Lark faces stiff test

THINGS will certainly get serious at Shelbourne Park this evening as the last eighteen remaining runners in the Tote Gold Cup battle it out for a place in next weekend’s e30,000 decider.

Sat, 14 Mar, 2009 - 00:00

With only two to qualify from each of the three heats there will be a cutthroat atmosphere and this should make for fascinating action both on the track and in the betting ring.

Slip The Lark remains the outright favourite with each of the main bookmaking firms, but he faces a stiff test in Heat 2 this evening where he must face off against the likes of Swords Prince, Chieftain and Melodys Pat.

It should be a wonderful contest with an intriguing early exchange. All four greyhounds mentioned can really motor to the turn and an early lead could prove vital. Slip The Lark wears the stripes and remains the one to beat however.

The Laurels and Derby runner up has given an indication in the past fortnight that he is returning to his very best and with one of his better starts he could turn close to the pace if not in front. Swords Prince is perhaps the biggest threat.

The opening heat is every bit as intriguing. The betting during the week suggested that Black Allstar may start a marginal favourite, but that could all change this evening depending on how the betting public view the contest. With Coldwater Joe, Daleys Buzz and Tyrur Laurel in opposition, Black Allstar will need to produce one of his very best displays especially from a potentially tricky draw in the red jacket.

Fittingly the final semi is every bit as competitive. Here Ballymac Bondi could well start favourite although he too faces a hugely tough test with Oran Classic, Kryptonite, Cashen Legend and Tyrur Bertie to contend with.

As with any contest of this nature much will depend on the start. Ballymac Bondi races from trap four and with Oran Classic certain to go up fast from trap three there could be a shortage of room in the early exchanges for the favourite. Tyrur Bertie and Cashen Legend could be in a position to capitalise, but on the strength of last week’s performance Oran Classic gets the nod. If he can hold Ballymac Bondi to the opening turn, he could take some reeling in.