ROOM FOR MORE DRAMA IN BRESBET EASTER CUP

Ian Fortune

After the opening two rounds, it is perhaps best to expect the unexpected at Shelbourne Park this evening in the semi-finals of the Bresbet Easter Cup.

There has been no shortage of drama in the oldest competition on the calendar and the top of the ante-post market looked very different to when it all kicked off a fortnight ago.

TEDDY TO CONTINUE HIS MARCH

Hopes Teddy has been incredible since the start of the year, winning four straight and is now favourite for outright honours with the sponsors.

The Pat Buckley trained star faces another tough test in tonight’s second semi-final but hasn’t been short of answers in recent weeks.

A natural trapper with massive early speed, he looks the most likely pace-setter again, although both Cushie The Best and Tarsna Maasai will be ready to pounce should he make any mistakes at trap rise.

Both greyhounds have been running extremely well. In fact, Cushie The Best somehow remains unbeaten in the competition. He had to overcome traffic last week to get back up in the closing yards, showing his current well-being. He is greatly respected but one suspects the main threat to Hopes Teddy could come in the form of one of the big finishers, Jaytee Craze or Da Bold Falcon.

The first name of the pair has found traffic in each of his last two starts but caught the eye coming home at speed. The key to his chances is clearing Da Bold Falcon in the opening yards. If doing so, he could find himself in a lovely pocket behind the potential pace-setters. That could leave him in the perfect position to strike from halfway.

Similarly, Da Bold Falcon would be a big player if holding his pitch around the turn. He too finishes at speed but will really will need first run on Jaytee Craze. Mustang Fever completes a top class line-up. Amongst the fastest females in training, she needs to rocket from traps if she is to turn close enough to threaten.

It’s a wonderful contest and could turn into one of two very different halves. Hopes Teddy, Cushie The Best and Tarsna Maasai can go up fastest but one suspects either Jaytee Craze or Da Bold Falcon will arrive fast and late to get heavily involved. Hopes Teddy just gets the nod but Jaytee Craze is seen as the real value.

TREATY CAN GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS

The opening heat is no less intriguing. Indeed, it’s difficult to see how the layers won’t bet 3-1 the field.

Defending champion Clonbrien Treaty is the key to the race. It has been clear from his recent efforts after an injury enforced layoff that he is in need of races but he should strip fitter this evening.

His early speed and class are still very evident and he is perhaps the most likely leader but will again be vulnerable from the third turn. If he does get to the front, his supporters will be scanning behind to see what’s in chase.

Maireads Prince has been in the form of his career and is clearly a huge threat from the outside draw. If finding a way to turn close, he would emerge as a serious threat from halfway.

On the inside of the track, Randolph Scotts and Hawkfield Blue could have their own personal battle. The former has the better of the draw in red and has been in tremendous form. If starting on terms, the son of Brett Lee could quickly emerge as a big player but holding Hawkfield Blue is imperative.

Hawkfield Blue has also been in exceptional form, winning both his assignments in the classic. He is clearly a big danger to all and is worthy of respect. Getting first run on Randolph Scotts is essential, however.

Yorkie Ollie won’t be shy of support either. He seems to be returning to something like his best but needs a confidence builder. With a clear passage, he would have the pace to mount a bold bid.

Barefoot On Song completes the line-up. She needs to do everything right if she is to land a telling blow.

It really is a wide-open affair but slight preference is for Clonbrien Treaty. It’s taken on trust that he will improve for recent outings and perhaps see it out at the head of affairs. Maireads Prince and Hawkfield Blue are chosen to chase him home in second and third.