RACING/ News round-up: Powerscourt's chances in tomorrow's Irish Field St Leger have received a boost with Michael Kinane's decision to ride at the Curragh instead of going to Doncaster for the St Leger favourite, Brian Boru.
Kinane has decided to opt for the Curragh classic rather than the Doncaster version, also run tomorrow, and instead Jamie Spencer will partner Brian Boru in the British race.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Powerscourt is one of just six that were declared for the last Irish classic of the season and one of just two three-year-olds - the other is the John Oxx-trained Rayshan.
Kinane has won the race twice with Vintage Crop (1993 and 1994), but it is another Dermot Weld-trained horse, Vinnie Roe, who is on the verge of a historic three-in-a-row.
Paddy Power reacted to the expected defections of Millenary, Brian Boru and Alcazar by making Vinnie Roe a 7 to 4 favourite, with Powerscourt next best at 9 to 4.
Paddy Power bet 7 to 4 Vinnie Roe, 9 to4 Powerscourt, 5 to 2 Bollin Eric, 8 Gamut, 16 Rayshan and 33 Queens Wharf.
O'Brien won the Doncaster Leger with Milan two years ago but the Ballydoyle trainer has yet to win the home version.
On Sunday Kinane will again be at the Curragh for the Dunnes Stores National Stakes mount on One Cool Cat, and Kieren Fallon will step in for the ride on Yesterday in Longchamp's Prix Vermeille.
The Mark Johnston-trained Pearl Of Love is likely to be One Cool Cat's biggest threat in the National Stakes, and the Futurity winner received a vote of confidence from his jockey, Darryll Holland, who will make his first trip to Ireland since his controversial handling of Falbrav in the Champion Stakes last weekend.
He said yesterday: "Pearl Of Love is one of the best two-year-olds I've ever sat on and I'm full of hope he can turn over One Cool Cat. For me, my horse is the one to beat. In three races there hasn't been a horse able to lead him. I think he will be even better with a lead."
Johnston's wife, Deirdre, added: "He looks fantastic and I only wish the race was sooner. He ran only three weeks ago so we haven't done much since but his racing weight is spot on. One Cool Cat looks very good, and obviously when you get to Group One level it's going to be tough, but our horse is in great form."
The ground at the Curragh remained officially "good" yesterday and little change is expected before the weekend.
The domestic action today is Downpatrick's National Hunt card and if the ground remains the forecast "good to firm" many will be prepared to give Mr Wong another chance in the Beginners Chase.
Barry Geraghty's mount loves to hear his hooves rattle and followed up a Tralee third to Say Again with a second to Forrestfield at Punchestown last Sunday.
Hanko, third at Ballinrobe to Junior Fontaine and Quadco, rates a danger but no rain would make Mr Wong a bet.
Spin In The Wind makes the long journey north from Michael Hourigan's Patrickswell yard on the back of a runner-up placing on the flat to Theme Song and a bumper success at Tralee.
The handicap hurdle looks like another good opportunity for her, while Innisfree can beat Get With It in the opener.
