FAYPOINT RANGER HEADLINES CARRICK ALDO @ STUD PRODUCE STAKES OPENER

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by Tom Glynn, the opening round heats of the Carrick Aldo @ Stud National Produce Stakes dominates tonight’s card at Clonmel and all eyes will be on the reappearance of the reigning Con & Annie Kirby champ, Faypoint Ranger. 

Of course, Faypoint Ranger completed an unbeaten run throughout the Kirby and in doing so, brought his career tally to an incredible eight wins from just ten career starts. Those two defeats did come at Clonmel when contesting the Rural Kennels Unraced at the start of the year, however, it’s fair to say that this is an entirely different animal some five months later. The outright favourite emerged in trap one in heat one in Tuesday’s draw and he should receive a rather straightforward passage into the second round in his bid to regain his sharpness. Indeed, his early pace will no doubt prove his ultimate weapon around the Suirside venue and in the opener, he has Clona Ice that represents the main threat. Trained by Pat Buckley, the son of Deerjet Sydney has some terrific form to his name and although the penny hasn’t quite dropped in respect of consistency, he can give the favourite plenty to think about if on-song. Rural Pest is another to keep an eye on in this contest having won impressively in 28.42 last time out over course and distance. 

BILL THE BANKER

Graham Holland has hit the post with the likes of Swords Rex and Clonbrien Treaty in recent years and he brings a strong team in his bid to reclaim the title for the first time since Newinn Taylor in 2020. In heat two, Brideside Bill looks set to go off as the red-hot favourite after some blistering performances around Limerick in the Kirby. Eugene Buckley’s charge has massive gears and showcased his suitability to Clonmel earlier in the year when running-up the Rural Kennels Unraced. Of his rivals, all must step-up if they are to lower the colours of Brideside Bill, however, Scrahan Fox has the potential to improve, while Blastoff Heffo has some slick form around Limerick and could make the frame. 

SNAZZY TO MAKE-ALL

Heat three is one of the more open contests and the narrow vote goes the way of Snazzy Boss in trap six. Trained by Graham Holland for Denis O’Donohoe, the son of Pat C Sabbath has been mixing it with some of the best in training and although reeled in both of his two starts, his rivals were formidable and Clonmel should play to his early-paced strengths. Flashing Saffron produced some brilliant performances at Enniscorthy and could be a dark horse in the Classic, while Ballarue Rolo is an interesting entry given he arrives as a Novice. Taking that into account, connections must feel he is more than capable of getting involved so keep an eye on his progress in trap four. 

FUN CAN RUN

Michael and Daire Malone enjoyed a great spin out of Fun Inthe Run during the Kirby at Limerick and he is another who has the potential to go deep into the competition. The son of Malachi has a lovely mix of early speed and stamina and is sure to figure heavily in the outright betting. Drawn in six, he has some big rivals to contend with in this contest with the likes of Bogger Pat and Berritxu involved, however, he could lay down a big marker if taking one his trademark flyers. The main danger is Bogger Pat in trap one, who has electric early speed and is very well-housed in red. Having taken some time to settle into his new surroundings, expect ‘Pat’ to be back to his best tonight and he is another that warrants much respect. 

BRAVER TO SHINE

In heat five, Born Braver may well be stepping back into open company, however, he can continue to excel for Jennifer O’Donnell and the Whens-He-Running-Syndicate. A winner in 28.45 last time out, albeit in A2 company, the son of Here Comes Syd has buckets of ability and he is drawn perfectly to continue his good form. A 28.70 winner around Thurles, there is no doubt that Born Braver is top-class and he just needs to find that little bit of consistency to emerge a huge player in the renewal. Of his rivals, Clonnloch Cliste has superb form and is clearly in good fettle based on his 16.36 trial, while Lady Farrah is a solid performer who can make the frame if bringing his A-game to the table. 

JOEY FAVOURITE BUT SCHAR A DANGER

The final heat of the night could see Skywalker Schar finally break his maiden tag for Michael O’Donovan and Ray Patterson. The hugely talented son of Ballyhimikin Jet showed his class when reaching the Kirby final last month and his 17.44 trial around Cork suggests he is primed for a big tilt at the Produce Stakes. Housed in three, ‘Schar’ needs to sharpen at traps but if doing so, can emerge a leading player for outright glory. His rivals in heat five include Ballyhimikin Ben, who remains unbeaten, and the talented Lemon Joey. The latter is likely to go off as favourite in this contest and looks tailor-made for the sharp Clonmel circuit. Indeed, he is well-drawn in six and is more than capable of a sub 28.10 clock.