IRISH HOPES IN NOTTINGHAM

Ian Fortune

 

Both Garry Dempsey and Pat Guilfoyle will be chasing big prizes at Nottingham this evening with the duo responsible for runners in the two big races on the card ARC Select Stakes and the final of the ARC Puppy Classic.

Garry Dempsey sends out English Derby finalist Ballymac Ralf in the Select Stakes. In what will be his final start for Dempsey before moving to Paul Young, the talented son of Ballymac Cooper has been favourite for the famous invitation since the trap draw and he is certainly expected go close from a favourable draw in three.

Standing in his way are some of the UK’s finalist including former Dog of the Year Wicky Ned, the flying bitch Strike It Skye, Underground Gold, Romeo Tomcat and Fortanach Col, who raced as Ballymac Tibet on these shores.

The Select Stakes is due off at 8.54pm and can be viewed live on Sky Sports Racing.

MARTY AND MAGIC CAN PLAY A PART

Pat Guifoyle is double handed in the final of the stg£12,500 Puppy Classic with both Magical Marty and Daleroad Magic capable of going close, although Annadown Warrior is the most likely favourite.

But the betting is quite contracted, suggesting that it is quite an open contest. If either of the two Guilfoyle trained runners were to get loose into the bend from their wide draw in five and six, they could certainly make a bold bid. The Puppy Classic decider is due off at 8.19pm.