Blake to blitz Easter test

As tests go, the one presented to Laughil Blake in tonight’s third heat of the Dandelion Bar & Nightclub Easter Cup is almost as difficult as could be, but the Derby champ is confidently expected to come out on top.

With so much pace in the race, he’ll have to be on his toes to lead around, but his early and middle speed can ensure he’s in command as they race to the third turn.

The Michael O’Donovan-trained runner showed himself to be in terrific form on his return, in the opening round, and is entitled to have come on for the run.

Although it’s no cakewalk, his class should prevail.

The battle to lead along the inside should be very interesting and whatever emerges triumphant there can follow the selection home. In that battle, Sidarian Blaze is narrowly preferred to Service Station and Slippery Fred.

The make-up of the final heat should suit Droopys Nidge.

The Robert Gleeson-trained runner showed phenomenal finishing speed to take second place, just two lengths behind Sidarian Blaze, last weekend.

On that occasion he was short of room early and had to track cleverly to find an opening. But, when he found it, he really flew.

This time, however, he looks set to turn closer to the pace and should have more room to manoeuvre.

If he’s within hailing distance at halfway - which he should be - it’ll take something special to deny him.

The danger is likely to come from Deanridge Pennys, who should have come on significantly for last week’s narrow defeat, on what was his first runs since November.

The €80,000-to-the-winner Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Puppy Stake gets underway at Limerick track tonight, and the strength of the Pat Buckley and Graham Holland kennels is abundantly obvious through their respective challengers.

Beaming Bucko, from the Buckley kennel, is outright favourite, but he faces a fair test in heat five.

Winner of an unraced stake at Enniscorthy, he has fine trial form here, but faces opposition of the calibre of Ballyhooly Henry and the unbeaten Droopys Braedon.

That said, he looks well drawn, should lead the three inside runners, and will take beating.

Leading fancy Ballydoyle Honey, from the Holland kennel, impressed in winning the Red Mills Unraced Stake at Clonmel and, on that form, looks quite some way ahead of her rivals.

In heat three, there may be value in siding with the well-drawn Mimis Ace.