YOUNGSTERS CAN SHINE IN CHAMPION UNRACED

Ian Fortune

Jacktavern Gem set a sizzling pace in the opening round of the Champion Open Unraced but, sadly, picked up a potentially career ending injury in victory. His absence is obviously very disappointing but there are many more potential superstars on show in the second round heats of the Champion Open Unraced Stakes at Kilkenny this evening.

A GREAT START

Each of the four second round heats are packed with quality. The opening heat is a perfect example with three opening round winners clashing, while Good Dash and Broadstrand Syd also displayed huge promise in defeat.

Just fastest of the six last week was Moanteen Wildcat. Rachel Wheeler’s charge powered his way to the front in the latter stages, reeling in Broadstrand Syd in the process. He may need to be a touch sharper in the early yards as picking up the likes of Ballymac Thelad, Born Racer or Good Dash may prove a far tougher task.

Ballymac Thelad is best drawn of the big guns. Should he come away racing from two, he is likely to go faster than last weekend’s 29.09 return. Born Racer will need to set the pace, while Good Dash and Moanteen Wildcat are both fast enough to go close but neither can afford to give Ballymac Thelad a start.

Ballymac Thelad is selected to hold his pitch into the turn before asserting down the back straight. Of his rivals. Good Dash and Moanteen Wildcat can offer most resistance.

HARBOUR TO FOLLOW UP

Neko Harbour is the only opening round scorer in the second heat. The son of Droopys Sydney and former Oaks and Derby champion Susie Sapphire will improve for his debut effort when riding a bump on the bend to emerge a ready ten length winner.

He posted 29.14 last week and it would be no surprise if he went three or four lengths faster. In such circumstances, he would be very difficult to stop. Of his rivals, the Murt Leahy trained duo of Sawdust Tiger and Ballybough Nutz and the Michael O’Donovan trained Deadly Disco seem best equipped to challenge the selection.

A WIDE-OPEN AFFAIR

Many of those in action in Heat 3 seem certain to step up considerably on their debut efforts. Ardera Sam was the slowest opening round winner but did show plenty of pace and ability. If finding a better start, he could go far faster than his most recent 29.43 return and is greatly respected.

Julies Gem, Greenmount Ble, Good Rory, Lion Heart and Lemon Mick all went far faster in trials than doing so in their opening round defeats. Any of the quintet could improve considerably on their latest run and can’t be ignored.

Picking a winner with any real confidence is an impossibility and Ardera Sam is a token selection, although there would be no shock result in a contest where anything could happen.

TEDDY TO TAKE SOME STOPPING

In the absence of Jacktavern Gem, the Michael O’Donovan trained Serene Warrior will have the inside line to himself in the final heat. That could see him play a big part in proceedings, although he does have a bit to find on the clock with Hopes Teddy.

The latter was thoroughly impressive last week, dominating form the outset to win in 28.80. With a similar start, the Pat Buckley trained star will be difficult to beat. Green Brigade also caught the eye last week, chasing home Hopes Teddy. He can certainly improve for that outing and the Paul Hennessy trained star must enter calculations.