THRILLING CHAMPION BITCH DECIDER IN STORE AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

There’s a midweek treat in store for those in attendance at Thurles Stadium tonight as the final of the Champion Bitch Stake 525 headlines a seven-race card.

Worth €3,000 to the winner, this year’s renewal has produced a series of top-class performances from the outset. However, the final itself is difficult to assess, with many of the finalists having contested the opening round of the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks just three days earlier. A switch of track is rarely ideal under such circumstances, but with some of the fastest ladies in training lining out, a hugely competitive contest is anticipated.

Of the finalists, the trap draw has been kind to Singalong Cherry and, despite having her colours lowered in the semi-finals, she is likely to head the market as a result. Pat Buckley comes into the decider represented by no fewer than four runners and ‘Cherry’ appears to be his leading hope. Drawn in trap two, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Singalong Sally, owned by Gilbert Anderson, won her opening-round heat in 28.96 .40s and any repeat of that display could see her land the spoils. With Borna Lassie drawn on her immediate inside, she can take command of the rails early before settling into a favourable position entering the back straight.

Chief among her rivals is Droopys Bundle, with the Robert Gleeson-trained runner really beginning to hit form. Possessing a tremendous engine, she showcased her ability in the semi-finals when comfortably accounting for Singalong Cherry. Owned by Matthew Derrick, the daughter of Droopys Sydney posted a smart 28.69 on that occasion, though she will require another sharp exit from what could prove a tricky draw in trap four.

Pat Buckley boasts a fine record in this stake and is also represented in the final by Deerjet Matilda, Glengar Blitz and Tassie Tomboy. Deerjet Matilda and Glengar Blitz served up a thrilling contest in the semi-finals, with the former reeling in her kennelmate off the final bend. Owned by Nicholas De La Roche, Deerjet Matilda, a daughter of Deerjet Sydney and Nice Mystery, has been handed a difficult draw in trap five and will likely require a slice of luck in running if she is to prevail.

In contrast, Glengar Blitz is ideally housed as the sole wide seed. Owned by Bradley Canty, she is a potential pace-setter, though whether she can build a sufficient advantage to withstand the strong finishers late on remains to be seen. The remaining Buckley representative, Tassie Tomboy, is housed in trap three for owner Ger Power. One of the outsiders in the line-up, she nevertheless possesses the pace and power to trouble several of her rivals. Her 28.49 best around Tralee highlights that ability and a favourable draw could aid her chances of making the frame.

Completing the line-up is the local hopeful, Borna Lassie. Owned by Michelle Dwan, a stalwart supporter of the Premier venue, the daughter of Black Parachute has shown excellent pace throughout her brief career but is still searching for a maiden success after just five starts. The least experienced runner in the field, she remains open to significant improvement. Perfectly housed in trap one, if she can produce a career-best break, she may use Singalong Cherry as a buffer to challenge prominently in the early exchanges. That said, the powerful 70-pounder still has plenty to find on the clock and is likely to go to traps at double-figure odds.