Today's Tips: Clares Rocket poised for another big run at Clonmel
The prolific tracker trounced his rivals last week, doing so with more than 12 lengths to spare, in a flying 27.87. While it’s a lot to ask of the dog to produce a similarly stunning performance, a slightly sub-par effort by his standards should still prove enough to see him home in front. The June pup posted a sizzling 2.75 sectional last time, and if within five spots of that this time, should lead around, and on to victory.
Over in Wimbledon, the third stage of round one of the English Derby takes place, and Ela Alecko looks a good value bet to take heat 28 for Peter Cronin. The May ’14 whelp is lightly raced, but ran with distinction in the Kirby Memorial, in which he was a semi-finalist.
Fair to say he hasn’t set Wimbledon alight in either of his trials, but his trainer has a fair idea of what is needed to go deep in this stake, and this runner appeals as another that could go a long way. The betting suggests Crossfield Molly is the one to beat, but Ela Alecko has the potential to develop into a very smart tracker, and is preferred on this occasion.
Interesting to see how Notorious Ben runs on his six-bend debut, in race three at Shelbourne Park. Mike Moloney’s dog is a classy sort over four bends, and has the potential to be better over this trip. It is no easy introduction, with Priceless Lassie and Two Bens amongst the opposition, but he can make all at their expense.
Race ten is an Open Bitch 525, and Joe Dunne Memorial winner and Kirby Memorial finalist Witches Belle can get back to winning ways here. A strong runner over this trip, she has the pace to turn close in this company, and should prove too strong to resist.
At Curraheen Park, Mumhan Magic looks nap material in the second heat of the South County Bar A3 525. Denis Fitzgerald’s dog is returning from the Produce Stakes, and this race clearly represents a significant drop in class. While Mums Misty may take them around the opening bends, the way looks open for the selection to turn second, and he can prove too strong when it matters most.
