TERRIFIC ACTION HEADLINED BY PUPS AT KILKENNY

Ian Fortune

There will again be huge interest in this evening’s action at Kilkenny with the second round of the Kilkenny Track Champion Open Unraced the undoubted feature.

Karol Ramsbottom recorded a wonderful double in the opening round and again has a strong hand with runners in three of the four heats including Kapuka Coley who set such a strong standard last week, dominating to post a stunning 28.81.

A week on, the potentially brilliant son of Sober Glory faces some notable rivals in the final heat. He wears the orange jacket of five and needs to be on his toes in the early yards with a number of those on his inner capable of flying to the turn.

Certainly, Carrick Becks and Kilgraney Cash flew to the turn last week only to be picked up late. Both seem certain to contest the early lead but whether they can match Kapuka Coley from halfway is open to debate.

The latter looked extremely strong last week, maintaining a relentless gallop to open up by eight lengths. H will need a clear passage but remains the one to beat. Others of note in this contest include the strong Grouchos Frank. A son of Grouchos Duke, he ran on really well last week to pick up the aforementioned Carrick Becks.

The Murt Leahy trained pair of Droopys Yeti and opening round winner Vics Diamond complete a quality packed field. Droopys Yeti displayed big promise in qualifying trials and can improve on his debut effort, while Vics Diamond produced a fine run to emerge a comfortable winner.

AVENGER TO STRIKE

The opening heat is an intriguing affair.

None of the six managed to win last week but most have shown a good level of ability, either on debut or in qualifying. Croydon Avenger, another son of Sober Glory, went fastest seven days ago, chasing home the impressive Cill Dubh Cothal.

He posted 29.08 (-.30) in defeat and a repeat of that level of form would see him go close. Each of his five rivals are open to much improvement, however. Burgess Speedy failed to figure last week but flew around in his qualifying trial.

Rossa Blenz also went quick in trials but missed the start and failed to figure in the opening round. He too should step forward. Riverside Flame found traffic last week but still managed to post 29.36. It would be no surprise to see him go faster, despite a tough draw in four.

Toolmaker Wanabe struggled to find racing room last week, but did show pace. If he finds a start, he could emerge a big player, while Tom O’Neill will be hoping to continue his superb run of form with Ballyhooly Cliff. The latter needs to improve on previous form but seems likely to do so.

COTHAL HAS THE DRAW

The eye is drawn to Cill Dubh Cothal in Heat 3.

The son of Ballyhimikin Jet displayed all sorts of ability on debut, winning in 28.95 and he can follow up. Representing locals Michael Donnelly and owner Michael Bergin, he seems to have al the qualities needed to be a top-class tracker.

If matching last week’s slick exit, he could again dominate from the early yards. Of his rivals, All About Craic looks a worthy adversary. He came through to win his opening round assignment in good fashion and can conceivably go far quicker if making a better start.

Biorra Prince and Glengar Phantom can also improve on their debut displays. Both moved well around Kilkenny in qualifying and must enter calculations. Cob A Job can race prominently from two, while Burgess Banker must find a start from three to threaten.

JIM READY TO FIRE

Uncle Jim was out of luck on debut but displayed huge ability in trials.

He is set to claim a first victory in Heat 3. The Karol Ramsbottom trained son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire will need to come away racing but has proven that he can go fast.

Of his rivals, Nicky Swithin and Fun Time Max are perhaps the greatest dangers. The duo are drawn on the flanks of Uncle Jim and the race to the bend will have a huge bearing on the result.Of the remainder, Grangeview Rocko went fastest last week but needs to come away racing from five, while Ambitious Sussie and Goldcash Legend will be available at big odds but can improve on their debut displays.

MISSION TO SEIZE CONTROL IN LEAHY MEMORIAL

The semi-finals of the Georgy Leahy Memorial will bring the curtain down on proceedings and both heats should offer up some superb action.

Mission Control is in tremendous form at present and will be fancied to win the opening heat. Certainly, on recent clocks, he is the one to beat with Oriental Moon Arrigle Out nominated as the main dangers.

CAN DOUBLE DROP RIVALS EARLY?

The second heat is wide-open. Double Drop and Chaotic Gustav were separated by just a single spot last week and the pair can again come to the fore.

Double Drop is the more likely pace-setter and could be very difficult to pass if turning in front.

He will need to at his sharpest with Foyle Milo also likely to go up fast from the inside draw. Throw in the talented Lemon Paris and Killough Bird and it is quite a contest.