SUNSET REIGNS has quickly established herself as one of our leading sprinters in her two races this season. She is now rated only 1lb behind the speedy Lidanna, whose absence from the Directors Sprint Stakes at Tipperary this evening deprives us of what would have been a memorable clash between the pair.

However, it should still prove an informative contest, even though there are only four runners. Sunset Reigns had the other three behind when winning a Curragh handicap over six furlongs on Derby day.

Ailleacht, conceding 8lb to the winner, was very much in contention until tiring in the closing stages. She gives the impression that she is more effective over five furlongs and on Sunset Reigns's seasonal reappearance over that trip at Leopardstown early last month, Ailleacht finished a head in front of the Aidan O'Brien runner when conceding 7lb.

Slajay got within two lengths of Sunset Reigns at the Curragh, but now is much worse off at the weights and has it all to do. Mitch, backed as if defeat was out of the question at the Curragh, ran deplorably. The blinkers he carried then have now been dispensed with but it is still difficult to get enthusiastic about his chances.

So in the closing stages it should develop into a battle between Sunset Reign and Ailleacht, with the latter possibly making her greater experience tell.

Having contested the Group Three Tetrarch Stakes and a listed race this season, Party Poll should find the competition in the Glenvale Stud Maiden more to his liking.