He Said So poised for classic glory in St Leger
The brilliant son of Top Honcho could easily have gone crashing out in either round, but he displayed his true grit and will to win to claim his place in tonight's decider.
In the quarter finals, the Timmy O'Donovan trained star seemed certain to join many fancied runners by crashing out of the classic, but the script was thrown out the window. After stumbling at traps, He Said So came from a near impossible position to claim the all-important third qualifying spot in the very last stride.
A week later in the semis, he once again performed heroics, but this time he went a couple of places better, getting up in the dying strides to win. The stage is now set for the powerful son of Top Honcho and former Sprinter of the Year, You Said So, to gain a well-deserved classic victory.
Of those standing in his way, Redbarn Panther and Mall Road pose the greatest threat. The former has been running with real purpose and if making a fast start, he could make the favourite work hard for victory.
Mall Road is a different proposition. While the early paced tracker may struggle to contain many of the line up in a cleanly run race, he could however find himself in the perfect position should there be any trouble on his outside. From a perfect draw on the fence, Mall Road could set a strong gallop.
Cashmans have installed Priceless Mail as the second favourite behind He Said So, although he must be opposed from the infamous Limerick trap six. With such an horrendous draw, Priceless Mail needs more than luck in running.
Deerfield Mover and Any Name Burglar complete the line up. The former is clearly a talented sort, but he seems too dependant on getting to the fence. From trap four, he will need a fast start and luck if he is to get to the inside rail.
Any Name Burglar has been a model of consistency for his owners. The versatile tracker has been in a number of finals, including the Ladbrokes 600, but he fails to make much appeal tonight.
In conclusion, He Said So seems destined to race to classic success. The November '02 whelp has wonderful pace from start to finish and with a slick exit, he can repeat his second round effort when posting the fastest time of the stake. That would certainly be good enough. Redbarn Panther can chase him home.
At Shelbourne Park the females will once again star in the semi finals of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks and the betting suggests that Grayslands Pixie and Miss Wonderful are the two to follow. Both are, without question, high class performers and with the draw in their favour, they can be expected to win their respective semi finals.
The Bill O’Hare trained veteran Grayslands Pixie was hugely impressive last week when running out a comfortable winner over Angies Style and she looks set to confirm that form at 9.45. From a more favourable draw this week, Grayslands Pixie can take control in the early stages, before going on to secure her place in next Saturday's decider in style. Angies Style can once again chase her home in second.
Owen McKenna’s Miss Wonderful has also been more than fortunate in the trap draw. The daughter of Droopys Vieri is the sole wide seed and with those on her inside likely to cut for the fence, Miss Wonderful looks assured of a clear passage. For that reason, Miss Wonderful is selected to lead early before going on to secure an easy victory.
Noelles Magico actually led home Miss Wonderful last week, but she may struggle to confirm that form. That said, the classy bitch is chosen to chase home the selection.
Shelbourne Park Selections
Race 1: BIG ARCHIE (Burgissdeburglar)
Race 2: ILLNOTSAY (Fred Again)
Race 3: BALLYDANIEL LARK (Ahane Lad)
Race 4: YOURSOMETHINELSE (Sunshine Katie)
Race 5: BALLYNEALE ZARA (Deanridge Fox)
Race 6: SELLERS DECISION (Tyrur Peejay)
Race 7: MISS WONDERFUL (Noelles Magico)
Race 8: GRAYSLANDS PIXIE (Angies Style)
Race 9: GALDARE SHOW (Auburn Wonder)
Race 10: BLUE MAJESTIC (Heart Rumble)
