Farley poised to blitz rivals

Owen McKenna and Conor Fahy could be the trainers to follow when the first round of the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby continues at Shelbourne tonight.

McKenna will turn out two very strong favourites in the form of Farley Blitz and Thurlesbeg Joker and they should complete a short priced double. Farley Blitz has the English Oaks winner Shaws Dilemma among his rivals in Heat 10 but this lassie is only returning from a lay-off and may need the outing. Joey Jojo Junior could cut out the running but Farley should be too strong.

Similarly with Thurlesbeg Joker in Heat 16 where last year's Derby finalist Belvedere Bran and Tipperary Cup finalist Forest Rover are likely to pose the major threats. Again Joker should be too strong when the chips are down in the second half of the race.

The prices about the Fahy runners will be much healthier. Tyrur McGuigan faces the Mossie O'Connor trained American tracker Kiowa Myth and in-form Kilmalady Torres in Heat 12 but if McGuigan can repeat last weekend's power thrust then he should lead them home.

Tyrur Dylan makes his Derby debut in Heat 14 and one suspects this is a dog ready to explode into the big time.

He was strongly supported when a good second behind Fatboyz Tyson and a handy start should set him up for victory over Monlesa Alsation and De Ex Factor.

Another fancied contender this evening is the Pat Buckley trained Tullymurry Act in Heat 15. Last year's puppy champion hasn't recaptured that form just yet but timing is everything and the Derby could be his stage. If he deals with Clonkeen Stan, Dalcash Cardosa and Dream Walker in Heat 15 then he will take some stopping.

This week's Southern Oaks winner Clearview Kelly was withdrawn late last evening from Heat 11 where Lassa Extreme, Cartiers Dazzle, Faypoint Man and Must Be Cantona will now battle it out. A reserve will run from the inside box. .

There will be much interest in the running of recent Molloy Guineas winner Freedom Seacrest as she drops down in trip to contest Heat 9.

* Guitar Moment has been withdrawn from Heat 19 tomorrow night and a reserve will run.