Goblet firing on all cylinders
However, each contest poses as many questions as answers, not that the sponsor will be complaining.
The classy Goblet of Fire could be one to lighten the bookies’ satchels by providing the answer to the second quarter-final puzzle. Paul Hennessy’s early pacer had the opposition strung out from an early stage last week and the multiple winner can enhance his growing reputation. He is flanked by his two kennel-mates but with slow sectionals up to now, they are unlikely to bother him to the corner.
Farloe Pocket displayed great track craft to shoot clear when disaster loomed at the first bend last week and Stephen Burke’s charge - the fastest in the stake - is certain to trouble the favourite given a clear run. However, it is difficult to envisage anything living with Goblet of Fire early on and stamina won’t be a problem thereafter.
Boherduff Light is once more involved in the shoot-out of the night in the first quarter-final - and again with the outright favourite and his conqueror of last week, Mineola Farloe.
The trap draw has ensured an intriguing race and opinions are very divided on the outcome. Boherdufff Light has yet to show the dazzling early pace he is capable of, but Derby winning trainer Owen McKenna is sure to have him on his toes by now. Trap five may not be the inconvenience it appears as Chinook Wind, on his inside, could head left. Then the 3-1 about Boherduff Light could prove to be very generous odds.
That scenario could leave the inside route very crowded, spelling big trouble for Mineola Farloe, who has Jesceda Lad on his inside. Moss O’Connor’s speedster had a smart enough sectional last week, suggesting he will give Seamus Graham’s runner plenty to do early on. However, Mineola Farloe has champion credentials and if he negotiates the first bend safely there should be no more worries.
Allen Pirate has shown a clear liking for the circuit and hasn’t been led up to now. However, Stephen Bourke’s Rhinecrew Shergar (3.28 sectional last time) has the ‘early’ to trouble him Goblet firing on all cylinders
By Tom Aherne
ONE of the best ever line-ups goes to traps for the quarter -finals of the €35,000 to the winner Cashmans Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park tonight. However, each contest poses as many questions as answers, not that the sponsor will be complaining.
The classy Goblet of Fire could be one to lighten the bookies’ satchels by providing the answer to the second quarter-final puzzle. Paul Hennessy’s early pacer had the opposition strung out from an early stage last week and the multiple winner can enhance his growing reputation. He is flanked by his two kennel-mates but with slow sectionals up to now, they are unlikely to bother him to the corner.
Farloe Pocket displayed great track craft to shoot clear when disaster loomed at the first bend last week and Stephen Burke’s charge - the fastest in the stake - is certain to trouble the favourite given a clear run. However, it is difficult to envisage anything living with Goblet of Fire early on and stamina won’t be a problem thereafter.
Boherduff Light is once more involved in the shoot-out of the night in the first quarter-final - and again with the outright favourite and his conqueror of last week, Mineola Farloe.
The trap draw has ensured an intriguing race and opinions are very divided on the outcome. Boherdufff Light has yet to show the dazzling early pace he is capable of, but Derby winning trainer Owen McKenna is sure to have him on his toes by now. Trap five may not be the inconvenience it appears as Chinook Wind, on his inside, could head left. Then the 3-1 about Boherduff Light could prove to be very generous odds.
That scenario could leave the inside route very crowded, spelling big trouble for Mineola Farloe, who has Jesceda Lad on his inside. Moss O’Connor’s speedster had a smart enough sectional last week, suggesting he will give Seamus Graham’s runner plenty to do early on. However, Mineola Farloe has champion credentials and if he negotiates the first bend safely there should be no more worries.
Allen Pirate has shown a clear liking for the circuit and hasn’t been led up to now. However, Stephen Bourke’s Rhinecrew Shergar (3.28 sectional last time) has the ‘early’ to trouble him. Nikita Bilie came with his usual powerful late challenge last week, but finds himself in ultra competitive heat now. He is well enough drawn, though, and will be there or thereabouts.
In the heel of the hunt, Allen Pirate’s supporters won’t desert him now and Tony Fahy (senior) is sure to have him jumping out of his skin.
Blonde Mac has been a revelation and is on a hat-trick mission. Highly regarded by his trainer, he is another powerful addition to the Hennessy armoury in the last of the quarters. Barefoot Maestro is the other and on his best day this pacey performer will be a threat. However, he is unlikely to put a stop to Blonde Mac’s gallop. With slow starters on either side, he looks set for a trouble free run and at 7-4 could be the safest bet of the night.
Chipp Lad has been a disappointment, but if he could rekindle earlier form don’t write him off.
Nikita Bilie came with his usual powerful late challenge last week, but finds himself in ultra competitive heat now. He is well enough drawn, though, and will be there or thereabouts.
In the heel of the hunt, Allen Pirate’s supporters won’t desert him now and Tony Fahy (senior) is sure to have him jumping out of his skin.
Blonde Mac has been a revelation and is on a hat-trick mission. Highly regarded by his trainer, he is another powerful addition to the Hennessy armoury in the last of the quarters. Barefoot Maestro is the other and on his best day this pacey performer will be a threat. However, he is unlikely to put a stop to Blonde Mac’s gallop. With slow starters on either side, he looks set for a trouble free run and at 7-4 could be the safest bet of the night.
Chipp Lad has been a disappointment, but if he could rekindle earlier form don’t write him off.
