Stage set for Lady Digby

Belmont Park may host the glamour tonight but Lady Digby can introduce a winning rock 'n' roll note to this afternoon's Leopardstown…

Belmont Park may host the glamour tonight but Lady Digby can introduce a winning rock 'n' roll note to this afternoon's Leopardstown feature.

Lady Digby is owned by the Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, whose red and white colours have already been carried to a valuable success over fences this month by Zayta.

However, the significance of a win for Lady Digby in the Listed Silken Glider Stakes would be even greater, since it would come on the back of a runners-up spot to Red Rioja in the Park Stakes.

Ranged against the Jessica Harrington-trained filly are some smart fillies including last weekend's Birdcatcher Nursery winner Marionnaud, but Lady Digby looks the most satisfactory pick.

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Her jockey Tadhg O'Shea has had a fine season and his apprentice colleague Colm O'Donoghue can also advertise his talents.

The Cork born rider is on Leopard Spot in the last and on some of his form of last year, the Sadlers Wells colt would dance in. However, he didn't always look reliable and O'Donoghue may not have a straightforward ride.

In contrast Jacks Estate is an admirably consistent sort and tries to end a run of runners-up placings in the EBF Handicap. It's an extremely competitive race but Jacks Estate holds as good a chance as most.

Pat Smullen's titanic struggle to hang on to his jockeys title can keep its impetus with Creux Noir in the Dargle Handicap and John Murtagh's Breeders' Cup commitments can allow Niall McCullagh in for a profitable day.

Ebaraya can maintain the strike rate of John Oxx-trained juveniles lately while Mad Madam Mym doesn't look badly treated in the first division of the Liffey Handicap.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column