PLENTY OF QUALITY ON SHOW IN DUBLIN
Ian Fortune
There may be no National Puppy Stake action at Shelbourne Park this evening with the traditional end of season competition cancelled, but there is still plenty of quality action to look forward to.
Indeed, very race on the card is of a very high standard and it seems safe to expect big performances from start to finish.
RIGHT TO FANCY TEXT
Racing gets underway with an Open 525 and it should set the tone.
Text Amright has a kind draw in four with Jacktavern Bull expected to move inwards straight away from three. Should the former break on terms he can quickly put himself in a challenging position.
However, he does take on some useful rivals including the exciting duo of Ball Of Cash and Orlas Melody. Much will depend on the opening exchanges but Text Amiright boasts the best form at top level over the 525yd trip and is chosen to come home in front.
PROFILE LOOKS THE PART
Racing ends with another open, this time over 575yds.
After a few stunning displays in recent months, including through the early rounds of the Derby, Low Profile is the choice to emerge on top. If putting his best foot forward, he may have too much ammunition for the likes of Ello Ello, Durrow Star and Not Just Jo.
A HOT SPRINT
There is a wonderful sprint contest on the card with a few on those on show looking to, potentially, earn a place in the Winter Racing Festival Sprint.
Irish Sprint Cup champion Tiermana Dream is already assured a place should he want it and he is clearly a big player tonight.
The Colm Fitzgerald trained speedster has a kind draw in five with those on his inner expected to shift left in the opening yards. Of his rivals, realistic claims can be made for most of them including last year’ National Puppy Stake winner Shotgun Dez, the very promising duo of Anothercupoftea and Carrick Bruno, as well as the hugely talented Scooby Marquess.
Dear Sir is no slouch either and wears the stripes to complete a very talented field. Tiermana Dream is the selection but will need to be at his very sharpest at trap rise.
LEVI FACING A TOUGH TEST
Recent Bart Leahy Memorial champion Half Yours makes his Shelbourne return in the sixth race, an Open 525.
He is likely to get involved but he faces a tough test with the likes of the in-form No Tickets, the hugely promising Portumna Levi, the flying early pacer Unanimous Tobi and speedy Cill Dubh Cothal to contend with.
Portumna Levi is getting better with each outing and is chosen to bring his career record to four wins from seven starts, although a fast start is imperative with No Tickets and Half Yours greatly respected.
NOELLE FACES SOME TALENTED RIVALS
In terms of proven performers, the eighth race is perhaps the hottest of the night.
Silent Noelle is now firmly established as one of the fastest females in Ireland and is seen as a big player, although she faces a tough draw with Swords Style likely to move off the fence, drawn on her immediate inner in red.
The Other Mel, Miami Hans, Puppy Derby runner-up Kapuka Coley and rapid improver Lennies Jamesmac complete a talented line-up. Picking a winner with any confidence is impossible but the nod goes to Silent Noelle.
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