KIRBY CLUES ON OFFER AT LIMERICK
Peter Farrell
There is a smart card on offer at Limerick tonight, featuring four stake finals alongside several Con & Annie Kirby Memorial trial stakes.
With the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial set to get underway on the 21st March, attention is firmly fixed on the weeks ahead, and this evening’s programme promises to provide valuable clues ahead of the opening round. Race ten sees an Open trial stake take centre stage and it has all the hallmarks of a red-hot affair, with Bockos Gold selected to book his golden ticket. Formerly known as Newinn Hoffa, the powerful performer qualified with an exceptional 28.28 trial around the capital and arrives on the back of a rapid 18.57 spin at Limerick. On that evidence, the Graham Holland-trained runner may prove too hot to handle, although any slip-up could prove costly given the presence of the progressive Radical Dreamer in trap one. The latter was hugely impressive on debut and, with the benefit of a plum draw, looks capable of significant improvement.
Earlier, race nine features an A1 trial stake and Yacht Dreamer appeals as the one to beat on recent form. The son of Orchestrate, also trained by Graham Holland, scored in testing conditions at headquarters in early December before sharpening up with a slick 17.60 trial around Cork last month. Among his rivals is Lennies Eddie, who boasts a blistering 21.04 around Dundalk and should be well suited to Limerick, while Oriental King lines out having produced some huge trials around Thurles.
Another A1 contest comes in race eight, where Missouri Ace is preferred for Sean DeBurca from trap two. The well-bred daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet - Cornetto impressed in a recent trial, posting 18.87, and that effort may suffice here. Aulton Cash and Jacktavern Romeo are respected dangers, the latter having caught the eye in two starts to date despite being turned over at short odds.
The opening trial stake is an A2 contest, with Preferthesister selected to build on a demolition success last time out. A twelve-length winner in 28.96, the March whelp appears to have plenty in reserve and can deliver another strong showing for Declan Beary. Kilcolgan Eddie, who arrives on the back of an 18.83 trial, heads the opposition.
UPCOMING CON & ANNIE KIRBY MEMORIAL ON3 525 FINAL
The first of four finals comes in race three, where Ballygibbon Fury is likely to head the market for John O’Meara. Only an October ’24 pup, the son of Bockos Jon Jo ran on gamely to post 29.36 on debut and natural improvement should see him trim significant lengths off that mark. Kevinsfort Gypsy, trained by John Byrne, looks the principal threat after landing his debut in 29.42.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS ON3 525 FINAL
Dakota Spirit struck late to collar Pomba Joan in the semi-finals and William Esmonde’s charge is taken to maintain his unbeaten record. Again favourably housed in red, the son of McInerney can secure a handy early position before producing another decisive finish. Pomba Joan rates the chief danger once more, although Philip Buckley’s Blastoff Sony, expected to step forward from last weekend, cannot be discounted.
I.R.G.T ON2 525 FINAL
Montore Kit sets the standard in the ON2 decider for James Treacy, having posted a smart 29.28 from off the pace last time out. The daughter of Droopys Jet is a strong-running type and, despite a potentially tricky draw in trap four, may have the class to prevail. Kitmans Peggy was electric through the opening 300 yards last time and a similar break would see her mount a serious challenge.
GREYHOUNDS MAKE GREAT PETS ON2 525 FINAL
This looks a competitive affair, with Adamant Aislinn, owned by John Rainsford, expected to mount a bold bid for honours. The July pup clocked 28.77 when collaring Blastoff Music in the dying strides last time and once again benefits from the inside berth. The daughter of Grangeview Ten will need to turn prominently, but her proven stamina could see her finish strongest. Blastoff Music, closest on the clock, appears the main threat.