Boherduff can Light the way in Laurels decider
When the luck of the draw (or ill luck as some would claim) dictated the middle running Cavecourt John would wear the red jacket, it threw tonight’s classic final at Curraheen Park (the action gets underway at 7.30) into the melting pot.
The possibilities are endless, one of the more obvious being that if Pat Buckley’s charge comes wide he’ll stymie those on his immediate right. That would probably leave the way open for the favourite, Farloe Pocket, and that scenario would cost the sponsors dear.
Paul Cashman, the firm's managing director, says Stephen Bourke’s runner is the big bogey and they stand to lose 100,000 if he prevails - that’s on top of their already massive sponsorship.
Cashman admits “underestimating” Farloe Pocket after chalking him up at a very generous 40-1 early doors. On the other hand, he claims they took a good few quid on Mineola Farloe and Chipp Lad, both now eliminated.
Boherduff Light is the other liability at 35,000 and for the record he is Cashman’s choice to land the 35,000 winner’s cheque for connections.
One shrewdie also has 100 each-way at 100/1 on Tourna Star. Despite the possible losses, Cashman was very upbeat about their involvement and, on the plus side, has the others 'running' for the firm in the final.
Cashman’s crystal ball is showing Boherduff Light ‘pinging the boxes’ and almost everyone agrees that’s the only way he can win because it’s vital he clears Cavecourt Jon quickly. Otherwise we will have certain crowding on the inside, leaving the way clear for 5-4 favourite Farloe Pocket to head for the bend on his own. If he has daylight at the corner, he will hardly be caught and can go on to credit Stephen Bourke with a second classic, the Kildare trainer having taken the Cesarewitch with Karma Knight.
However, one of our other leading young trainers, Owen McKenna, may have something to say about that. He is also going for a classic double with Boherduff Light, having lifted the Derby with Like a Shot. The Tipp challenger had a few niggling problems early on, but showed his well being in the semi-final, the 29.09 run shaving the track record. He is certain to be spot on tonight and, if he breaks, he must be the choice to wear the laurel wreath.
What of the others? Moss O’Connor’s Jesceda Lad is seldom out of the frame and he will take advantage of any trouble. The same applies to Tourna Star and Jerry Griffin’s charge will, as usual, be there or thereabouts. Cavecourt Jon is no slouch and given clear passage, could make it hot for the principals. Finally, Rhinecrew Shergar, the outsider of Stephen Bourke’s pair, has plenty to find and will need luck on his side.
Chipp Lad gets one last chance in the Laurels Consolation. He has fallen short of expectations up to now, but should have enough early pace to clear this field. Nikita Billie is the danger if injury doubts have cleared up.
Great Lark’s appearance in the Cashmans 575 is eagerly awaited, a 28.17 trial last week indicating exciting possibilities.
Can't make your mind up on the Laurels winner? Well, Cashmans have a number of specials on the race, including 10/1 that the track record will be broken!
