ALL EYES ON NALA IN DUBLIN

Ian Fortune

Mystical Nala may have just one race on her card but she takes top billing at Shelbourne Park this evening as she bids to follow up her sensational fastest-ever debut in the final of the Book Your Christmas Party Open Unraced 525.

Eoin Troy’s daughter of Dromana Bucko and Mystical Luna was simply awesome last week, flashing from traps to make all in 27.98. It was the most incredible debut and will ensure that she starts a red-hot favourite for tonight’s €2,500 decider.

A number of her rivals also displayed promise last week but each of them must find plenty on the clock to lower the colours of Mystical Nala. Podcasting was second to the favourite last week, posting 28.47. It was quite a debut and she is perhaps the greatest threat again, although one suspects there will be improved performances from Mystical Cora and Maid Of Fire.

The last named ran on well to win her semi-final in 28.66. With an improved start, it’s inevitable she will go even faster for Joe Devlin. Mystical Cora is a litter sister to Mystical Nala and looked a prospect in qualifying. She found plenty of traffic last week but is certain to go faster.

The Pat Guilfoyle trained Mystical Nala is a rare prospect, however. If coming away in similar fashion to last week, she seems certain to produce another stunning run from the front.

MORE MAGIC POSSIBLE FOR GUILFOYLE

Pat Guilfoyle could have a big night as Magical Be Nifty and Magical Fiona are chosen o win the last two races on the card.

Galway Oaks winner Magical Be Nifty takes her chance in an open 525 and looks the class angle. If she comes away racing from four, she could quickly find herself in the driver’s seat.

Magical Fiona has plenty in her favour in the finale over 550yds. Drawn in two, she can race prominently before asserting on the bend.

TAGGART EYEING UP A DOUBLE

The semi-finals of the Shelbourne Park Museum A1/A2 525 are the third and fourth races on the card.

And Michael Taggart is chosen to record a double with Onward Upward and Blackstone Flash selected to win their respective heats. The action at Shelbourne Park gets underway at the slightly later time of 7.57pm.