Keep faith in Graysland Pixie

PUNTERS stood in stunned silence when Ballymac Floss swooped from the clouds in almost record equalling time to deny big fancy Graysland Pixie in the opening round of the McCarthy Insurance group Cork Oaks at Curraheen Park last week.

Owen McKenna’s flyer won’t be a generous 5-4 in tonight’s third heat, but the certainty is she is due a huge run so we must keep faith.

With a split of 3.23, Pixie looks certain to lead the dangerous but poorly drawn Friedels Slave (3.44), and will hardly be pegged back this time.

Last year’s winner Happy Moments made a spectacular recovery in the first round after being sent airborne at trap-rise. But Michael J O’Donovan’s runner still made the bend in front and went on to card 28.59. Trap three will hardly bother her in the first heat but Tyrur Jenny (2) might. She is perfectly housed, has been remarkably consistent around Cork and a 28.45 last week suggests she is in peak condition.

However, the question must be asked: what would Happy Moments have clocked last week with a clear run? Probably around 28.20 and that would be good enough tonight, especially as Tyrur Jenny will probaby be trailing her down the back straight.

Liam Dowling’s highly regarded Ballymac Floss turned over the favourite when scorching around in 28.16 in the first round, sending punters scurrying for the exits in the process.

But, with dangers lurking everywhere in the second heat she may be denied a clear run, particularly if Paul Hennessy’s Farran Lady goes to the bend like last week. However, Tyrur Marita, ideally drawn in trap one and, reported to be the most fancied of Hennessy’s raiders, looks the biggest threat. Seamus Graham’s strong staying Canary Beauty will also have her supporters.

Whatever the fate of Hennessy’s runners in the Oaks, Booming Along should provide him with a winner in the 750. He has won over all distances and tracks and could rate the bet of the night. Barnfield Ranger disappointed last week over 550 but could make the bend over a shorter trip in the last .

Selections

1st race: Highbury Pride ( Knockboy Pride)

2nd race: Empire Returns (Rathroon Kerry)

3rd race: Glengara Breeze (Comeonthehill)

4th race: Top and Tail (Colly Progress)

5th race: Happy Moments (Tyrur Jenny)

6th race: Ballymac Floss (Tyrur Marita)

7th race: Graysland Pixie (Friedels Save)

8th race: Booming Along (Droopys So Young)

9th race: Bregogue Brian (Tieraclea Tom)

10th race: Barnfield Ranger (Maglin Gold)