Northern hope McAllister out to deny Bolger fourth Ulster Derby in five years

Magners Ulster Derby (premier handicap) | 1m4½f | 3yo | ATR and BBC 2 Northern Ireland

Jim Bolger's string have been in excellent form of late and the Coolcullen handler will bid to extend his excellent recent record in the Magners Ulster Derby on Saturday with Change Of Velocity.

The Godolphin-owned son of Teofilo will have to defy top weight if Bolger is to notch a fourth victory in the race in fifth years, following on from the successes of Wexford Town (2014), Stellar Mass (2016) and Clongowes (2017).

The imposing 91-rated colt made a lovely impression in a Gowran maiden last time when getting the better of subsequent Limerick winner Conclusion, who reportedly lost his front two shoes on that occasion.

Change Of Velocity striding clear under Kevin Manning to score at Gowran last timeCredit: Patrick McCann

The Kevin Manning-ridden three-year-old will face a strong challenge from the likes of Joseph O'Brien's recent Curragh handicap scorer Remmy D and Dermot Weld-trained Sligo maiden winner Sheberghan.

An Ulster-based stable dreaming of getting in on the act is Adrian McAllister's Ballymena, County Antrim team, who are represented in the €100,000 prize by Well Why Not.

The McCarragher Partnership's grey is one of only two fillies in the field of eight and connections will be doing a rain dance in light of her two most recent victories, coming on ground described as yielding to soft and heavy.

"If there was any rain at all I would fancy her," McAllister said of his hat-trick seeker, who has improved from a mark of 50 to 73.

"However, she's never run on grass on fast ground but I honestly think she needs a cut in it."

He added: "She's won her last two starts over a mile and a quarter but Chris Hayes has been dying to see her over a mile and a half."

Speaking of the significance of winning the prestigious northern pot, McAllister explained: "I have only eight horses in training so to be mixing it with the big boys for one day is just brilliant.

"I would absolutely love it if she could do it but even if I was in the first three I'd be over the moon."

Mazzuri (inside) gets the better of Elysian Plains at Gowran on her second startCredit: Patrick McCann

Elsewhere on the card the Lisburn Bowl Irish EBF Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap goes to post at 4.15, with Willie McCreery sending recent Gowran maiden winner Mazzuri into battle.

The Kildare handler said: "She's a grand filly and hopefully they'll have the track well watered for her. The step up in trip should suit her well."

The Raven's Pass three-year-old is one of seven involved in the €40,000 event, with Mick Halford's progressive Kalaxana and the in-form Beach Wedding, trained by Johnny Murtagh, two of the leading challengers.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com