Paulo can confirm standing as a leading sprinter
Collins, who takes over from the retiring Finbar Coleman as racing manager at Curraheen Park on Saturday, has put together a bumper card tonight featuring no fewer than six finals.
There are some cracking contests in prospect, none more so than the €5000 to-the-winner Knockeevan Star Southern Sprint.
Rising star Staley Vegas set the track alight when scorching round in 17.45 last week, but this represents another step up in class for Denis Fitzgerald’s young ace and preference is for Paulo Coelho.
The Cork track record holder posted back-to-back 17.52 and 17.68 wins in recent weeks and an inside berth should enable him confirm his standing as one of the leading sprinters in the country.
Movealong Bertie, a half a length runner-up behind Paulo Coelho last week, and 17.59 semi-final winner Roaming Rebel are others to consider in what should be a memorable showdown.
The Diarmuid Coffey Bookmaker Unraced Stake final, which also carries a €5,000 winner’s prize, has all the ingredients necessary for a thriller.
Cases can be made for most of the runners but, in the final analysis, the vote goes to the unbeaten January Tiger.
A runaway 29.02 heat winner, January Tiger overcame trouble in running to follow up in 29.84 last week.
He is clearly a classy sort and a switch to the inside should work in his favour.
Paul Hennessy’s Air Force Honcho ran a blinder when carding 39.33 last week. A repeat performance should see him home in front in the Blackwater Homes Open 700, probably at the expense of Hellroad Prince, beaten four and a half lengths by the selection last week but likely to be more effective from an inside berth tomorrow.
Smooth Satellite created a very favourable impression when getting off the mark, trap to line style, in 29.24 last time. He can go on improving in the Waterford Plumbing & Heating 525 final.
Clash Beth finished with a flourish when carding 30.77 last week. As the only wide seed, she looks set for a dream run in the AIB Bank 550 and can again be in front where it matters.
The Bob Daly Memorial Stake final can go to the inform Melleray Star.
This fellow made all in a career best 29.69 in the semis and has sound claims from an inside slot.
1st race: Come On Strong (Dromana Crack)
2nd race: Rising Ocean (Wagga Lord)
3rd race: Clash Beth (Joshuas Amy)
4th race: Melleray Star (Make A Change)
5th race: Smooth Sattelite (Paudges Water)
6th race: Air Force Honcho (Hellroad Prince)
7th race: Paulo Coelho (Staley Vegas)
8th race: January Tiger (Welcome Beauty)
9th race: Students Pass (Witches Lark)
10th race: Hawthorn Lad (Splendid Reason).
