Intriguing scenarios in prospect as layers divided over Laurels favourite
The Co-Op SuperStores Irish Laurels reaches the second round stage at Curraheen Park while the BCR Press/Droopys Vieri Puppy Derby quarter finals will be run at Harold's Cross.
Add in the second round of the Ladbroke 575 at Shelbourne, the final of the Aer Rianta Cork Airport Munster Oaks at Waterford, the final of the Red Mills McCalmont Cup at Kilkenny and the first round of the Diarmuid Coffey Unraced Stake at Youghal and you have a schedule to test the hardiest of racegoers. And that's not all!
The first round of the Co-Op SuperStores Irish Laurels threw up some tremendous performances last weekend and the layers are very much divided in their opinions. Cashmans have opted for Droopys Ruud as their 8-1 favourite with Maryville Rumble at 10-1 but Paddy Power have installed College Prime and Droopys Oasis as the 10-1 joint favourites with Annamore Billy, Droopys Ruud and Maryville Rumble on the 12-1 mark.
The second round has thrown up some intriguing battles and a few stand out. For instance, there's Heat 5 where Droopys Oasis, College Prime and Maryville Rumble should have a rare old battle and in the following Heat 6 sparks should fly between Nod Mac, Jesceda Lad, Taming The Tiger and Lark In Flight.
And, what about Heat 7 where Droopys Ruud will be opposed by Nikita Billie with Lance Pineapple and Take Me Back thrown in for good measure.
Each heat you consider has its own intriguing scenario and there should be a huge crowd at Curraheen for what promises to be a quite special night.
Looking ahead at Curraheen, the 1,000 12-dog Gain (29.20) 550 closes for entries on Saturday with the heats next Wednesday.
Entries close on Monday for the 12-dog Bandon (29.40) Stake while on Tuesday entries close for both the 12-dog Select Electric (28.70) 525 and the Getting Out (29.00) 525 Stakes to be run on Saturday week.
There's a change to the Youghal schedule next week with no Tuesday meeting. This is to allow work to be completed on the new paddock area. Said Brian Collins, "the workmen come in on Saturday morning and they won't be finished in time for Tuesday night. They will have to dig it out and drain it and it's imperative that the work is completed in time for the winter.
But racegoers will have plenty to keep themselves going at Youghal with the valuable Diarmuid Coffey Unraced Stake getting under way tomorrow night and the word is that a few flying pups are ready to roll. Among those being whispered are Owen McKenna's Boherduff Light and a pair of Frances O'Donnell Vintage Prince pups out of The Other Joy.
A reminder that the valuable Knockeevan Star Southern Sprint closes to entries next Tuesday and the first round will be run on Friday.
The BCR Press/ Droopys Vieri Puppy Derby reaches the quarter final stage at Harold's Cross tomorrow and new names appear to emerge with each round. The star of the competition thus far has been the Patsy Byrne owned, Pa Fitzgerald trained Tomsheaboy and he is as low as 2-1 favourite to win out with three rounds remaining. However he faces a searching test in the second heat tomorrow with Top Boe, Early Mist and the flying finisher Connors Return in the opposition.
The Philip Heffernan owned, Pat Buckley trained World Class came back to his very best form last week and he is now a 4-1 second favourite. He'll need to be on his toes if he's to beat the likes of Petes Noble, a real find in this competition, Have Ago Hero and Marmions.
I was very impressed with Jack Spark in defeat last week and he could give Ballymac Returns quite a run for it in the first heat while there is an abundance of early pace in Heat 3 where Droopys Cahill will be put to the pin of his collar.
Talking of the Cross, the Baggot Racing Irish Grand National semi-finals will be run next Monday with the odds favourite an English outright success given that the raiders won five of the six first round heats!
