QUALITY FRIDAY NIGHT RACING AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

There’s a wonderful card on offer at Shelbourne Park this evening with a couple of finals and the semi-finals of an Open sprint with the final scheduled for Derby final night.

The most valuable contest on the card is the final of the Two Steps To Victory Mini Open Dual Distance over 575yds. There was little between semi-final winners Drombeg King and Gaston on the clock and the pair will line up side by side on the inside of the track this evening.

Drombeg King has fine speed into the bend and is perhaps the most likely pace-setter on the fence but he will be entering unknown territory over the extended trip. Last week’s sectionals suggest he isn’t quite as strong as some of his rivals but, should he get to the front, he could be hard to reel in.

Gaston went just two spots faster than Drombeg King last week but did run on well and is clearly a big player also. His superior strength may make the difference and he is selected to pick up Drombeg King. Of the others, Droopys Mezza will relish the extra emphasis on stamina but needs to avoid early traffic from a tricky draw in three.

NOT THE PREFERRED OPTION

Id Prefer Not is a confident selection to win the final of the Barking Buzz A4 525.

Despite badly missing the kick last week, leaving himself with plenty of work to do, the Brendan Matthews trained youngster stormed his way to the front around the last two bends.

With a better start, he can certainly go far faster than his latest 29.22 return. Highview Focus doubled his tally in the semi-finals, winning in 29.04. he may need to go even faster tonight given the expected improvement from Id Prefer Not. Borna Ted stands out as the best of the remainder. Much like the selection, he is young, lightly raced and open to improvement.

DREAM RETURNS TO SHELBOURNE

A number of Ireland’s best sprinters will be on show in the BOYLE Sports Best Odds Guaranteed SSO 350 including the recent Treaty Cup and Irish Sprint Cup winner Tiermana Dream.

The Colm Fitzgerald trained son of Ballyhimikin Jet takes his place in the last of the three heats and is the one to beat despite the presence of Bomber Nina and Scooby Marquess.

AARI GETS THE NOD

The Other Aari and Stonepark Browne meet in the opening heat with both certain to attract support. Much will come down to the start and for that reason The Other Aari is chosen to emerge on top as Stonepark Browne can be a touch inconsistent at traps. Portrush Ben is also respected from an ideal draw on the fence.

ANCORA TO FIND FORM?

2025 Sprinter of the Year Sogna Ancora has yet to produce his best in 2026 but trialled well recently.

He is selected to come through to win Heat 2, potentially at the expense of Velvet Samba, who ran well through the Irish Sprint Cup.