Early upsets in Irish Cup as Blueview and Tullamoy exit

There were two major upsets, as well as a few minor ones, on the opening day of the Irish Cup meeting at Limerick Racecourse yesterday but the majority of the fancied contenders are still standing.

The biggest surprise was the defeat of Kevin Smith Champion Stakes winner Blueview Charlie, who went down by a half a length to 33-1 outsider Blazing Music.

Puppy Tullamoy Master, expected to go a long way in the stake, found another 33-1 chance, Broadwell James, too good.

The remaining 32 will be whittled down to eight this afternoon, but in the first quarter puppy Kyle Bruce should overcome kennelmate Kyle Fionn in his first course and then get the better of Whodoyoufancy in the third round.

At the bottom of this quarter Fingal Master will be fancied to survive.

The second quarter looks the toughest, but Needham Work, now joint favourite with Crushers Oak, should advance. He can overcome Needham Simple this morning but could face a tough task against Carrowkeal Gavin in the afternoon, and will have to be at his best to go forward.

At the bottom of the quarter Tynwald Ash, who clocked well yesterday, is given the vote to reach the final.

The top of the third quarter is hard to call. Serene Angel should shade it against Brownes Kitchen, while District Twelve may just get the better of Dealbhna More.

The third-round buckle between the pair is hard to call but Serene Angel gets the nod. Fingal Billy can oust Silver Maxi and then Skellig Sunlight in the third round.

At the top of the fourth quarter Blades Of Hope, who went fastest yesterday, will be hard to beat, while Crafty Who should win his opening course against Sheeraghs Lad but may struggle against the other joint favourite, Crushers Oak, in round three.

It could be a Needham Work – Crushers Oak final but Blades of Hope and Tynwald Ash are by no means out of it.

Coursing commences at 11.30am.