CHRISTMAS OAKS TO CLOSE BIG RACE CALENDAR

Ian Fortune

The Christmas break may have been brief but truly refreshing and those wishing to get back to racing action will have plenty of option this evening, the best of which comes at Shelbourne Park with tonight’s card featuring a number of finals including that of the Bernard Barry Christmas Oaks.

The end of year showpiece has provided some outstanding racing to date and the €15,000 to the winner decider should provide a wonderful spectacle. Laurels champion Magical On Fire is seeking to claim her first win in the competition but is a warm favourite to emerge on top for Pat Guilfoyle.

Her main market rival is 2024 Oaks champion and reigning Bitch of the Year A Lucky Julie but none of the remainder can be discounted with Rural Ana and Singalong Polly particularly capable of going fast, while both Aghadown Flight and Magical Hope have been running better than their respective odds suggest.

MORE MAGIC FROM FIRE?

Magical On Fire is the one to beat, however.

With a favourable draw in three, she will bid to turn a touch closer to the pace than in recent outings and if doing so, would prove very difficult to contain down the back straight and home.

She has been showing outstanding pace but has yet to get a clear run at the opening bend. The make-up of tonight’s draw may allow her the freedom she needs.

JULIE A BIG THREAT

A Lucky Julie was off the track for some time this year, racing just twice in May to start her campaign before another long break ahead of a late November return.

Thankfully, Jerry Melia’s star has recaptured form in recent weeks and comes into tonight’s race on the back of two wonderful victories.
Her trademark power and pace has been evident and she is likely to have a big say from an ideal draw in the striped jacket.

ANA SHOWING HER POWER LATELY

Rural Ana is one of two runners for Graham Holland.

The daughter of Pestana was impressive in her opening round and semi-final assignments, powering into the third turn before staying on strongly to win on both occasions.

A middle draw is certainly in her favour and, if she were to turn close, she too could have a big say at the finish.

POLLY IS VERY STRONG

Singalong Polly is very strong.

Although she has been outpointed into the bend in recent starts, she is likely to finish faster than any. Representing the prolific Pat Buckley/ Gilbert Anderson combination, the daughter of Grangeview Ten would be greatly aided by any traffic amongst the likely pace-setters. She can certainly make the frame.

AGHADOWN MUST TAKE FLIGHT

Aghadown Flight is the second of the Graham Holland trained runners.

She flew to the turn in her semi-final only to be picked up by Rural Ana and Magical Hope. She would almost certainly need to dictate the pace to cause a shock.

HOPE FOR MAGICAL

The same can be said for Magical Hope, a kennel companion to the favourite.

She stayed on well in defeat last week, finishing second to Rural Ana but must be at her very sharpest to worry the judge in this contest.

FIRE TO END YEAR IN STYLE

It’s a tremendous contest and should provide a fitting conclusion to the valuable competition, while also bringing the curtain down on the big race calendar for 2025.

Magical On Fire is a worthy favourite and is due a little luck.

Don’t be shocked if she produces one of her better starts to dispute the lead into the bend before asserting from the second turn. A Lucky Julie is the obvious threat and can certainly go close, while Singalong Polly and Rural Ana will be waiting in the wings should the big two make any mistakes.

JOEY TO END SHELBOURNE YEAR IN STYLE

The final race of the Shelbourne Park year is the final of the Bernard Barry Open 525 and there is a talented line-up chasing the €5,000 prize.

Sadly, Priceless Romeo has been reported as a non-runner after impressing in the semi-finals but it remains a top-class contest.

Lemon Joey had a memorable year, capturing the Produce Stakes and going close to another classic victory in the Laurels when finishing just two lengths away in third. He emerged a good winner of his semi-final but can certainly go faster.

If doing so, he could again emerge as the one to beat, although Bushpark Mel, Bockos Gold, Harry Houdini and Droichead Nua are all capable of mounting a bold bid. Bushpark Mel was unlucky in her semi-final but is amongst the fastest bitches in training. If starting on terms, she would quickly emerge as a big player.

Bockos Gold is a very bright prospect for 2026. He has tremendous pace but needs to start on terms to turn within striking distance. Droichead Nua and Harry Houdinihave been in fine form and won’t be shy of support but Lemon Joey may have too much ammunition for his rivals. The Murt Leahy trained star can end a memorable year with yet another impressive success.

PIMPLE IDEALLY HOUSED IN 550 DECIDER

Of the remaining finals on the card, the Thanks To Our Sponsors A0 550 is the next most valuable.

This is perhaps the most wide-open contest on the card but a perfect draw in the stripes can allow Kereight Pimple to claim a tenth career victory.

He is the most likely pace-setter and can set sail for home from the second turn. If he does get loose early, both Breffni Paddy and Highview Plan could emerge as the main dangers. Breffni Paddy is well housed on the fence and will hope to turn close to the pace.

In contrast, Highview Plan lacks a yard to the bend but finishes at speed. If finding the gaps, the powerful tracker won’t be far away at the finish.