Fatboyz’s early pace to be decisive
His task is far from straightforward however and it seems that he will certainly need luck if he is to add yet another top prize to his collection. Favourite to land this evening’s televised contest is Faypoint Man, but it would be no surprise if he were a drifter on the night as he does face a stiff test from a tough draw.
He has yet to prove that he has enough early speed in this type of company and at odds of 5-2 and shorter he seems unlikely to attract big support. Instead last week’s three semi final winners Fatboyz Nodrog, Barefoot Bolt and Shaneboy Lee could attract the money in the betting ring.
Fatboyz Nodrog is a real speed merchant with exceptional early pace, allied with huge speed down the back straight. Much will depend on how he traps as he is not what you would call a lightning starter, but should he get a clear run in the opening yards it is difficult to see his rivals containing him early. The big question is will he have enough in hand at the third turn as he is suspect in the dying yards.
Barefoot Bolt continued his rise up the ranks last week when posting the fastest semi final time. He led from the start on that occasion, but whether he can do so again this evening is questionable. He may not have to lead however. Should he hit the third turn within a couple of lengths of Fatboyz Nodrog, he would be very dangerous on the run in as he does stay on strongly.
Shaneboy Lee was the surprise package of the semi finals, although many based on the Southern circuit would have expected a bold showing from the hugely talented son of Brett Lee. He posted the fastest sectional of all the finalists last weekend on his way to a comfortable success and if repeating that effort, he too could go close. This week’s race does contain more early speed however and with a tricky draw in six to contend with he will need to be at his very sharpest in the early yards.
That brings us to the three big finishers, Faypoint Man, Shelbourne Aston and Barefoot Bryan. The aforementioned Faypoint Man is a greyhound with a huge reputation, although it’s worth pointing out that he has never raced from trap one before and despite posting his best ever sectional for 550yds last week, he couldn’t turn closer than fourth.
With this in mind it is hard to work out why he is favourite. If he is to score he will almost certainly have to make the fastest start of his career and from trap one that won’t be easy. There is no doubting his abundant pace and power, but in a race of this nature you need more.
Shelbourne Aston is perhaps the fastest finisher in the line up, but a trap five draw is not in his favour, nor is the fact that he has had a stitch or two in his paw last week. It must also be taken into account that he is less than a week off four years of age. If he is to win he will need a clear passage and he may need the early pacers to get in each others way.
That brings us to Barefoot Bryan and of the big finishers he is the value option. He possesses massive pace from the second turn and from a favourable draw in three he has a strong chance of turning close enough to the pace. At a best priced 10-1 during the week he could be the fly in the ointment should things go his way in the opening 150yds.
It remains difficult to see past Fatboyz Nodrog however. He has such pace to the third turn that barring early bumping he should lead and while he is far from the strongest stayer, he could have enough to hold on. Of his rivals we won’t nominate a danger, but rather state that Barefoot Bryan is too big a price.
Shelbourne Park
Cashmans bet – Champion Stakes Final
5/2 Faypoint Man, 3 Fatboyz Nodrog, 7/2 Shaneboy Lee, 9/2 Shelbourne Aston, 13/2 Barefoot Bolt, 9 Barefoot Bryan
Consolation Final
15/8 Wise Thought, 5/2 Oran Classic, 7/2 Advantage Johnny, 5 Accordello, 13/2 Fane Basher, 14 Broadacres Turbo
Plate Final
5/2 Riverside King, Archaton Pine, 4 Jemmy Doodlebeag, 9/2 Urney Twins, 6 Castlehill Pat, 10 Corporate Attack
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