THE Victor Bowens stable has been going through a quiet spell this year, but in the past few weeks there have been indications that his string are about to hit form. The Co Wicklow trainer sends Macallister, Ivy Boy and Tudor Buck to Down Royal this afternoon and the trio appear to hold first-rate chances.

Macallister, who will be making his first appearance in handicap class, was having his opening run of the year when beating Scenic Route with some ease at Leopardstown last month. Although he has his fair share of weight, he looks the part in the Langholm Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

The Manager, who will have the talented David Casey in the saddle, is a possible danger. This six-year-old was tracking the leaders when blundering badly three out in a three-mile hurdle at Naas behind Wylde Hide and won his maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse back in November in runaway fashion.

Formerly with Willie Mullins, Ivy Boy made much of the running at Navan in February when a highly creditable third to the Arthur Moore newcomer, Livin It Up. A reproduction of that form in the Auchtermuchty Maiden Hurdle should be sufficient to beat Grennanhill, caught in the last strides in a handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

Runs in a bumper, a maiden hurdle and a novice chase have been Tudor Buck's programme so far this year. The seven-year-old was very much in contention when falling at the 10th fence in Dee Ell's race at Naas, and is worth another chance in the Bet With The Tote Beginners Chase.

A drifter in the betting at Navan in the race won by Veredarius, Bahao ran a cracking race, finishing strongly from a long way back to take second place. He is napped to beat The Bould Vic in the opening division of the Dumfries Maiden Hurdle. Zabargar, second to Lady Daisy at Naas, is the automatic choice in the second division.

Tasse Du The, successful in last year running of the Banbridge Coachworks Hunters Chase, did well enough when runner-up to Corymandel at Downpatrick, to make her the selection to beat Over The Maine.

David Nicholson could have as many as seven runners at the Punchestown Festival including his Aintree winner and deposed champion chaser Viking Flagship, due to renew rivalry with his Cheltenham Queen Mother Champion Chase conqueror Klairon Davis in the BMW Drogheda Chase, a two mile limited handicap chase.