McCALMONT CUP TO PROVIDE FIREWORKS AT KILKENNY
Ian Fortune
A place in the final of the Deadly Kennels McCalmont Cup will be on the line at Kilkenny this evening with the remaining twelve likely to provide some outstanding racing.
Both heats are remarkably competitive and there would be no shock result with each of the runners in both semis holding claims of some sort.
BARRY TO CONTINUE IMPRESSIVE RUN OF FORM
Born Ranger took a giant step forward last week, doubling his career tally with a fine display.
The feature of his display was the pace he displayed down the back straight. He will again need to turn close to the pace to make his back pace count, although a trap two draw will certainly suit.
Sober Barry is the likely favourite, however. He is really coming to hand for Karol Ramsbottom, who so often targets this competition, and is unbeaten in the competition and on a run of three straight wins. Sean Malone’s charge set the standard last week with a 29.16 return and, if starting on terms, could again get first run on his rivals.
Tetra Destiny and Paulstown Cash will be doing their best work from halfway and may need the gaps to arrive if they are to score, while Jacktavern Storm and Tinahue Skywalker will need to be at their very sharpest in the opening exchanges.
In short, Sober Barry is the one to beat on current form but the penny is certainly dropping with Born Ranger and he has the pace to push the selection right to the line.
WHIT TO WHIP RIVALS
Less than four lengths separate the six runners in the second heat on last weekend’s clocks.
Oriental Prince was fastest with a 29.20 return, as he picked up Bogger Tommy on the line. The pair renew rivalry and both at entitled to respect , although the same can be said for the remining quartet.
Bogger Tommy is perhaps the most likely pace-setter in one, although Imokilly Roxanne is also blessed with tremendous early dash. She has yet to produce her best around Kilkenny but the signs are there that it could be on the way.
If she were to get loose into the bend, she could prove a tougher not to crack than in recent outings. She was picked up last week but Burnchurch Elle but may reverse that form this evening.
Oriental Diamond and Carrigeen Whit complete a talented line-up and both are serious players. In fact, Carrigeen Whit is nominated as the one to beat. Narrowly denied by Born Ranger last week, she has been in fine form and has fine pace from start to finish.
Oriental Diamond was a couple of lengths behind Carrigeen Whit last week and I also performing at a good level. However, she needs to come away racing from a wide draw. Carrigeen Whit is chosen to turn close to the pace before making a decisive move passing halfway. Any of the remainder could progress with her but one suspects there is a better run about to come from Imokilly Roxanne and she is nominated as the main threat.
ARRIGLE AND GER APPEAL IN BROWNE MEMORIAL
On top of the McCalmont Cup, the semi-finals of the Tom Browne Memorial and a Con And Annie Kirby Memorial will also offer up some superb racing.
As with the feature, the semis of the Tom Browne Memorial are wide open.
Arrigle In is nominated at a decent price in the opening heat. She is not likely to race prominently into the turn but will finish at speed and can pick up the pieces. Coolemount Ger won well last week and is the choice in the second heat, just ahead of Thomastown Blue.
KING TO RULE IN KIRBY TRIAL STAKE
The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Trial Stake features a combination of established names and less exposed runners.
Of those with a bit of experience, Jims Gem probably has the pick of the form but he is vulnerable to a couple of the lesser experienced types improving past him.
These include Powerhouse Major and Oriental King. Both have shown real promise and give the impression they could go very fast in the near future. Oriental King just gets the nod but Powerhouse Major is greatly respected.