SPRINTERS BRACED TO LIGHT UP DUNDALK

Ian Fortune

The draw for the Bar 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup went on-line on Wednesday evening and it’s a typically intriguing renewal of the sprint classic. Dundalk can expect some superb racing in the coming weeks with the sprinters rarely failing to fire.

The opening round will dominate Saturday’s card and right from the start, the action should be red-hot. Indeed, the opening heat is perhaps the most intriguing of the nine. Crafty Coolio has been so impressive in his four previous outings and remains unbeaten but he will face his toughest test on this occasion with his rivals including The Other Aari, Firstpastthepost and Montana Secret.

The latter is of real interest. A half brother to former Irish Sprint Cup winner Broadstrand Syd, he recently flew around Dundalk in 20.91 and could make a serious sprinter.

ACCLAIM OUT

Sadly, UK raider Good Acclaim was withdrawn ahead of the draw but there is still interest from across the Irish Sea with Thurlesbeg Pablo and Ballymac Shontae both taking their chance.

Stonepark Browne is the only 2025 finalist to return for another crack at the classic. He lines out in Heat 3, while his great foe Tiermana Dream is in action in Heat 4.

LUKA BACK ON IRISH SOIL

There will be huge interest in the reappearance of Magical Luka in Heat 6.

He was very disappointing in the Silver Salver across the water but Pat Guilfoyle obviously feels he is ready to do himself justice. He faces a tough opening round assignment with the very talented Droopys Scampi amongst his rivals.

2025 Sprinter of the Year Sogna Ancora lines out in the last of the nine heats, while there are a number of lightly raced, promising types scattered amongst the nine heats. The full draw and form is available in upcoming cards or by clicking the link: https://www.grireland.ie/racing/upcoming-race-cards/upcoming-race-card-summary/?track=DLK&id=118924&date=18-Jul-2026