River can stay on too stoutly for rivals

TONIGHT’S final of the Beamish A1 at Curraheen Park is laden with early pace, but the make-up is such that Aghaburren River, who seems unlikely to lead, could be drawn to upset more fancied rivals, Johnny Linehan’s dog ran a cracker in the semi-final when pushing Burgess Star to a length and given that he was returning after a couple of months off, he’s entitled to improve for the outing.

Belindas Lee, drawn in two here, is an expert trapper but he stays just a little off the fence throughout and that could play very much in favour of Aghaburren River.

If the last-named can turn within hailing distance of the likely leader, he could sneak through along the inside to set-up a winning run.