DYLAN IS AL IN

CURRENTLY 76-68 ahead of Colin Keane in the title-race, Dylan Browne McMonagle might make his classic breakthrough on board Al Riffa in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger, one of four Group 1 events on tomorrow's Curragh card.

- BY PETER O'HEHIR

Trained by Joseph O'Brien, and winner of the National Stakes on this card in 2022, Al Riffa is a battle-hardened performer, looked at ease when stepping-up to this trip in the Group 2 Curragh Cup last time and, officially rated 2lb superior to chief rival Illinois, has obvious claims.

Winner of a German Group 1 last year, Al Riffa finished a creditable third to Shin Emperor in a Group 2 in Riyadh last November and, back after a break, has raced three times this season, filling fourth spot behind Sosie in the Prix Ganay (Group 1) on his seasonal bow at Longchamp in April.

He then chased home classy globetrotter Rebel’s Romance in the Hardwicke (Group 2) at Royal Ascot in June.