The one race you do not want to miss on Monday

Lenebane Stakes (Listed) | 1m4f, 3yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

Two three-year-olds prepare to take on older rivals as Kangaroo Valley, who showed dramatic improvement on his most recent start, and Masaff, who has placed form at Group level, line up in this Listed event.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Kangaroo Valley was having his fourth start when stepping up significantly on previous efforts at Tipperary last month, making all under Donnacha O'Brien to score by eight lengths.

Masaff, who last season finished third behind Madhmoon and Broome in the Group 2 Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown, is hooded for the first time and drops back in trip after finishing sixth in the Curragh Cup last month.

Masaff: goes for winning black type in the Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon on MondayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Downdraft, a four-time winner for Joseph O'Brien, finished a creditable sixth in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot, while the Fozzy Stack-trained Dream Ascot steps up significantly in trip, racing beyond a mile for the first time.

Both of Massif Central's victories have been achieved on the all-weather but the five-year-old has been performing well in turf handicaps this year.

What do the stats say?

The Aga Khan's colours have been carried to success many times in this event, including last year when Kalaxana scored by a length and a quarter, and he is represented here by the Dermot Weld-trained Masaff, the mount of last year's winning rider Chris Hayes.

No favourite has been successful since Karasiyra won for the Aga Khan and John Oxx in 2010.

What do the trainers say?

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Downdraft
He ran well at Royal Ascot last time and has been in good form since. We're hoping for a good run.

Michael Halford, trainer of Massif Central
He's in very good form and I think the small field will suit him. He's been running well so we're quite hopeful.

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Kangaroo Valley
He showed a lot of improvement to win well last time and seems in good form. Hopefully he can improve again.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Masaff
He's very well and is a consistent horse who should be suited by the ground and trip.

What do our tipsters say?

Being beaten just over five lengths in a Group 2 last time was still a decent effort by Masaff and, while he hasn't developed into the horse that many thought he might become, he should be capable of taking this Listed prize. Downdraft and Massif Central have the ability to give him a stern test.
Tyrone Molloy

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