MUNSTER CHRISTMAS CUP TO SERVE UP FEAST AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

It’s a big night at Clonmel as the opening-round heats of the €5,000-to-the-winner Munster Christmas Cup get underway.

This year’s renewal, sponsored by Village Kennels, features four first-round heats.

In the opener, all eyes turn to the Pat Buckley-trained This Approach, who made a blistering start to his career with a 28.22 debut win at Limerick last weekend. The October ’23 whelp had already hinted at his talent with a 28.17 qualifying run, and although this assignment is far tougher than his debut, the clock suggests he remains the one to beat, even from a tricky draw in four. Among his rivals, Slippery Brian looks a major danger for Larry Dunne and Graham Holland. The son of Ballymac Cashout has posted some exceptional trials, including a 28.52 effort at Kilkenny, and he is ideally housed in trap two to give This Approach a searching test as the latter steps into top-grade company for the first time.

HONEY TO CREATE A BUZZ

Heat two sees Honey Scout aiming to back up his impressive two-bend victory at Cork. Trained by Michael O’Donovan for David and Michael Power, he stopped the clock in a rapid 17.48 on that occasion, and with a 28.41 Waterford trial on his card, the step up in trip should hold no fears. Set to don the white jacket, the son of Grangeview Ten has the early dash to put this contest to bed if breaking in his usual style. His chief threats come in the form of Tarsna Blaze, who has been competing in open-class company of late, and Gealltanas Grace, whose Shelbourne exploits in the Ballymac Patriot ON1 Bitch Stake suggest she is no back number.

CURLY TO BOUNCE BACK

Heat three features Irish Derby semi-finalist Singalong Curly, who is very much the one to beat. Trained by Pat Buckley for Gilbert Anderson, the son of Deerjet Sydney lines up in trap four and should possess enough early speed to clear the inside runners. If doing so, he will look to build on last weekend’s 28.51 second-place finish at HQ. Elvis Bay in six and Goldmine Ranger in three are among the leading challengers.

BOMBAY CAN CONTINUE RISE

The concluding heat of the night could see Bombay Special make it five wins from six for Jack Ryan and Graham Holland. The brindle stepped into open-class company last time and took the rise in grade in her stride, posting a slick 28.52 from the front at Shelbourne Park. A daughter of Dromana Bucko and the pacey Tory Aria, her reputation continues to grow and she looks well-drawn in six to dictate matters again. Standing in her way is a formidable rival in Velvet Ring, who advertised his ability earlier this year with a 28.41 performance around Limerick. Should Mick Buckley’s charge return to his best, he will offer strong resistance.