Student Pass can bounce back
Ger McKenna’s ace produced a series of smart performances en route to landing this prize 12 months ago, landing the decider in 28.24.
Student Pass turned in another top effort when taking the Laurels Consolation final in 28.67 here in October.
The selection has struggled to find his form since, but given a rest by his shrewd handler this classy sort can bounce back at the expense of Hondo Dubh.
Trained by Ian Reilly, Hondo Dubh looked a smart sort when recording 28.61 and 29.86 (550) wins at Shelbourne in July. He is returning from a long lay-off, however, and may be better for the outing.
Paul Hennessy’s Drummer Boy can land heat seven. He numbers a 28.49 effort at Shelbourne among his nine career wins and can gain compensation for an unlucky run at Dundalk last time.
Hennessy can also collect with Tyrur Lisa in heat six.
A winner of 10 of her 25 starts, Tyrur Lisa is ideally drawn on the rails and gets the vote ahead of Inny Breeze, without a win since contesting last year’s Puppy Derby final.
Whatever the fate of Inny Breeze, trainer Keeley McGee can be on the mark with Jims Vieri (heat four) and Shelbourne Becky (heat two).
A sub 29.00 winner at Shelbourne last month, Jims Vieri advertised his well being when carding 28.83 at Longford last week.
