Royal Ascot formboosts strengthen claims of progressive Ger Lyons filly in Ballinrobe feature

The first and second from last year’s running of this race lock horns again as Royal Eagle and No Niki No are part of a 13-strong field. 

Royal Eagle came out on top by half a length in their tussle 12 months ago and was also first past the post four runs later in a 2m1½f Bellewstown handicap, only to lose the race in the stewards' room for causing interference. She is fit from a recent five-and-a-half-length win over hurdles at Listowel and looks a leading contender again. 

Heather is the youngest and least experienced of the field, with the three-year-old having the runs to match her age. However, in her three outings she has demonstrated a level of form that should give her a great chance.

Beaten by a neck on her debut over a mile at Dundalk, she stepped up in trip on her second start at the track to beat What’s Your Game by two lengths. That horse was a subsequent winner and is now rated 93 having also finished second to recent Queen’s Vase scorer Carmers.

On Heather’s last start at Naas she kept on but was unable to reel in Galveston. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt put in a decent performance to finish third in the King Edward VII Stakes on Friday. This step up in trip should suit the daughter of Camelot. 

Elana Osario was a winner at this track last time out and has been placed on her four other runs since making her debut last August. She is another who shapes as if this trip will be up her street.

Going latest

Racing will take place on the inner loop with the going described as good and selective watering taking place. Temperatures are set to hit a high of 17C on Monday and there is the threat of rain arriving in the evening.

What they say

Eoghan O’Neill, trainer of No Niki No
She needed her first run and seems in good order now. She was done on the line in the race last year and the track suits her. It looks a better quality race than it was last year, though.

Paddy Twomey, trainer of Elana Osario
She won nicely at the track over a shorter trip on her last visit there and hopefully she can repeat the feat.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Royal Eagle
She’s a few pounds higher since winning the race last year but we're claiming off her and she's fit from her win over hurdles at Listowel.

Gerard Keane, trainer of Beauparc
She’s in good nick but has gone up 7lb since her last run. She should run a good race if the handicapper hasn’t got a hold of her.

Michael Mulvaney, trainer of Fratas
She's been fairly solid for the past few runs over hurdles and on the Flat at Sligo. She's won around the track and been placed, so she likes it there.

Joseph O’Brien, trainer of Shoda and Sissi
Shoda is having her first run since a layoff and any rain that falls will help her. Sissi won nicely last time and now steps into handicap company and goes up in trip. We think she'll get the distance and we're hoping for a nice run.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Empress Alma
She's in off a light weight and hopefully can be competitive, but it looks a strong race.

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