Reserves in control at Blarney

AFTER two rounds of the Derby Trial Stake at Blarney, Partners Bexhill and Beyond The Blaze, who both came in as reserves, look destined to contest the final.

The Donal Leahy trained Partners Bexhill was a most impressive eight lengths winner of his opening round against Glencoo Ash and then had a bye next time up when Captain Pine was withdrawn.

Beyond The Blaze, attempting to give Tim O’Driscoll of Glounthaune, Co Cork, his fourth Clonmel qualifier, was even more impressive when racing eights lengths clear of Fort Special and then had the same advantage over Luath Legend in the second round.

Tim O’Driscoll also has a great chance in the Oaks Trial Stake with Skellig Kelly, who was lucky enough to get the flag in the second round.

A winner of her opening course by a eight lengths against Gist, she led handily enough against Abbeygold Vacume but eased well before the escape as the hare went home without a turn.

She will have a tough course against Devil Woman this morning and the survivor should make to the final. However, the Denis O’Driscoll trained All Aboard is likely to be waiting in the long grass and looks good to book her ticket to Clonmel.

With quite a few hard hunts in the Jack Ryan Memorial Cup this stake looks very open.

Still I fancy Corriga Exile to come out of the top half and Mucky Donie to survive in the bottom of the draw with the latter to go on and take the €1,250 prize.

Coursing this morning again commences at 11.30.