Down Royal Saturday: Classic Card Can See Aga Khan in Limelight

The Ulster Derby and Oaks may only be handicaps, but they are prizes worth winning, and the Aga Khan has his sights set on the double

14:25 Louis Roederer Handicap 

Nigg Bay is respected on recent form, but preference is for the unexposed Soffia, who won a Curragh maiden last time in ready fashion, and enters handicaps on a fair mark. She looks sure to improve further and Eddie Lynam has a better than 20ops=”{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}”> 

Tip: Back Soffia @  

15:00 Value Cabs Handicap  

A big field goes to post, but Johnny Murtagh’s Admiralty gets the nap vote after an eyecatching effort at Roscommon, doing too much in front but only worn down late in the day. Murtagh’s horses are in flying form with seven winners from 20 runners in the last fortnight, and Admiralty remains on a winnable mark despite a slight rise for his narrow defeat. Shane Foley takes over the steering now, and he ought to break his maiden against moderate opponents. 

Tip: Back Admiralty @

15:35 Magners Ulster Derby  

The feature race of Down Royal’s summer fixture, and this race tends to throw up a decent performer. Sheberghan could be the one having won a Sligo maiden easily last time, and he impressed with how well he scored in a race which could have been messy. The nature of the gallop there probably hides his superiority, and he comes into handicaps on a mark which could prove lenient (wouldn’t be able to run in valuable handicaps in Britain under current rules). With Remmy D and City Ballerina possibly flattered when always in the same positions at the Curragh last time. Hat-trick seeker Well Why Not needs to prove herself away from the mud, and takes a step up in class, although she is still selected as the biggest threat. 

Tip: Back Sheberghan @  

16:15 Lisburn Bowl Ulster Oaks  

Kalaxana can give the Aga Khan a double on the day after an impressive win in maiden company at Gowran. The daughter of Rock of Gibraltar is from the family of Kalanisi and Kalaman, and she looks open to further improvement having been brought along gradually, and the longest trip she’s tackled should eke out more from more from her.  

Tip: Back Kalaxana @