Light can dazzle Guinness rivals

THERE is sure to be a huge buzz at Curraheen Park tonight for the final of the prestigious Guinness Trophy and with the six finalists trained to the minute a thrilling race is in prospect.

The betting suggests it’s down to a duel between the Owen McKenna trained pair, Droopys Agassi and Boherduff Light, but the field is dripping with quality and a shock could spring from anywhere - not least Cloney’s Rocket priced at a staggering 33-1 in trap one.

After the semis, I was ready to make Droopys Agassi the final selection but on closer inspection Boherduff Light makes more appeal on the basis he has a better chance of a clear run on the inside.

Last week Agassi got a dream run on the outside before racing to victory in 28.43, but Boherduff Light ran an absolute blinder to qualify in third behind him. After missing the break and encountering major traffic problems he showed great pace and courage before eventually being beaten less than two lengths into third.

Agassi, who was on really his toes for the semi-final, will have his work cut out to clear the three on his inside and is faced with taking the long route. Sinabhfuilbertie (5) has the fastest run in the stake with 28.21, Barnfield Ranger (4) has the best sectional (3.19) and Kiln Cleo, the only bitch standing, was at her smartest from traps last week.

So, assuming lightning won’t strike twice and Boherduff Light misses the break again, he is the choice to lift the 7,500 prize for his Tipp connections.

There are a few tempting propositions on the undercard. In the Guinness Consolation final Christy O’Callaghan’s Senahel Bert has a favourable trap one draw and his early pace should take him clear. Slippery Bill, who won in a fast 28.42 last week, is the obvious danger.

O’Callaghan has prospects of a double with Dower Jet in the ninth. A casualty in the Guinness Trophy, he should have too much class here and he rates one of the night’s best bets.

Selections

First Race: Malden (Lassa Express)

Second Race: Got The Lite (Balymac Wise)

Third Race: Southeast Prince (Civil Rights)

Fourth Race: Marwills Lad (Bibs Express)

Fifth Race: Brookpark Robbie (Flaming Best)

Sixth Race: Senahel Bert (Slippery Bill)

Seventh Race: Autumn Realm (Short Legs)

Eighth Race: Boherduff Light (Doopys Agassi)

Ninth Race: Dower Jet (Confident Choice)

Tenth Race: Witches Spire (Rebel Tornado)