Pixie withdrawal opens door for Gem in Oaks
With original ante-post favourite Airforce Diva knocked out on Saturday, the new favourites are Borna Gem, Cabra Millie and College Maybe.
Borna Gem makes most appeal now and would also be the third bitch in a row to complete the Puppy Oaks and Irish Oaks double, following in the steps of Dalcash Dvinsky and Droopys Twirl in the past two years.
Borna Gem is handled by Ruairi Dwan who has won this classic twice already with Borna Best and Borna Survivor. Gem goes in the first quarter final where the improving Ilikeyou and Tyrur Monica look the main threats.
With Smoke Pixie absent from trap six, Milldean Tally must have a leading opportunity of continuing her unbeaten path, though Shes A Tornado and Solo Star will be very dangerous.
Mossie O’Connor’s College Maybe was an emphatic winner at the weekend despite having been treated for an injury during the week. She again goes from the inside box in Heat 3 and should be too strong for Tantallons Kay and Glenwood Pixie.
Graham Holland’s Cabra Millie is a strong fancy to land the concluding heat, though the six draw is far from ideal.
There has been a massive response to the launch of the Night of Stars to be staged at Shelbourne Park on Saturday, December 1.
The €100 Club Membership tickets, limited to 300, are going very fast and anybody wishing to book their seat and take part in the party should act immediately. Queries to Night of Stars, Shelbourne Park, Dublin 4 or by Email to news@igb.ie.
It will be stayers’ night at Curraheen with the final of the Barry’s Tea 750 the highlight on Saturday. The line-up is intriguing line-up with veteran bitch Skywalker Cindy facing former kennel companion Mountaylor Ace, young staying stars Dream Winner and Stallone Bart and the southern performers Dogwithacollar and Shine And Hope.
I have a sneaky fancy for Chris Houlihan’s Dogwithacollar but he must get a clear run around the opening bends to be in touch to launch his normal finishing burst.
The Cork Roses will be visiting Curraheen tomorrow night in advance of the Rose of Tralee qualifier and they will be on hand to present a trophy. Feature race will be the final of the Liz O’Connor Memorial A4.
Another final this week will be the Cox Cup at Newbridge tomorrow and this promises to be another thriller. There is terrific early pace in the line-up and likely favourite Quail Hollow will have to be extra smart into stride if he is to clear the inside runners Danmar Benny and Glenowen to the corner. Eabhas Fantasy has a massive chance if he can make one of his fast starts while Stay Thirsty is well drawn as the only non-inside runner.
Ballybough Hawke is the finisher in the race and not without his chance either. On form one has to go with Francie Murray’s Quail Hollow but he must do everything right.
Àlso tomorrow the first round of the Con Kirby Memorial Open 550 will be run at Limerick and the bet of the round could be in the opening heat where Willie Finn’s Mines A Pint has the perfect inside draw and also the class to lead home such as Ocean Crash and Killians Express. It will be interesting to see if Knockglass Billy lasts home the 550 yards in Heat 7 where he should be a clear leader.
Tomorrow’s meeting at Limerick is a fundraiser for St Kieran’s GAA while Inagh National School will benefit from Saturday’s gathering. There will be an additional meeting at Limerick on Monday with the semi-finals of three GOBA sponsored stakes down for decision.
The other sweepstake action down south this weekend — the second round of the Northern Ireland Derby will be run at Drumbo on Saturday — will be the Munster Derby at Clonmel on Sunday. It is semi-final stage in this competition and a few likely winners are Bling Bling Buzz and Skip Soda.
There will be eight finals on tomorrow’s annual Kerry Hospital Benefit meeting at Tralee. This is invariably one of the biggest nights of the year at the track and all the usual side attractions will be on show, including the terrier racing and donkey derby.
The Betdaq Race of Champions (June 30th) is also building up into a marvellous occasion at Tralee and the presence of a number of the best trackers in the UK should make it a very special occasion. The twelve dog event will have four British challengers in Bubbly Phoenix, Coolavanny Bert, Jaytee Pedro and Young Sid while the confirmed Irish runners so far are Razldazl Rioga, Ballymac Vic, Shelbourne Geoff and Airforce Diva.
The novice stake being run in conjunction will commence on Saturday with four to qualify from each of the six heats. Some very hot times are anticipated.
Finally, the disappointing news from Waterford is that the Noel Ryan Tree Surgeon Waterford Derby has been cancelled due to lack of entries. Hopefully the event and the sponsor won’t be lost to the sport.
