Student Pass defends Guinness

STUDENT PASS, who won the stake last year, heads a good-class entry for the Guinness Trophy at Curraheen Park, the draw for which was made at Guinness House, Cork yesterday by Michael Lyons, Southern Sales Manager, Diageo.

Owen McKenna’s charge is drawn in the opening heat and will have most to fear from the Ian Reilly trained Hondo Dubh next Saturday night.

Rooney, who has shown good form over the circuit recently, has an ideal inside berth in heat 5 where he is opposed by Tyrur Paschal and Annamore Eddie.

PJ Fahy, from Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, has a second string to his bow with Tyrur Lisa engaged in heat 6, and the inside berth should suit her well.

Knockna Kirka and Final Showdown, both finalists in the Cashman Bookmakers Laurels last season, are in opposition in heat 8 in what looks the toughest heat night. Knockna Kirka wears the blue jacket, while Final Showdown is on the outside and that could give him the edge.

Another who will be well fancied is No Joke Bronte in heat 4.

Guinness Trophy(2006).

Heat 1. (in trap order). Limestone Star, Alimo, Hondo Dubh, Student Pass, Corker Gort, Deejay Ninetysix (w).

Heat 2. Castlelyons Cech, Ballymac Scott, Oneco Champ, Powerstown Top, Shelbourne Becky (w), Lahard Ranger (w).

Heat 3. Ellas Direct, Millbank Chief, Cicada, Unknown Ranger, Bogdale Boy, Doggies Tile (w).

Heat 4. King Okee, Mulcair Figo, Slick Leo, No Joke Bronte, Listrim Lad (w), Jims Vieri (w).

Heat 5. Rooney, Broadacres Rob, Tyrur Paschal, Annamore Eddie, Madam Flyer, Gragane Boss (w).

Heat 6. Tyrur Lisa, Inny Breeze, Black Or White, Personal Things, Readyforarun, Typical Farmer.

Heat 7. Return Unpaid, Big Time Gent, Out Of Snuff, Drummer Boy, Moonveen Doyler, Pencil Pusher (w).

Heat 8. Hello Homer, Knockna Kirka, Pipe Merchant, Years Away, Benedict, Final Showdown.

Reserves.(a) .Johnnys Vision. (b). Gemmas Rasher. (c). Maireads Jewel. (d). Noseys Jo. (e). Great Display.

Heats 1 to 8 will be run next Saturday night, with four second round heats on Saturday, February 4. The semi-finals are fixed for Saturday, February 11, with the final a week later.