RACE FOR THE CHAMPION BITCH GETS UNDERWAY AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

The first major stake of the Thurles campaign gets underway later tonight, with the Thurles Track Champion Bitch Stake offering €3,000 to the eventual winner.

There is some margin for error at this stage, with four qualifying from each of the three opening-round heats, but the standard on show is notably high. Leading trainers such as Pat Buckley and Pat Guilfoyle are strongly represented, ensuring a competitive start to proceedings.

In the opening heat, Glengar Blitz arrives in peak condition after reaching the final of the Puppy Oaks at Shelbourne Park last Saturday night, where she was denied by just a head. The demanding Thurles circuit is likely to suit her well. Owned by Bradley Canty, the daughter of Glengar Bale is a powerful performer from halfway and, as the sole wide runner in trap six, should be prominent throughout as she bids for a seventh career success. Among her rivals, Sundance Shirley holds obvious claims from a favourable draw in trap one, while Borna Lassie, though still inexperienced, has shown enough ability for Michelle Dwan to suggest she could be a dark horse.

Magical Hope, a brilliant winner of the J.P. & Pauline Ryan Limerick Oaks in February, will be among the favourites to land this prestigious prize. Trained by Pat Guilfoyle, the classy brindle recently posted a sharp 17.90 trial, which should leave her primed for this assignment, and she looks the one to beat in heat two. However, Singalong Cherry represents a significant threat for Pat Buckley. The daughter of Ballymac Cashout has been in excellent form at Shelbourne Park in recent weeks, including a 28.15 effort three weeks ago. That level of performance brings her firmly into contention, although a trap four draw presents a potential challenge. Gealltanas Grace and the improving My Old Friend also add further depth to a competitive heat.

The third and final heat is equally strong, with opinions likely to be divided. On recent evidence, Brickhill Moana sets the standard if she can reproduce her Limerick form. The daughter of Ballymac Bolger, jointly owned by Albert Long and John Collins, has recorded sub-28.30 runs in recent weeks, culminating in victory in the Sean O’Connor Memorial 525. Her early pace has been particularly striking, and a repeat of that form would make her difficult to oppose for trainer Vincent McKenna. Droopys Bundle, though lightly raced, is clearly a greyhound of considerable ability, with recent trials for Robert Gleeson catching the eye. Tassie Tomboy, another Pat Buckley runner, has been in excellent form at Tralee and remains open to further improvement.