Hellsing has strong chance of maintaining record of Lyons and Keane in Churchill

Coolmore Stud Churchill Stakes (Listed) | 7½f | 2yo | RTV

Ger Lyons and Colin Keane know how to win this race, having collected it three times since 2014, and the pair have another prime contender this year in Hellsing.

The son of Dandy Man built on his promising debut success with an excellent run in the Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown last time, finishing second, only a length and a quarter behind Proud And Regal. Further reward is likely now he is dropped in class.

It was hard not to be impressed by the victory of Papilio in a conditions race at Killarney last time and Jamie Spencer makes the trip to Tipperary for this one ride.

Papilio and Danny Gilligan (left) beat Greenland at Killarney last monthCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The Starspangledbanner filly was a little outpaced in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh on her penultimate start but she relished the step up in trip to a mile to win with plenty of authority at the Kerry venue and on that evidence looks a leading player on her first start at Listed level. Her 5lb fillies' allowance is a boost.

Greenland was second in that Killarney race and has a length to find with Papilio but he cannot be discounted given Aidan O'Brien's record in a race in which he has saddled four winners in the last decade. Greenland stepped up from his debut fifth in a Curragh maiden with a solid performance in the Killarney race and he is likely to keep improving.

La Dolce Vita built on her course-and-distance win in a conditions race to run a blinder in third in the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown last week. Donnacha O’Brien will be hoping the Caravaggio filly can continue her progress in this 7½f contest, while Chesham Stakes runner-up Pearling Path will be looking to bounce back from his disappointing last of five in the Tyros.

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Greenland
He hasn't done a lot since Killarney but he's in good spirits since. He progressed plenty from his debut to the Killarney run and we're hoping he can give another good showing.

Colin Keane, rider of Hellsing
He ran a cracker the last day. He was still raw and green and the penny only dropped with him late. He seems to have come out of it well and we're looking forward to this. The track and the trip should suit. He has a nice pedigree and he's a fine big colt so hopefully he will keep improving as the year goes on.

Donnacha O'Brien, trainer of La Dolce Vita
She ran a cracker at Leopardstown and has been training well since. She's won over course and distance and although it looks a competitive affair we're hoping she'll run a big race. She goes on any type of ground so I wouldn't be worried whatever way it turns up.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Papilio
She seems in a good place since Killarney and we're very happy with her. We were never too worried about the step up in trip at Killarney given her dam line, so she should be fine with a strong 7f here.

New customer offer. Bet £10, get £30. Credited as 3 x £10 bets. 18+. Play safe. From 00:01 on 13.04.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook. Further terms apply.