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.

Whatever you back in this race, you’ll be interested to note the whereabouts of Rockchase Bullet at each stage as the race progresses. He may need even more luck than Colorful Champ but, after he produced a most remarkable winning effort last week, there’s never a good time to discount him.

In the opening heat, it's hard to separate National Puppy Stake winner Deerfield Music and the progressive Bombolini. The latter would appear a likely leader from the inside draw but the truth is that he’s yet to achieve what his rival has, and therefore a narrow vote must go to Deerfield Music. Mossie O’Connor’s dog can do it both ways and his superior all-round speed and greater experience can gain the day.

Derby runner-up Dream Walker has adapted remarkably well to this trip and he will take a lot of beating in the final heat. The danger is that Newlawn Tock will lead up and cut across but the presence of rails-loving Derby finalist Rockview Head should ensure Dream Walker has plenty of room on the run-up and Tom O'Neill's dog can convert that into a third successive victory in the stake.

Newlawn Tock has done nothing wrong in his career to date and how he performs tonight will define the reality of his Laurels ambition.

Barefoot Admiral showed real tenacity to overcome some first bend trouble in the second round and that sort of determination will stand him in good stead tonight. Mastering Beaming Dilemma early is the key to success and given that he's capable of doing so, he's awarded the vote ahead of Knockane Rebel.