Droopys Agassi holds the aces
Straight into action goes the star of the show, Cashmans’ 3-1 ante-post favourite Droopys Agassi, but Owen McKenna’s runner faces a ferociously tough opening heat. However, he is primed for action, a 28.69 runaway victory at Shelbourne Park last week testifying to the well-being of the 2002 Irish Derby finalist.
A ‘scouting’ mission in Cork on January 10 resulted in a flying 28.36 solo trial, but he will need a repeat with a host of smart performers queuing up inside him.
The best of them could be the Christy O’Callaghan trained Sleek Bill in trap five and his 28.43 winning effort a fortnight ago suggest he will trouble the selection.
In heat two Mossie O’Connor’s charge Slippery Bill can get back on the winning trail. He has a 28.24 run in Cork on his card and if he can get anywhere near that he could spoil Sinabhfuilbertie’s re-appearance. The local dog has been under wraps since his exit in the semi-finals of the Laurels and may need the run.
O’Connor could double up in heat five with Cloney’s Rocket. Almost certain to get a clear run to the corner, he could be the bet of the night.
Legal Moment, second favourite with Cashmans’ at 5-1, has run into a sticky opener in heat eight.
Although a winner of the Champion Bitch Stakes at Thurles last month and a recent 28.74 winner at Shelbourne Park, she faces the Paul Hennessy trained Jordans Elect and this early pacer could a put a stop to her gallop.
Hennessy also travels with Laurels Consolation winner Confident Choice, but he may have to give best to the John G Donohoe trained Cold Calling in trap five.
Heat seven could provide the race of the night and Christy O’Callaghan’s Barnfield Ranger could deny McKenna a double by getting the better of Boherduff Light.
Selections
1st race: Springville Win (Who’s Gone Down)
2nd race: Droopys Agassi (Sleek Bill)
3rd race: Slippery Bill (Sinabhfuilbertie)
4th race: Cold Calling (Confident Choice
5th race: Dower Jet ( Glenske Honcho)
6th race: Cloneys Rocket ( Got The Lite)
7th race: McCarthy (Air Force Jedi
8th race: Barnfield Ranger (Boherduff Light)
9th race: Jordans Elect (Legal Moment)
10th race: Free Moment (Carrowkeal Tom )





