Dreaming over as reality dawns for connections

Tom Higgins

As is the case every year, one has to rely on what one has seen to form an opinion and those who were privileged to see Droopys Caesar win his Trial Stake at Glanworth could only form the opinion that here was a very serious Derby contender and one likely to have a big say in the destination of the dog classic. He is drawn in the fourth quarter where he faces Anvil Point in the opening round and should advance to meet the Kilmeedy Matt next time up.

However his biggest task could come in a possible quarter final meeting with Trajectory. The Corn na Féile winner will be confidently expected to advance from the bottom of this sector.

The first quarter should rest between Bar Hill and Crafty Barroso. Bar Hill was impressive when booking his passage at Rathkeale and should reach the last eight, although Nenagh winner Pals Magic could be a difficult third round opponent.

Crafty Barroso caught the eye when coming out on top at Mooncoin but could have a tough opening course again Musical Hill.

The second quarter is particularly tricky but Solidasarock should make it to the final day from the top of this sector while Sticky Fingers is taken to prevail in an ultra-competitive bottom sector.

Torbal Wok, successful at Crohane and Killenaule, stands out in the top half of the third quarter, where Moycarkey Ash could provide the main danger in his efforts to get to the last eight.

At the bottom of this sector Equal Status and Bar None look the part. Equal Status proved a good winner of a 64 runner trial stake at Knockgraffon while Bar None shaped well at Mallow before being beaten in the final by Yellowstone Kelly. He failed to get away from slips on that occasion but made up ground rapidly only to just fail to get up.

I’ll take Solidasarock and Droopys Caesar against the field in this one.

The Hotel Minella Oaks is a wide open affair but Homestead View, who qualified at Glin before going on to win the Corn na Feile Oaks, is one who should obviously play a leading role.

However, she could have a tough course against Tarmac Queen in the second round as the Mooncoin qualifier is strongly fancied.

Should she come safely through she could face Lunar Classic whom she beat in the Corn na Feile final.

In the opening quarter Riheh Cash Back and Silent Ellie, who met in the final of the trial stake at Killimer-Kilrush renew rivalry in the first round, with the former expected to come out on top once more. She can then go on to reach the last eight where she could be joined by Wilton Boss.

The third quarter looks trappy. Clonagh Blonde was impressive when qualifying at Clonmel and Kilsheelan and she along with Waiting To Plan may be the pair to advance. Garbally Glory could come through from the top of the last quarter while the bottom of this sector looks like a battle between Why Tanyard Jane and Kyle Zeta.

Homestead View and Garbally Glory make most appeal on paper in what looks a particularly open classic.

Coursing each day will commence at 11.30.