Maybe and Velvet favoured in Oaks heats
College Maybe was imperious in Curraheen earlier in the year, successfully defending her Cork Oaks crown.
She hasn’t found it as easy at Shelbourne, but recent efforts offer encouragement she may be ready to replicate those efforts in Dublin.
If she traps well this time, she may be able to lead around, in which case she would be very hard to catch.
Cantkeepmein is the sole seeded runner remaining in the stake, and she could outrun her odds by making it into the frame, at least.
The second semi-final looks decidedly difficult, with leading fancies Satin Jessie, trap four, and Borna Gem, trap six, poorly drawn.
The former has been in superb form and ran as well in defeat last week as she had done in the previous rounds.
However, she is drawn outside Steely Passion, who recorded a sizzling 1.94 sectional last week, and 1.99 seven days earlier.
That bitch had her limitations exposed when beaten last time but that sort of trapping ability and early pace could be enough to cause problems for Satin Jessie.
Borna Gem had to battle bravely to lead around from the same draw last week but the effort took its toll as she had to settle for second place behind Brenval Star.
It’s difficult to be too confident about Satin Jessie or Borna Gem getting a clear run, and there could be value in siding with Velvet All Jam, who has the early pace to make the most of a favourable draw along the fence.
Fiery Splendour, who holds the 525 track record in Wimbledon, makes his return to Shelbourne for the finale and can stamp his class on proceedings.
The step up to 550 yards should hold no fears, and he can prove too strong for likely leader Holborn Junior, and Shes A Terror, who exited the Oaks last week.
There’s a very interesting race to start the programme, with a number of exciting youngster in opposition.
Drive On King could hardly have been more impressive on his debut at Curraheen, showing terrific pace from halfway to see off some useful sorts by a wide margin, in 28.41.
There’s bound to be plenty more to come from the August pup, who hails from the Puppy Oaks-winning kennel of Thomas and Chris O’Donovan, Farranree, and he has to be respected. On that limited evidence, he should have no trouble with this longer trip.
A lack of experience of this track is a concern and therefore preference is for Native Hut, who looks a natural for the step up to 550 yards.
The son of Makeshift and Dear Prudence isn’t as well drawn as when successful last Saturday night, but he’s improving with each experience, will appreciate the longer run-up, and should relish the extra yards.
