NEWS ROUND-UP:MICHAEL HALFORD is hoping his decision to sidestep Royal Ascot with Invincible Ash pays off in the Ballyogan Stakes at Leopardstown tonight.

The six-year-old mare returns to action for the first time since running at Meydan in March, where she wound-up her five-race programme with a creditable fourth to JJ The Jet Plane in the Group Two Al Quoz Sprint.

She makes her reappearance in this Group Three contest over six furlongs against her gender rather than take on the best sprinters next week in either the King’s Stand Stakes or the Golden Jubilee.

“I’m happy with her and she’s got a good draw (one), so we’re expecting a good run from her,” said Halford.

“She had a nice break and has come back to herself well, so we’re looking forward to getting her going again.

“We thought that this being a Group Three for fillies and mares was a good race for her.

“We thought we’d keep her at home, then go to the Curragh on Derby weekend (Sapphire Stakes) as well.”

Clive Cox, who took this race 12 months ago, saddles Capercaillie this time, but he feels the four-year-old has to show improved form to take a hand in the finish.

“She’s in good form and has got a good draw (three),” said the Lambourn trainer.

“She’s going to need a career best, but I believe the track will suit and it’s our aim to try and achieve some Group Three black type.”

However, Invincible Ash’s form looks more solid and she can reward Halford’s patience.

Meanwhile, Sonny Mullen may seek big-race success at Galway or Market Rasen following his all-the-way win at Perth on Sunday.

The seven-year-old will come under consideration for the totesport Summer Plate at Market Rasen on July 16th and the tote.com Galway Plate 11 days later.

Trainer Kim Bailey will also reflect on how the handicapper views Sonny Mullen’s two-length win over Harry Flashman in the Perth Gold Cup before making any firm plans.

“I was very pleased with him,” said Bailey. “The Galway Plate is on my mind and also the Summer Plate at Market Rasen.

“I’ll just see what the handicapper does to him next week and see how he is in the next 10 days to two weeks, otherwise he might just have a break.”

Cox is worried the ground might be too firm for Polly’s Mark at Cork on Sunday.

The five-year-old mare holds an entry in the Kerry Group Noblesse Stakes, but needs conditions to ease before getting the thumbs up to go to the Mallow track for the Group Three heat over a mile-and-a-half.

“I’m not sure at the moment if she’s going to run,” he said.