Admiral poised for big run

THERE’S a sub-29 seconds run in Maureens Admiral and the make-up of tonight’s fifth race at Curraheen Park looks to provide an opportunity for Marie Lavin’s dog to prove such.

A lightly raced sort, who has won twice over four bends and three times in sprints, he looks drawn to lead the two runners on his inner and that being the case, he should stretch clear of the field.

Paddock Honcho finished in front of him last time and he re-opposes here, but Maureens Admiral was carried wide on the run to the turn on that occasion and it certainly cost him valuable ground and momentum.

He should turn the tables on Paddock Honcho this time and it could, in fact, be Gurrane Man who provides the biggest threat to the selection.

The final of the New Year A3 550 looks a really tight affair and the draw could be all-important.

Aughacasla Jack was caught on the line by Hurricane Hawk in the semi-final, but his early pace should allow him make the most of his rails pitch this time and, therefore, he is selected to make a quick return to winning ways for Johnny O’Sullivan.

Getting the better of Splendid Wish in the early stages is the absolute key to this race, but it’s no easy task.

However, he has operated very well from trap one in the past and, if indeed he can hold his place to the turn, he should have the added bonus of Splendid Wish acting as a buffer between him and the remaining runners.

The closing race, which is the Upcoming Guinness Trophy A1, looks a real cracker, but the draw just sways things in favour of Kranky Ma.

John Kiely’s bitch is better drawn now than when knocked out of the Beamish & Murphy’s stake before Christmas and she can make the most of it.

Danielles Shelly ran a cracker last week and this specialist trapper and early pacer is not passed over lightly.

However, with Shedfield Deuce in three and Kranky Ma in two, she will need another lightning break to get clear to the turn. It’s not beyond her, but it’s a stiff task and therefore preference is for Kranky.