FASCINATING EASTER CUP DECIDER
Ian Fortune
In the near one hundred years of the Easter Cup, the oldest classic on the Irish calendar, there have been many, many memorable finals.
Some of the biggest names in the history of the sport have won the famous prize and tonight the latest name will be added to the roll of honour.
Certainly, in terms of intrigue, this evening’s final of the Shelbourne Park Bookmakers sponsored event is right up there as one of the most fascinating. Realistic claims can be made for each of the six finalists and so much will come down to the opening exchanges.
HENNESSY DOUBLE HANDED WITH LENNIES DUO
No one has won as many Easter Cups as Paul Hennessy with seven previous wins in the classic stretching back to Mr Pickwick in 1998.
Mr Bozz, Late Late Show twice, Ardkill Jamie, Tyrur Kenny and most recently Jaytee Jet in 2016 were his others winners.
It’s hard to believe it has been a decade since the latest win of Jaytee Jet and Hennessy will believe it’s time he won another. Tonight, he is double handed with the Lee Craze owned duo, Lennies Tank and Lennies Madge.
The latter is the rank outsider of the party but is running with real purpose. She is not the fastest into the bend but will finish at speed. While it would be a shock if she were to win, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if she were to make the frame.
Lennies Tank, in contrast, is a serious player in tonight’s contest. One of the fastest and most talented greyhounds in training, the son of Good News was stunning in the second round of the classic as he displayed sensational early speed and all-round pace to emerge a facile winner in 29.37.
He couldn’t repeat that form in the semis, however. In fact, despite setting the pace into the back straight, he could only finish seven lengths adrift in third. That wasn’t a representation of his ability and his many supporters will be hoping he can return to form. From an ideal draw in his beloved stripes, he is again the most likely pace-setter and is deserving of his billing as one of the favourites.
KNEGARE BACK TO BRILLIANT BEST
Callaway Knegare was brilliant in the semis, returning to his stunning best with a 29.33 return.
That was the fastest run of the Classic this far, but his connections will be happier with the manner of his victory than the actual time.
The former Juvenile Derby champion turned close after a fast start before powering his way to the front around the last two bends. It was the old Callaway Knegare and many will feel he is capable of adding another classic success to his CV.
From trap two, he will need to come away racing and clear Lemon Orla on the fence in the opening yards but if doing so, he is again likely to have a huge say in proceedings. Should he come home in front, he would hand his trainer Owen McKenna a fifth Easter Cup title.
IN-FORM ORLA WITH A KIND DRAW
The aforementioned Lemon Orla is one of three superb bitches in the contest.
She suffered her first defeat of the classic in the semis but has been in tremendous form, showing brute pace and strength from the second turn.
Tom O’Neill will be hoping his star can hold her position into the turn as she is a match for any from the second bend to the line. Containing Callaway Knegare into the bend is imperative but, have no doubt, she is certainly capable of playing a big part in proceedings.
HIDALGO TO OUT RUN HIS ODDS AGAIN?
Lemon Hidalgo is one of the outsiders of the field despite running exceptionally well in recent weeks.
A tough and hugely consistent son of Ballymac Best, Tom Lennon knows his top-class tracker will need to be at his very sharpest from trap three but he is more than capable of getting involved.
If he were to produce one of his better starts, it’s certainly possible he will be close enough at the turn to get involved but he really will need to be at his best.
HAVE FAITH IN FAITHFUL
That leaves Droopys Faithful, who can once again show why she is regarded as one of the very best in training.
Daniel O’Rahilly’s star has really grown into the competition after returning from a fourth month layoff.
Blessed with superb pace from start to finish, she is disputing favouritism with Lennies Tank and won’t have any concerns about a trap four draw. A good starter with fine early speed, tremendous back straight pace and the strength to land a Winter Racing Festival Open 575, she has very few weaknesses.
She may have looked a bit tight in the final yards of each of her three outings this year but is likely to getting fitter with each run and is deserving of her lofty position in the market.
A FASCINATING FINAL
It’s a fascinating final, of that there is no doubt, and picking a winner is far from easy.
Had Lennies Tank backed up his second-round effort last weekend, he would have been the selection. He is again the most likely pace-setter but if Droopys Faithful can stay close enough into the bend, she may find herself in front by the time they enter the back straight.
Callaway Knegare is also greatly respected. A repeat of last week’s display would certainly see him go close but on this occasion the vote goes the way of Droopys Faithful to get the better of Lennies Tank. The best of luck to all.