College Causeway faces tough Easter Cup opener
The ante-post favourite for the 40,000 competition lines out in Heat 6 and while he will certainly start favourite to emerge on top, he may have to produce something near his best to account for the likes of Timor Blue, Accordello and Tyrur Liz.
It’s certainly the marquee heat and should College Causeway emerge triumphant he may harden his position at the head of the market. Timor Blue is a real threat however. The brilliant blue was arguably the best puppy in the land last year and after a superb 29.89 for the Derby distance last week, he seems as good as ever. It could be a special contest this evening.
Shelbourne Aston returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs in the opening heat and he too faces a hugely tough test with Mid West Blue, Tyrur Bertie and Advantage Johnny certain to make life difficult. The Derby and Champion Stakes hero does seem to save his best for Shelbourne however and he remains the one to beat. Tyrur Bertie and Advantage Johnny can emerge as the main dangers.
If you ignore a slightly disappointing effort last week, Fatboyz Nodrog looks the part in Heat 2. The son of Crash has been in imperious form and with a slick exit he can put his rivals, including Droopys Noel and Side Bet, to the sword in the early yards.
Heat 4 is likely to be one of the big betting contests of the round with Faypoint Man, Oran Classic and Droopys Lee all capable of making a bold bid. All three possess stunning pace and much will depend on which gets the best start. On recent evidence, Oran Classic is perhaps the most likely leader and while his rivals may be stronger stayers he could take some catching especially if going clear.
Laurels winner Cashen Legend seems to be slowly returning to his very best and while he has an ideal draw in Heat 3, he may have to settle for a minor role behind the powerful Ballymac Bondi. The latter is amongst the favourites for outright glory and should he come away running from a rails draw he could post a fast time.
Mardocs O Shea may well start one of the shortest priced favourites of the round in the final heat. The Golden Jacket winner lines up on the fence and after a couple of encouraging efforts in defeat in recent weeks, he looks likely to return to winning ways at the expense of Jemmy Doodlebeag.
The early exchanges could decide the outcome of Heat 5 with Shingaun Stan and Ballymac Under likely to dispute favouritism.
Of the pair whichever gets to the bend first is likely to emerge triumphant.
Heat 7 has cut up somewhat with kennel companions Tyrur Mikiemac and Barefoot Bryan both reported to be non-runners.
In their absence Blackstone Gene could well start a hot favourite despite his tendency to start slowly.
