PROSPECTORS HUNTING FOR GOLD IN DUBLIN
Ian Fortune
While temperatures were in the minus figures in Dublin this morning, covering all surfaces with a heavy frost, it is set to get a bit warm through the day before settling at a balmy 5 or 6 degrees in Dublin 4, meaning there will be no problems with tonight’s brilliant card at Shelbourne Park.
And a journey to that part of the world comes highly recommended with so many stars on show as the Tote Gold Cup continues. Liam Dowling has a very strong hand with Solo And Go and Ballymac Stud topping the market since the initial entry was first revealed.
MATT CAN FOLLOW UP IN STYLE
But last week’s opening round action served as a reminder that this is far rom a two-dog competition with many others capable of playing a big part, including Crossfield Matt and Bombay Special who set the standards seven days ago.
Crossfield Matt flew around Shelbourne in 28.15 and his reward for that display is an ideal draw on the fence in the last of the four quarter finals. The draw couldn’t have been much better with Lennies Desire housed on his right shoulder.
The latter is exceptionally fast but does tend to move off a little in the early stages, which should leave Crossfield Matt room to race. |Grouchos Hoffa can go up fast on the outside of the track but it’s hard to oppose Crossfield Matt.
If starting on terms, Brendan O’Shea’s talented son of Droopys Sydney can again assert in the early yards to follow up last week’s brilliant run. Lennies Desire can fly home to grab second with Grouchos Hoffa chosen to follow them through.
STUD TO OUTGUN SOME TALENTED RIVALS
Bombay Special and Ballymac Stud meet in the opening heat.
Throw in impressive opening round scorer Swords Style, Juvenile Derby runner-up Unanimous Leo, the exciting Coloursaregreen and very capable Kereight Pimple and it is comfortably the hottest heat of the round.
So much will depend on the first five strides but Ballymac Stud gave the impression last week that much better was to come. He took charge on the turn before easing on to win by 28.33 and has been given a trap one draw for his efforts.
Swords Style will go up well from two but does favour a line slightly off the fence so the pair shouldn’t clash. Unanimous Leo can really fly to the turn and is a possible pace-setter from three, while Bombay Special will need another flying exit to get loose from five.
There are many possible outcomes but with the benefit of a run under his belt, Ballymac Stud is a confident selection. If trapping on terms, he should be right in the mix from the outset and his class can carry him into the lead by halfway. Bombay Special, Unanimous Leo and Swords Style are all greatly respected.
SOLO READY TO GO FAST
Solo And Go will be a short price to follow up his impressive opening round effort in Heat 3.
The Kingdom Derby and WRF Championship 525 winner has stunning early speed and can outgun his rivals into the bend.
He displayed awesome speed into the bend to force his way past Unanimous Leo last week and is again set to show his class. He is nominated to make every inch, confirming his lofty position at the head of the ante-post market.
Of his rivals, a case can be made for each of the five but Crossfield Dean is perhaps best equipped to worry the favourite. Drawn in three, he will need a flying start to contain Solo And Go in the early yards but has the overall pace to race prominently throughout. Ballymac Siun, a kennel companion to Solo And Go, finishes fast and can make the best of an inside draw to take third.
FIVE SET TO COME ALIVE
Heat 3 is the most open of the four.
Beautiful Paul, Maireads Diamond, Callaway Five and Lemon Hidalgo are all set to contest the early lead while Born To Perform and Boylesports Blue will attempt to come from the off the pace.
There are many possible outcomes but Callaway Five did enough in his latest outing to suggest he will return to winning ways soon. He chased home Crossfield Matt last week, posting a rapid 28.36 in the process and a repeat of that form may suffice.
Maireads Diamond is on a run of three straight wins and is a serious threat. He will need to be at his sharpest at trap rise but is clearly fast enough to go close. Beautiful Paul can also go up fast and an inside draw will play to his strengths. He won’t be shy of support but Callaway Five may just have too much for the opposition.
PROMISING PUPS ON SHOW
There are a few nice prospects on show in the semi-finals of the Rásaíocht Con Éireann A3 NB 525. Callaway Katie and Carlow Rd Dancer both displayed real promise in the recent Callaway Pro Am @ Stud ON1 350 and they are set to have a big say in this sweepstake.
Callaway Katie is the selection in the opening heat. A very natural starter, she can assert in the early yards to see off Walkabout Johnny and Ballymac Kandoo.
Carlow Rd Dancer won the aforementioned Callaway Pro Am @ Stud ON1 350, showing real pace up the home straight. One suspects a step up to the 525yd trip will really play to his strengths and he is chosen to come home in front in the second semi.
Of his rivals, Lennies Eddie also looks very exciting and could emerge as a worthy adversary. It would be no surprise if either or both were to develop into top class performers.