Daiquri to be drink of the day at Newmarket, while Chief bids to pack a Punch in Ireland

Daiquiri Bay will make his return to action ahead of what is hoped will be another solid campaign when returning to Newmarket on Saturday in the Boodles Handicap.

The son of New Bay was last sighted finishing a close up third over course and distance off top weight in the bet365 Rowley Cup Handicap back in October.

And, having gelded the four year old over the winter, Alan believes the mile and a half prize is a good spot to start his campaign off in.

Alan said: “Daiquiri Bay is in very good form. I just felt that would rather start him over a mile and a half rather than go over one mile six furlongs at Newmarket on Sunday for his first run back.

“He will get further, but he stayed on well enough over the trip in the Old Rowley Cup last year.”

At the moment stablemate Alcarath will be joining Daiquiri Bay on the Rowley Mile on the same card after being declared for the Betfred Suffolk Stakes, however Alan will monitor the ground with other potential options on the horizon for the Acclamation gelding.

Alan said: “I’ve declared Alcarath at Newmarket, and he will run if the ground is okay, but he will have some back up entries at Chester if Newmarket was too quick. He is again in good form and is ready to start.

Twenty four hours earlier at the track stable stalwart Paradias will switch from the all-weather to dip his toe into Group Two company for the first time in the Betfred Jockey Club Stakes.

Alan said: “We are stepping Paradias well up in class but we just felt that off his mark (105) life would now be difficult for him in a handicap. He is in good order, but it is a big ask.”

And over in Ireland on Saturday all eyes will be on The Doyen Chief, who will bid to strike gold for Alan in the Palmerstown House Estate Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase.

Alan said: “His owners always go to Punchestown and they were very keen to have a runner over there. I think three miles around there should suit him and he has had a good break since the Cheltenham Festival.

“He arrived safely over this morning and the trip went well. It is hugely competitive, but he could easily run well in a race like this.”