Bobby Jo looks the safest option

SHELBOURNE Park is often a quiet place in the closing weeks of September as punters suffer from what is commonly referred to as the “Derby hangover”.

Those who choose to go cold turkey will be missing out, however, as there is a top quality card on offer.

Not only are there a number of top notch sprinters in action in the semi-finals of the Shelbourne Open 350, but the opening round of both the Billy Mulvaney Snr and Jnr Memorial Open 525 and 600 has attracted some top performers.

Of the three events the Open 600 is the one that will attract most interest, and all four heats looks really competitive. One of the more interesting entries is Tote Gold Cup winner Slippery Bob, who lines out in the opening heat.

He found his very best form to land an open 550 on the Derby supporting card, but he has never raced beyond 550 yards.

Even if he does stay the trip he will need to be on his toes to cope with the likes of Tyrur Bobby Jo and the very promising Airforce Roger. The safest option is perhaps to side with Tyrur Bobby Jo, who is at least proven over 575yds.

The clash of Tyrur Quinn and Pepsi Billy in the final heat looks a real cracker. Like Slippery Bob, Tyrur Quinn should relish the long run to the turn, but he could be susceptible to a late charge from Pepsi Billy if failing to go clear. Others entitled to respect in this contest include Fatboyz Tyson and Razldazl Barrack.

In the semi-finals of the open sprint followers of Royal Tiger will be hoping he can repeat that sort of form he displayed in the opening round when recording a wonderful 18.57. In normal circumstances Carlows Pride would be seen as a huge threat, but he checked badly on the turn last time, suggesting he could be feeling something. Gneeves General and Parchments Mal can battle it out in the second semi.

At Mullingar the Pat Guilfoyle trained Ms Deltafire will take some beating in the final of the Mullingar Agri Store Fair Warrior sprint. The daughter of Brett Lee has gone through the preliminaries unbeaten and looks a deserving favourite. Hoe Down, in the red jacket, is perhaps the biggest threat.