In terms of importance the Irish Laurels is generally regarded as second only to the Derby in Ireland and gets underway over 525 yards at Cork on Saturday.
Rockybay Foley is back to defend his title and faces a stern task in heat five.
Kieran Lynch’s runner takes on Graham Holland’s pair of Easter Cup winner Clona Blaze and the talented Riverside Leo but is fancied to make a winning return.
The son of Sparta Maestro is unbeaten in five races this year and landed the €10,000 Drive On Tipp Stake at the track in June.
Produce Stakes winner Grangeview Ten, who clocked the fastest times to the third turn during the Derby, can take heat seven.
Pat Guilfoyle’s runner will appreciate the step back to 525 yards and clocked a useful 28.20sec in a recent trial.
McCalmont Cup winner Skywalker Rafa is fancied to get first run on last year’s Derby finalist Jaytee Taylor in heat three.
The most competitive race of the night sees 2018 Derby winner Ballyanne Sim take on Boylesports Xtra, an impressive winner on Derby final night in 28.06sec, and Ballymac Anton, who clocked one of the fastest times in the Derby with 29.37sec.
Newinn Lester, who won the €6,000 Unraced Stake at the track last year and was runner-up in the 2019 Select Stakes is the one to beat in heat two.
