LOREAL TO SHINE IN GOURMET ISLAND PUPPY OAKS
Ian Fortune
Razldazl Loreal was cruelly denied a chance to win the Puppy Derby when a forced withdrawal the week of the decider but she is back in the hunt for big race success and is likely to have a big say in the semi-finals of the Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks at Shelbourne Park this evening.
The daughter of Droopys Scolari was the fastest opening round winner, showing superb early speed to dictate from early to win in 28.20. A week on, she wears the stripes in the second semi-final and is expected to make another bold bid.
It is far from an easy assignment, however. Opening round winners Ballymac Imrie and Ballymac Cmax are joined by the talented Not Just Jo and Ballymac Alexei, while Razldazl Thelma, a litter sister to Razldazl Loreal, completes the line-up.
The vote goes to Razldazl Loreal. Her early peed could make the difference in a contest packed with quality. Ballymac Cmax and Ballymac Imrie are nominated as the main dangers.
ROBIN SET TO TAKE FLIGHT
Glengar Robin may have suffered an odds-on defeat in the opening round, but can atone for that defeat in the opening heat.
The Pat Buckley trained star has awesome pace from the second turn and with a clear passage will be very difficult to contain.
Her task has been made somewhat easier with the withdrawal of Rolo Pasha. The extra space could make a difference, allowing Glengar Robin get a run when things get serious. It’s not clear which of the quintet will get first run.
Riverside Ariel has a kind draw on the fence, while Pomba Angie is also capable of going up well from three. Podcasting and Call Her can’t be ruled out, but both will need to come away racing to get first run on Glengar Robin.
Ultimately, Glengar Robin has incredible pace and with a clear run will be very difficult to contain. She is chosen to lead home Pomba Angie.
TIMMY WON’T BE SNOOZING
Earlier on the card the semi-finals of the Shelbourne Park Juvenile Cup are hugely competitive.
Litter brothers Ball Of Cash and Cash Buyer both caught the eye in defeat in the opening round and will improve further if trapping on terms.
But Snoozing Timmy has the draw in his favour and set the standard last weekend with a trap to line 28.41 return. Should he make a similar start this evening, h could again get first run and is chosen to lead home Ball Of Cash.
MIRACLE GETS THE NOD
The second heat is a real conundrum with many possible outcomes.
Highview Quitly and Rios Miracle have the early speed to race prominently, while Johnson has an ideal draw on the fence and I also expected to turn close to the speed.
On the outside of the track, Bronx Express, Glenquain Cha and Highview Peak will need to improve their starting to turn close enough to figure at the business end. Rios Miracle is perhaps the most consistent of the six at this stage in her career and can make it five wins from seven starts from the front. Johnson can make the most of the draw to chase her home in second.
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