Clon Harbour poised for Blarney glory

AFTER the opening two rounds at Blarney, the Derby and Oaks Trial Stakes still have a very open look about them.

In the opening quarter-final of the Derby TS, I fancy Belated Birthday to beat Ardea Wood and his opponent in the semi-final could be Aghadown Eoin who is taken to shade his meeting with Cleanaway Rodge.

There appears little between Abbeyglen Smokey and Glen Bowen Time in their quarter-final but I give Abbeyglen Smokey the vote to shade it.

The course of the round, however, should be between Wheres My Supper and Clon Harbour and whoever wins here should book their ticket to Clonmel. It will be tight but I plump for Clon Harbour who is taken to beat Aghadown Eoin in the decider.

In the Oaks TS, Smoking Hotshot should take care of Rathluirc Becky in her quarter-final and go on to meet Beautiful Honey, who I am taking to beat Baltic Girl.

That should set up an intriguing semi-final with Smoking Hotshot given a cautious vote.

Leigh Queen is given preference over Colla Mystic in their quarter-final while Gypsy Lace should account for Curragh Jane, who had a no-course yesterday.

I go for a Smoking Hotshot-Gypsy Lace final with the former to take the honours.

Coursing commences at 11.30am.