Make it Martinstown to sew it up early

Broadstrand Lad may be approaching his fourth birthday, but the brilliant son of Hallucinate retains all his ability and he will be bidding for the biggest title of his career when he lines out in the final of the Tyrur McGuigan @ Stud Open 575.

The John Linehan-trained tracker certainly deserves a big prize, but he won’t have things easy from a tricky draw in trap four. Favourite to claim the €€7,000 prize is Martinstown Snow, while sponsor PJ Fahy also holds a strong hand with both Tyrur Domingo and Tyrur Willyjoe. The field is completed by Ohio Rumble and Croom Star and neither can be dismissed too lightly.

It’s a line up that does justice to what has been a wonderful competition. In fact, such is the open nature of the contest that no greyhound was available at bigger than 7-1 during the week.

The draw seems to favour those on the outside. The reason for this is simple. Croom Star is a tight railer and seems certain to cut inwards from trap three, while Tyrur Domingo, who races from trap one, tends to check wide at the turn if left tight for room.

Most likely to take advantage is Martinstown Snow. Although a little inconsistent at traps, he has superb early dash when he gets into stride.

The same can be said for Tyrur Willyjoe, but Martinstown Snow has the inside line on that rival. Broadstrand Lad was a little disappointing on the run to the turn in his last two outings and may need to make one of his trademark fast starts if he is to enter the back straight close enough.

Martinstown Snow looks a worthy favourite. If he can get first run into the bend he will be very difficult to contain. Tyrur Willyjoe and Broadstrand Lad are nominated as the main dangers.

Elsewhere on the Shelbourne card both semi-finals of the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy 525 should provide thrills. The star of the opening round was the Fraser Black-trained Droopys Jet, and he will be a warm order to continue his unbeaten ways in second heat.

From an ideal draw on the fence, the talented youngster looks a likely leader, although he will need to be at his best with Noirs Buachaill expected to improve considerably for his latest start, while Subway Gerry is another with strong claims.

The opening semi-final is competitive, but slight preference goes to Tyrur Sheehy ahead of Swift Marathon.