7.50 Roscommon: the one race you cannot afford to miss in Ireland on Monday

7.50 Roscommon
Hydotech Handicap | 1m2½f | 3yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

Rock De Baune, who beat ante-post Champion Hurdle favourite Klassical Dream on his second start in France, tries to make it two from two on the Flat for veteran trainer John Kiely.

The five-year-old was sent off joint-favourite for a Ballinrobe maiden in July where he landed the spoils by just a nose. He had useful performers Veinard and Rocky Court in behind that day.

The 121-rated hurdler has been handed an opening Flat mark of 83 for his first foray into handicaps and Niall Madden takes over from younger brother, Tom, in the saddle.

Among his eight rivals is Ideal Pal, who has won three of his last four starts for Michael Mulvany.

What do the stats say?

Nathan Crosse has a flawless record when teaming up with Ideal Pal. The claiming rider partnered the son of Tough As Nails on three occasions in the space of eight days this summer and all three resulted in victories.

The pair landed a 1m½f Cork handicap in mid-June, before following up at Sligo. They completed the hat-trick off a 17lb higher mark at Ballinrobe three days later.

Nathan Crosse: gives a thumbs up after winning at Sligo on Ideal PalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Crosse was not in the saddle when Ideal Pal's winning streak came to an abrupt halt at Galway last month but is back on board here.

Donnacha O'Brien is riding at the top of his game right now with eight winners in the last fortnight and he teams up with older brother, Joseph, on Cosmic Horizon, who is owned by Irish rugby head coach Joe Schmidt.

What the trainers say

John Oxx, trainer of Canary Row
He hasn't run in about ten weeks because of the ground but hopefully he will show a bit more now that it has softened. The handicapper has given him a chance by dropping him a few pounds but he is getting on a bit. I think he will run well but he might lack a bit of race-sharpness.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Charcor
He hasn't won for over a year but he has been a bit unlucky and has bumped into some good ones along the way. He just needs a change of luck. I'm hoping the rain doesn't get into the ground too much as that wouldn't suit him.

Michael Mulvany, trainer of Ideal Pal
He is taking on older horses and it looks a competitive race. This is his ideal trip as I thought a mile and a half stretched him the last day at Galway. He is in good form, but I would be more hopeful than confident about him winning to be honest.

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