The Group Three Futurity Stakes has been won in the past by champions like St Jovite (1991), Danzatore (1982) and Monteverdi (1979). However, while today's renewal has the black type kudos, the highest rated horse on view, Access All Areas, goes for the cash in the £150,000 Tattersalls Breeders Stakes.
Confined to horses catalogued at last September's Fairyhouse Sale, this big money pot has been won by decent types in the past but time may well prove Access All Areas to be the best animal to have run in it so far.
Already the John Mulhern trained colt is rated at 110 after a game second to Lavery in the Heinz 57, an unlucky third in the Coventry Stakes and a Stakes win here in the Marble Hill. Usually, a Group success would be the priority but the £73,000 first prize is understandably tempting.
It should prove the correct move too even with 13 challengers from Britain. The best of them looks to be Amazing Dream representing Richard Hannon who has won this for the last two years with Another Fantasy and Miss Stamper. A win at Newbury last time and a second in Goodwood's Molecamb Stakes are to her credit and she has to be respected.
Nevertheless, Access All Areas is the clear top rated, is drawn high where all last year's principals came from and should be OK on the fast ground.
The Korea Racing Association sponsored Futurity looks competitive in contrast but preference is for the fast improving St Clair Ridge. Jim Bolger's filly proved she is going the right way when easily beating Desert Magic at Tipperary.
The Bolger yard is now in full gear as a successful week at Tralee confirmed and one of those Tralee heroines, Husun looks up to going in again in the six furlong handicap.
Pat Smullen can also be on the mark with Golden Rule who reappears in the PDM Handicap. This Frances Crowley trained horse put together a hat trick of wins at Ballinrobe, the Curragh and Naas earlier in the summer and looks a type to keep on improving.
Quinstars should benefit from the assistance of John Murtagh in the opening sprint maiden while City Imp's featherweight in the nine furlong maiden can only help her chance.
The Tralee festival winds up this afternoon with Dance So Suite selected to land the featured Barrys Bakery Novice Hurdle.
Dips Guest ruined her chance last time with an early mistake but a second to Gan Saru at Galway, with No Grousing two and a half lengths back in third, gives her a winning shout in the maiden hurdle while the Cork winner She's Our Mare can follow up in the handicap hurdle.
Wexford tomorrow has a £5,000 jackpot guarantee and Storm Gem is sure to figure.
