DAMANCHER, the only horse ever to beat Zagreb would be a `good thing' for this evening's Guinness Extra Stout Handicap at Galway if reproducing that form which enabled him to defeat the subsequent Irish Derby winner in a mile and a half conditions race at Leopardstown in June.

Excuses were made for Zagreb who failed by a head to peg back Damancher, but there was no fluke about the winner's performance though up to that point he remained a maiden.

However, he was somewhat disappointing in a Group Three at the Curragh next time out when appearing not to stay the 14 furlongs and finishing a well beaten third behind the Michael Stoute trained Blushing Flame and Fill The Bill. Surely a return to a mile and a half will suit.

Lacinia represents John Oxx who has enjoyed such a good meeting with his few runners. Unplaced behind better fancied stable companion Zafzala in a listed race at Leopardstown, Lacinia had previously relegated the subsequent Ulster Derby winner I'm Supposin to third place when winning an 11 furlong handicap at the Curragh.

As I'm Supposin beat Tuesday's McDonogh winner, Pro Trader, Lacinia appears to have a very good chance. Diamond Display, who bids to credit Jim Bolger with a hat trick of successes in this race, was just over two lengths behind Lacinia and is now 6lb better off.

Top weight Munif has not appeared since finishing down the field behind I'm Supposin at Naas in October but defeated Danaa Mini, successful in this event last year, in the Ulster Harp Derby for which Damancher started favourite but was brought down under half a mile out when beginning a forward move.

Damancher is now 5lb better off with Dermot Weld's charge who subsequently won Tralee's Carling Gold Cup.

Cockney Lad missed yesterday's Galway Hurdle. He cut little ice in the Bessborough Stakes (Handicap) at Royal Ascot but had I'm Supposin eight lengths adrift when winning a premier handicap over this distance at Leopardstown in May.

. Zarnindar, Zafonic's full brother, remains unbeaten after a two and a half length all the way victory in the Group Three Prix de Cabourg at yesterday's opening day of the Deauville Festival.