and a half. He ran well in the Dante earlier this season and we think he's come forward since his last run at Leopardstown. We're looking forward to seeing him run. We think Kiss You Later and Perotan are coming forward with their runs and hopefully they will continue to.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Point King
He's in good shape at home and I think he's earned a crack at this race. He's dropping in trip a little since last time.

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