IRELAND TO SHINE AGAIN

Ian Fortune

After sending out eleven heats winners in the two previous sessions, there is every reason for the Irish to feel optimistic ahead of tonight’s third and final session of opening round heats in the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby.

There are a total of 15 Irish in action this evening and it would be a shock of there weren’t a handful of winners amongst them

EXILE TO GET LOOSE

First into action is Road Exile in Heat 21. The early paced tracker has an ideal draw in the stripes and will be fancied to go close, especially getting loose in the early yards.

MEADOWS APPEALS

Trinity Junior and Rushy Meadows are set to have a big say in Heat 23. The Peter Cronin trained Trinity Junior didn’t have a prep run at Towcester which is a slight concern but he’s a real professional and has always been a real competition dog.

Rushy Meadows has the potential to be brilliant. Her chances depend on whether she can clear Trinity Junior but, if doing so, she could emerge as the one to beat.

MARTHA HAS THE DRAW

Da Bold Falcon will have his first start to Ginger McGee in Heat 24. Not blessed with early speed, he will fly from halfway and could potentially make the frame in a race where four of the five will qualify.

Glengar Martha is perhaps the one to beat in this contest, however. Pat Buckley’s bitch has often run very well around a track at her first attempt and she can fly from an outside draw.

TREND AND ED CLASH

Two of Ireland’s highest profile runners take their chance in the next heat. Laurels champ High Trend has obvious claims. A fast starter with the power to see out the 500m trip, he can take the world of catching.

Ballinabola Ed will attract most attention, however. One of the real stars of the Irish track scene, he returns after a lengthy layoff. If repeating anything close to his best, he should have a big say in the outcome.

GIZMO HAS THE POWER

Ballymac Gizmo and In Good Time meet in Heat 26. Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Gizmo is hugely fast and would be very difficult to stop if coming away racing from trap two. In Good Time recently broke the Tralee 525yd track record and can’t be dismissed but he needs to hit the ground running from four.

This is a competitive heat, however, and neither can afford any mistakes. Slight preference is for Ballymac Gizmo.

SLICK LOOKS TO OPEN ACOUNT

Ballymac Slick is amongst the fastest maidens in Ireland and must be respected in Heat 27. He will be flying from halfway and, should the gaps arrive, he could have a big say.

CRAZE LOOKS THE PART

Jaytee Craze has shown a real liking for Towcester, while his handler Paul Hennessy has made a tremendous start to his Derby campaign. Jaytee Craze will be amongst the favourites and he looks certain to make a bold bid.

TEDDY AND INCLUSION TO CHALLENGE

Heat 30 is an absolute belter with three Irish taking on a couple of talented UK hopes. Bens Teddy and Merits Inclusion have obvious claims. Bens Teddy hasn’t been seen since taking a fall in the Easter Cup but he may have too much ammunition if finding a way to turn close.

It will be interesting to see how Merits Inclusion handles a rails draw. He needs to be at his sharpest in the opening yards to take charge into the turn. Ballymac Senan completes the Irish team in this contest. He will need to come away racing from trap four.

GORDEN CAN GO FAST

Superfast Gorden can live up to his name in the final heat. From a perfect draw on the fence, Pat Buckley’s charge can really put it up to some of the UK’s best, which include Links Maverick and King Combs.