GREAT DEPTH ON SHOW AS PRODUCE STAKES GETS UNDERWAY

Peter Farrell

After a red-hot 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial, early indications are that the National Produce Stakes will be just as competitive, with an exceptionally deep renewal on the cards.

From a 48-strong entry, some of the country’s most talented youngsters have been targeted at this prestigious event and a €20,000 winner’s prize will undoubtedly attract big crowds to Clonmel over the next four weeks. Tonight sees the eight opening-round heats get underway and the standout contest could come in the curtain-raiser, where Cushie Flytplan meets Brother Thomas.

The latter, formerly known as Blackstone Lexus, produced a series of outstanding performances around Tralee in the Juvenile Classic. However, the Michael O’Donovan-trained runner appears to have gone up another gear based on his explosive 27.73 trial at the Kingdom last weekend. On that evidence, he is likely to head the betting as he bids to complete a quick-fire Classic double for Michael O’Donovan. Drawn in four, the box is not ideal, but his ability is clear and he can lay down a serious marker in the opening heat. O’Donovan is also represented by Cushie Flytplan, who performed with great credit in this year’s Kirby, posting some excellent times along the way. His 28.11 display in the quarter-finals was particularly impressive and, from a favourable draw in red, he could play a major role. In what looks a red-hot heat, Glengar Phantom lines out in the striped jacket and is another with strong Kilkenny form to consider.

HEAT WATCH

As mentioned, Michael O’Donovan brings a strong hand to Clonmel and Hackney Dancer stands out in heat two. Drawn ideally in trap one, the son of Dorotas Wildcat has top-class form around Limerick and, while he faces stiff opposition, he may get first run along the rail. Silverhill Bucko and Like A Twin, who impressed for Patrick O’Connor last time out, look the main dangers.

In heat three, recent Kirby finalist Jaykay Fly can return to winning ways for Paul Hennessy and Carol O’Riordan. He ran a big race to finish fourth in the €80,000 final and this represents a more modest assignment. Gaytime Teco is progressing well for Graham Holland, while Vivaro Warrior, well housed in red, is known for his strength from the halfway mark.

Heat four sees Newinn Spot return after a couple of below-par efforts in the Kirby. Prior to that, the Graham Holland-trained runner, owned by Kenny Glen, had impressed at Clonmel, dipping under 16 seconds on several occasions in the Rural Kennels Unraced. Back at a track that he clearly relishes, the son of Tommy Shelby is expected to bounce back. Scooby Marquess, trained by Jennifer O’Donnell, looks the main threat from trap one after a solid recent run at the venue.

Heat five looks another competitive affair. Swords Diamond, despite still being classified A3, was brilliant when recording a six-length victory in 18.54 last time out. If leading early, Barbara Lowndes’ runner could prove hard to peg back. Nicky Swithin, another son of Swords Rex trained by Graham Holland, posted 28.29 around Waterford and, from trap one, is a major player. Magical Jet is another that cannot be ruled out for Pat Guilfoyle.

Grouchos Frank, runner-up in the Champion Unraced at Kilkenny last weekend, is one of the key contenders in heat six for Pat Buckley. Although drawn in five, he is a powerful galloper and could track the likely leader, Berlin Trilogy. The latter showed electric early speed in the Kirby and, while needing to improve on a recent 19.02 trial, is likely to race prominently. Powerhouse Major, from the Murt Leahy kennel, also enters calculations.

The penultimate heat looks wide open, with Firstpastthepost likely to start favourite. The Paul Matthews-trained runner has finished in the top two in ten of his twelve starts and arrives off a 28.49 success at Shelbourne. Titanic Brads has bags of early pace but may need to improve on last weekend’s 28.76 win, while Droopys Winsome continues to progress and is well drawn in trap one.

In the concluding heat, National Puppy winner Shotgun Dez can provide a strong finish to the night. Drawn in red, the son of King Sheeran, trained by Graham Holland for Pat Muldoon, is regarded as one of the best young dogs in training and will be fancied by many to land the overall prize. Returning from two impressive sprint runs at Towcester, a level break could see him record a ninth win from thirteen starts. Riverside Rex and the improving Ballyverry Paris look the main dangers.