TOP-CLASS FAYPOINT SEAN @ STUD TREATY CUP KICKS-OFF

Peter Farrell

Aside from the TIME action, the Faypoint Sean @ Stud Treaty Cup Open 350 also kicks-off at Limerick tonight and this event, which offers a fantastic €5,000 to the winner, is kindly sponsored by Chris Flanagan.

There are a number of sensational sprinters across the five first round heats on offer and Stonepark Browne is a leading player for outright glory. Trained by Michael O’Donovan for Michael Sean O’Dwyer, this tracker has unique early speed and this was evident from his debut performance when leading his Kirby rivals a merry dance to the third bend. A recent finalist in the Island Bridge Sprint, that was a lovely introduction to competitive sprinting and he should prove too strong in a contest where he will look to lay down a major marker. A recent 17.30 around Cork is terrific and although facing a tricky draw in five, he will be expected to come through with flying colours. Of his rivals, Gundy scored in a blistering 17.74, albeit in S5 class, at Drumbo recently and on that form, he is more than capable of competing in this event. Representing the John McGee kennel, don’t be surprised if he raises a few eyebrows, while Satin Milo is another worthy of respect after a 17.41 success in open company at Cork last time out.

In heat two, Sogna Ancora is likely to start as the odds-on favourite after his recent success in the Island Bridge Sprint at Shelbourne Park. Indeed, the Jack Kennelly-trained speedster remains unbeaten after six starts and he looks a class above his rivals on paper. Drawn in four, the son of Grangeview Ten continues to improve and expect another masterclass from the classy brindle. His rivals include Healys Legacy, who clocked a rapid 21.26 last time out at Dundalk, while Tally Ho Rose arrives with a slick 18.65 trial over course and distance.

Highview Ben was a sensational winner over the standard trip last time out and Paraic Campion’s black steps back in trip as he attempts to land this major prize. A flying winner in 28.14 last time out, if his early pace stands up against seasoned sprinters, he can prove a big threat to all. Southwind Wild is likely to attract support. The Pat Buckley-trained son of Dorotas Wildcat is one of the best in the business when he puts everything together and this is evident from his 18.46 win on Kirby final night. In truth, this contest looks between the aforementioned pair.

The evergreen Road Exile lines out in trap five and heat four and he is the selection to seal a magnificent thirty-third career victory for Pat Buckley and R.A Colwell. A dream tracker, the son of Droopys Sydney is equally effective over the standard trip as he is sprinting, however, it is over the two bends where he made his name. The striking brindle retains much of his ability and he is likely to be very hot in the market in this contest. Of his rivals, Feshtys Mo has stunning early speed and is the obvious threat from the bingo-box in three.

The final heat of the night will see Burgess Jack attempt to get his title defense off to the perfect start. Unbeaten in this contest last year, Sarah Shannon’s tracker is now in his fifth year, however, he showed he retains most of his ability after a smart second place finish on Kirby final night behind Southwind Wild. Perfectly drawn in red, he is the natural sprinter in this contest and his love for the Limerick circuit can once again shine through in this contest. His main rival looks to be Asiam Ten in three from owner Ross Kenny.