Champ to reign in blistering heat

THE final of the Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels will struggle to assemble a field of the quality of tonight's third quarter-final heat, where four of the top five dogs in the outright betting line-up, with national record holder Leeview Jet included for further spice.

It really is an outstanding contest and how the dogs stand as they race past the winning line for the first time will have a big bearing on the outcome. Those first few yards are crucial and how Razldazl Rioga reacts to being out in trap four could decide the destination of the race. Dolores Ruth's dog has a distinct preference for the rails and, while I’ll concede that he will try to make his way over to the fence before the first bend, he won’t definitely dive straight in from traps.

Even the slightest hesitation could afford Colorful Champ the chance to get away cleanly and, that being the case, I just cannot see him being pegged back.