It may not have the kudos of Sunday's Curragh Oaks but John Oxx and John Murtagh may win Down Royal's namesake, the Guinness Ulster Oaks, with Absoluta this evening.

This Royal Academy filly hasn't run since breaking her duck at Cork in mid-May, beating Silverado by a short head, with Fairy Ridge another short head back in third.

The bare form is nothing remarkable but Absoluta gave the impression that she will improve significantly on that and may be well in in this handicap.

Keeping The Faith and Blue Stocking have to give her weight, so it may be Rose Petal, an impressive and well-backed winner at Gowran last Friday, that gives Absoluta the most to do.

The other flat race is the Smithwicks Maiden over seven furlongs and this looks to give Curragh trainer Dermot Kelly the chance of another welcome winner, courtesy of Takimo.

Kelly's yard had been hit with an illness for a while, but it was Takimo that gave notice of a return to form with a good third to Darina and Style Parade at Naas 10 days ago.

Wayne Smith's mount was carried wide as they came into the straight but challenged to lead at the two furlong pole and it was only until well inside the distance that she gave best to her two rivals. The furlong drop in distance should not be a problem and Takimo is expected to take care of Hawksbury and the rest of the opposition.

The Wexford and Kilbeggan winner Simple Dolly is hard to oppose in the opening novices hurdle and Sainte Jocelyne is the pick in the bumper.