Tyco Suzuki team principal Philip Neill has singled out Ryan Farquhar as the hot favourite for tomorrow’s KDM Hire Cookstown 100 road races in Co Tyrone.

Earlier this week, Farquhar told the News Letter the pressure was on Neill’s rider Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop - who is competing at sponsor Winston McAdoo’s local circuit - to lift the silverware.

“Michael is the new kid on the block and he’s riding at Winston McAdoo’s home track,” said Farquhar, who added: “I can’t remember the last time Guy Martin won a race here apart from at the Ulster Grand Prix, so the pressure is on them, it’s not on me.”

KMR Kawasaki rider Farquhar has a formidable record at the 2.1-mile Orritor circuit, where practice is due to commence on Friday afternoon (roads close 12 noon).

He dominated the event in 2011, winning the Open, Supersport and Cookstown 100 feature races, although Martin had the consolation of setting a new outright lap record.

But Neill is playing down the Lincolnshire star’s chances, describing the opening Irish National road race of 2012 as primarily a shakedown for next month’s Relentless International North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT.

“Guy will primarily use the Cookstown as a test for the NW200 and TT as he’s had very little bike time. In saying that, I’m sure he’ll be competitive on the Orritor circuit – I think he actually holds the lap record – but I’d say the big favourite as always will be local man and circuit specialist Ryan Farquhar,” said Neill.

“Guy Martin is a popular figure in road racing and also outside it these days, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him drawing a few alternative fans this weekend. If it helps the Cookstown Club sell a few more programmes then it’s all good.”

Dunlop will ride his new Honda Superbike and Suzuki GSX-R600 machines for the first time as he aims to turn the tables on Farquhar following a thrilling battle in the feature race a year ago, with the Dungannon rider emerging on top after a dramatic final lap battle.

William Dunlop is entered on Wilson Craig’s machines, with Adrian Archibald, Michael Pearson, John Burrows, Derek Sheils, Steve Mercer and Davy Morga other leading names on the grid.

Road close for a 15-race programme on Saturday at 10am sharp.

The Cookstown 100 is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

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