CON MURPHY BOOKMAKERS A1 KICKS OFF AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

Limerick Greyhound Stadium hosts a stacked card tonight, with the opening-round heats of the Con Murphy Bookmakers A1 525 serving as the evening’s feature.

The stake, kindly sponsored by Tim Spike Murphy, carries a €3,300 winner’s purse and has drawn five competitive opening-round heats.

In heat one, both Jim By Two and Newinn Benni drop back in grade and hold strong claims. Jim By Two, the reigning Tipperary Cup champion, would take plenty of beating if rediscovering the form that delivered that prestigious title. This looks a suitable assignment for the Brendan Maunsell-trained son of Droopys Sydney, who is taken to secure a fifteenth career win.

HEAT WATCH

In heat two, Pat Buckley sends out Ballinabola Otis, and the black son of Glengar Bale appears poised to break his maiden at the fifth attempt. His ability is not in question, evident from a sharp 28.44 trial at HQ, and the drop in grade should aid his cause. Among the opposition, Gortkelly John brings standout Kilkenny form and a recent 17.94 effort around Thurles, while Beaming Ruby also warrants attention after posting a career-best 28.89 last time.

Boozed Mac gets the nod in heat three for Gary Pepper and Paraic Campion. Drawn in red, he is already a 28.57 winner from late October, and although two subsequent runs didn’t go to plan, this is a more modest assignment and he can bounce back. His challengers include the in-form Sheezatwister, fresh off a decisive win for Corona Ryan, as well as Canavour Bucko, a strong finisher who appears to be improving with experience.

Heat four goes to Ballymac Riddick, despite the fact he is still seeking a first victory after three starts. Liam Dowling’s runner caught the eye when finishing second in a hot Limerick sprint recently, suggesting this step up in distance is ideal. A son of King Elvis, he looks capable of a big performance and is one to keep on side. Zenith Efendi, who posted 28.78 in A4 company last time out, and Bad Dreams, who has the early pace to get involved, are among the dangers.

In the final heat, Foxwood Macgowan represents Denis McGrath and arrives following an excellent 28.82 run at the demanding Galway circuit. Drawn in red, further improvement would make him very hard to oppose, and the son of Bockos Jon Jo rates a leading contender. Glengar Blitz, housed in three for Pat Buckley, shapes as the principal rival after a series of solid displays in recent months.