BACKING horses on their first start of the season is usually a matter of faith, but it will still be something of a surprise if Check The Band cannot win today's Listed Topaz Sprint Stakes at Tipperary.

Aidan O'Brien's hardy three year old ran 10 times as a juvenile, winning three races including a Listed event at the Curragh in October. That was his last race in Ireland but he ventured to Ascot afterwards for the Cornwallis Stakes and, in the circumstances, ran a blinder.

Those circumstances were largely dictated by the flying Easycall, but Check The Band ran on notably well to finish a length and a half second to the Flying Childers winner.

That contributed to Check The Band's end of season classification of 107 but he cannot be dismissed as a two year old performer pure and simple. Certainly, on a recent visit to Ballydoyle, he looked to have strengthened up considerably through the winter and was on good terms with himself.

Of today's opponents, Ailleacht was a really fine mare last season but was something of a disappointment on her own seasonal debut at Leopardstown. Lady Shannon easily won at Down Royal on Monday and has a big reputation but has still a lot to prove, while Carhue Lass's third to Nakayama Express last time should see her run well here but probably not well enough to catch Check The Band.

Aidan O'Brien and Christy Roche can also take the opening maiden with Hopping Higgins, a filly by Brief Truce who, judged on those with racecourse form, will not have to be anything special to make a winning racecourse debut.

Triptodicks should find the ground more to his liking in the Greenvale Handicap Chase than he did when a beaten favourite at a rain lashed Listowel last time. It must be said Charlie Swan's mount wasn't helped by some indifferent jumping on that occasion either, but he looks worth another chance based on an earlier win at the Punchestown festival.