POWER PLAY, the five lengths runner-up to Truth Or Dare in a Curragh maiden, was less than impressive in landing the odds in a 10-furlongs conditions race at Navan next time out. However, the extra two furlongs of this evening's Athleague Race at Roscommon, where there is a near £3,000 Jackpot carry-over, should bring out the best in the John Oxx-trained three-year-old.
Desert Mountain, one length adrift of Power Play at Navan, is now 7lb better off. Charles O'Brien's horses are in good form - he saddled a double at Navan on Saturday - and this stable companion to Irish Derby-bound Truth Or Dare must have every chance of turning the tables. Michael Kauntze runs Song Of The Sword, who had not much luck in running when third behind Sharazan in a good mile and a half maiden at Leopardstown. Power Play may have Desert Mountain to beat.
Third in a seven furlong race on the beach at Laytown last week, Cable Beach will take beating in the Derrane Handicap Chase. Michael Cunningham's charge is a fast two-mile chaser, and while not winning since upsetting King Wah Glory in a three-runner novice chase at Listowel in September, has run prominently in good-class chases at Cheltenham, Liverpool and Punchestown.
Fabricator was runner-up to Kingston Way at Navan, and Holliway Star has not run since finishing second behind Rossmanagher at Tipperary in October. However Aidan O'Brien's charge is much better off with the recent 15-lengths Gowran Park winner. Five times successful and eight times placed last season, Holliway Star may prove too good for Cable Beach.