The Listed Vincent O'Brien Ruby Stakes is a bit of a puzzle and Salt Lake City may prove the answer in the feature event at Killarney on Thursday.
A smaller field stakes race should suit the Galileo colt a bit better after he failed to make much impression in the hustle and bustle of the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap at Galway last time.
His form in stakes races prior to that had been solid enough and he was unlucky on a couple of occasions.
The best of those performances was his seasonal debut when he lost out by just a neck to Moon De Vega in listed company at Leopardstown in June.
On his next couple of outings he met trouble in running, although not to the extent that it cost him a winning chance.
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This looks like a winnable opportunity now in an average enough stakes contest. Aidan O'Brien has won eight of the last 15 runnings of the race and can strike again.
On ratings Comhra is the one to beat but she looks to be a bit flattered by her mark of 109.
The Vocalised filly ran a cracker to finish third in the Irish 1000 Guineas but that was a real stand out performance and she has been last in a couple of Group Ones since.
Dropping back in trip may help Jim Bolger's filly now but she has a bit to prove.
The consistent Cosmic Vega also has to be on the shortlist but comes here having finished third in desperate ground at Cork just six days ago and that may have taken a toll.
Salt Lake City may prove the bet in a race where there are plenty with questions to answer.
The concluding amateur race over an extended two miles has also attracted some decent sorts and Pied Piper looks the pick at the weights.
Gordon Elliott's charge makes his first start since running in Grade One company over hurdles at Punchestown.
He is top-rated with his mark of 96 and Harry Swan's 5lb claim looks a big asset.
In the Kingdom Gold Cup Jesse Evans may be able to land a nice prize on the level having run a cracker last time to finish second in the Galway Hurdle.
Noel Meade's charge was a winner on the Flat at Leopardstown prior to his run at Ballybrit and is actually a pound lower now.
GARY CARSONNEXT BEST
4.20: Basilah Bear Nor Time Nor Tide
4.55: Sandy Creek Grey Leader
5.30: Salt Lake City (Nap) Comhra
6.05: Night Moon Rockbury Lad
6.40: Qaabil Ano Manna
7.10: Jesse Evans (Dbl) Grecian Slipper
7.40: Barometer Zileo
8.10: Pied Piper M C Muldoon
