Wales & The West have a lead of 150 points as the competition reaches the halfway marker at Windsor on Thursday evening.

Ireland will be looking to reduce the deficit, having enjoyed a very good evening of results at Chepstow during the second fixture including a victory.

Team Captain Kevin Blake said: ""There is a good feeling in the camp after last week. Even though we only had one winner, 162 points on the night was a pretty good tally and sets us up nicely for the rest of the competition.

"From our perspective, everything has been working better this year. We had 12 runners on week one, 13 last week and we have the full 14 this week, which is essentially key to the whole thing.

"It has been great to be involved for the last two years but, when you are turning up every week and getting a hiding, it is hard to maintain the enthusiasm, whereas now I feel like we are in a spot where we can be genuinely competitive.

"Tuesday morning was a bit dramatic as we had a few late changes with jockeys and runners but thankfully the whole thing has come together nicely in the end. I think we have a strong squad, although whether it is as strong as last week remains to be seen.

"I would say our strongest races are the 5.30pm and the 6.00pm. Bernado O'Reilly and Conquistador both bring strong form lines in the six-furlong handicap, particularly the former who was a little unlucky behind Dark Trooper on the opening night.

"Another Baar goes for Adrian Keatley in the five-furlong handicap. He is unexposed over five furlongs and comes into this on the back of a really good run at Goodwood. We also run Thunder Moor of George Boughey's, who ran a big race at Yarmouth behind Stone Circle and I think you can forgive his last run as the ground was very soft.

"On the jockey front, it is nice to have Billy Loughnane back from injury for a full book of rides. I did not think Danny Muscutt would be available this week, so I am delighted to have him down for four rides, while Danny Sheehy is coming over again to ride the lighter weight mounts."

Current leaders Wales & The West also boast a full book of runners (fourteen) at Windsor and have some potentially well-handicapped horses to unleash.

"Chinese Knot should have a favourite's chance in the nursery as she won at Chepstow like a penalty would not stop her. We managed to win three races last year with Tregony and it would be a great achievement by Rod and his team if that was to happen," said captain Jamie Osborne.

"I think we have two of the least exposed horses in the five-furlong handicap – Libra Tiger was very impressive last time dropping back in trip and Crimson Angel could be anything after winning two of her three starts.

"The same could be said about Gallant Lion and Fulfilled in the extended 11-furlong handicap. Both horses are on a bit of a roll and their respective trainers think there is still more improvement to come.

"We also look strong in the mile handicap for three-year-olds. Man Of Eden is solid for all that he does not win much, while Zoukster is on the upgrade still and I don't think the handicapper has him yet.

"The way the leaderboard is, and the way he has pulled his finger out, I would say Kevin Blake's team [Ireland] are going to be the biggest threat to us. I will be keeping an eye on what the green team is doing.

"There is still all to play for because the leaderboard can change very quickly, as we proved last year. We were flailing until the final night. Yes, we have won six of the 14 races so far, but we are not miles clear. Consistency, avoiding blowouts and picking up place points in every race is crucial."

Standings

Wales & The West 319pts
Ireland 242pts
London & The South 231pts
The North 217pts
The East 187pts
Yorkshire 147pts
Scotland 58pts