History repeats itself – unfortunately for Matthews

HISTORY repeated itself at the opening stage of the Clonmel Festival yesterday to provide one of the three big surprises in the first round of the Boylesports Derby.

Twelve months ago Bar Hill, from the Brendan Matthews kennel, was a leading contender for the Derby but ran unsighted in his opening course.

The same thing happened yesterday when Matthews' 12-1 chance, Bar Club, also ran unsighted in his course with 50-1 outsider Smoking Banner.

Incidentally it was later announced that the Matthews pair Bar None and Bar Hill had been withdrawn from the Champion Stakes tomorrow.

The other two upsets were 16-1 chance Astounded having to give best to 33-1 outsider Hollyoak Neil and Oompa Lumpa, a 25-1 chance, failing to master 66-1 chance Minstrel Robert.

Tynwald Smokey started long odds favourite to win out and after a length success over Call A Judge he still heads the market. He is drawn in the bottom half of the opening quarter and should account for Akita and Hollyoak Neil to make it to the last eight.

At the top of this sector the battle between Glanmire, Co. Cork owned rivals Beyond Flashy and Fawn Head should be intriguing. However the winner may have to give best to Cillowen Return for a place in the last eight.

In the second quarter Boavista and Cuban Boss should win their second round courses to set up a thrilling third round battle. Cuban Boss is taken to advance to the final day where he should be joined by Sonnydontgoaway, who beat the fancied Doonard Patriot yesterday.

In the third quarter Bilboa Baggins and Rio Rooney are hard to oppose and should make it to the final day while in an open fourth quarter Kilty Rover and Canaska Excel make most appeal.

The destination of the prize is still very open, but I go for a Tynwald Smokey Rio Rooney final with Smokey taken to come out on top.

The Minella Hotel Oaks provided its share of shocks with the two most notable being 33-1 Princess Paula's win over 14-1 chance Mountnugent Gift and 25-1 chance Say La Vie two lengths defeat of 14-1 chance Catunda Highland.

In the first quarter today Pumpkin Lacey looks good in the top half while Rith Gan Gaisce, who impressed yesterday, cannot be opposed in the bottom of this sector. The top of the second quarter looks extremely open and here La Torre may make it to the final day while Ballybrack May can survive in the bottom of this sector.

I fancy Vacume Runaway to make it to the final day with Cillown Call in the third quarter while at the bottom of the draw Chubbys Princess should advance but the other spot is up for grabs. I give Crooner Lil a cautious vote to be there tomorrow. I go for a Ballybrack May Cillowen Call final with Ballybrack May given slight preference.