Broadstrand Lad can continue on his winning way

AFTER a stunning opening round effort Broadstrand Lad was promoted to clear favourite for the Tyrur McGuigan @ Stud Open 575 and his position in the market has been strengthened further with the withdrawal of Royal Patrol.

The latter was due to race in the final second round heat this evening, but a toe injury has ended his hopes. Followers of Broadstrand Lad won’t be too upset however as Royal Patrol would have been seen as the biggest threat to the John Linehan trained star in the coming weeks.

Of course it doesn’t mean Broadstrand Lad can afford to take his foot off the pedal. Tonight he lines out in Heat 2 and while he will certainly start a hot favourite, he can’t afford any mistakes with the likes of Tyrur Willyjoe, Tyrur Domingo and Lemon Velvet ready to pounce should he slip up.

Broadstrand Lad is a class act however and should he make a fast start from trap four he could soon put the result beyond doubt. Tyrur Willyjoe is nominated to chase him home in second.

Owen McKenna will be hoping Tibetan Skies can follow up his opening round victory in Heat 3. It’s clear the son of Head Bound has all the attributes to be a potent force over 575yds and after a brilliant 31.12 effort last weekend he could again take some stopping.

Martinstown Snow is a serious threat however. He too is blessed with tremendous pace and their clash could be the highlight of the round.

The absence of Royal Patrol in the final heat could work in favour of Coolavanny Shine. Despite a disappointing opening round effort, the Fraser Black trained youngster is now clear second favourite for outright honours. That is partially down to the fact that he faces a more straightforward task this evening in comparison to his rivals.

That doesn’t mean he will have things easy. Fatboyz Tyson and Ohio Rumble are both entitled to huge amounts of respect in this contest. The opening heat is perhaps the weakest of the round and claims can be made for both Croom Upper and Tyrur Monica. Much will depend on which gets first run.

Sunday’s card at Clonmel will again feature the stars of the future as the Festival Open Unraced Stake reaches the third round stage. Pagani may have suffered defeat last weekend, but if repeating his opening round effort when posting a wonderful 28.71 he could take some stopping in his heat.