Marco may have to bow to Boherduff
Farloe Pocket set the standard on Thursday night with a cracking 28.17. However, there is even greater potential for fast times in this session, especially when Boherduff Light and Droopys Marco enter the arena in an eagerly awaited heat eight.
Without doubt this is the title bout of the night - with all due respects to the 'undercard'. Both have outstanding trainers in their respective corners; both have beaten some of the best around and both are perfectly drawn to do themselves justice.
However, multiple winner and Kilkenny record holder Boherduff Light has the advantage of local knowledge, having won the Guinness Trophy around here. Marco’s 28.82 trial suggests he could benefit from another look at the track.
Marco was unlucky enough in the Derby final after being forced wide when coming with a run; this lightly raced dog could come of age in this classic, but, tonight, the young contender may have to bow to experience.
Irish Consolation Derby winner Mineola Farloe looks the business in heat seven but the Classic favourite might get enough to do from Kilbaha Cat, who runs this track well. However, Seamus Graham's charge is class act and was unlucky not to reach the Derby final proper. But, he would probably need an inside draw to be seen at his best.
Blarney trainer John Linehan has an outstanding strike rate from limited firepower and he can strike a blow for the locals with Historic Moment in heat nine. Although not blessed with early pace, the Liam Burke owned dog should have enough overall ability.
John Kiely is another local likely to win an early skirmish with the invaders. The ultra consistent Chipp Lad confirmed his well being with a cracking 28.49 trial recently and has the early pace to clear his rivals in heat 10.
The night will hardly close without a Paul Hennessy runner in the winner's enclosure. In fact, he runs what I regard as the night's best bet, Goblets Of Fire, in heat 12. On September 11 he won at Shelbourne Park in a very fast 28.57 and who trailed in behind him? Farloe Pocket, no less. The big danger, of course is kennelmate Farran Lady - a Curraheen specialist.
Hennessy should initiate the double in heat 11 with Barefoot Maestro. He possesses great early pace and is well drawn. Jerry Griffin's Tourna Star has a 28.46 trial here and must be a live danger.
1st race: Broadacres Tommy (Dilemmas Somer)
2nd race: Attractive King (Satin Bill)
3rd race: Deejay Ninetysix (Ballinora Flyer)
4th race: Derryclough Vinc (Dilemma Dee)
5th race: Mineola Farloe (Kilbaha Cat)
6th race: Boherduff Light (Droopys Marco)
7th race: Historic Moment (Uniontokent)
8th race: Chipp Lad (Effernogue Tiny)
9th race: Barefoot Maestro (Tourna Star)
10th race: Goblets Of Fire (Farran Lady)
11th race: Droopys Snowy (Nirvana).
