NO ROOM FOR ERROR IN EASTER CUP

Ian Fortune

After a superb and typically power-packed display in the opening round, Derby third Bens Teddy is now the sponsor’s favourite for Bresbet Easter Cup glory.

He hasn’t exactly been rewarded for his efforts, however, with the Pat Buckley trained star facing a brilliant line-up in the hottest of tonight’s four quarter-final heats at Shelbourne Park.

DUKE HAS THE DRAW

Bens Teddy take his chance in Heat 3 where he is joined by the brilliant quartet of Clona Duke, De Lahdedah, Boylesports Bob and Glengar Martha, Catunda Ciaran, who has been in superb form lately, completes the line-up.

It’s quite the contest and, one suspects, the draw will have a huge bearing on the result. Clona Duke has the best of the draw on the fence. The former Juvenile Derby champion also impressed in the opening round, leading from the bend to score in 29.79. The Graham Holland trained star should come on for that run and is perhaps the most likely pace-setter.

De Lahdedah is sensationally fast but remains quite trap dependent. A trap four draw is not ideal but he is clearly a massive player, especially if returning to his fast-starting ways.

Bens Teddy is drawn between the pair in two. Of course, he is not relying on getting to the front early but it would be some ask to expect him to reel in either Clona Duke or De Lahdedah. He will be very hard to keep out of the frame, however.

Should any of the big three make any mistakes, the hugely fast pair of Boylesports Bob and Glengar Martha will be waiting in the long grass, ready to pounce. It really is a wonderful contest but the nod goes to Clona Duke on the strength of the draw. De Lahdedah and Bens Teddy can push him hard.

HIGHVIEW TO MAKE A SPLASH

With both Miami King and Boylesports Coco missing in the opening heat, Highview Splash will be a short price to return to winning ways for Gerry Merriman.

The talented son of Pat C Sabbath was a rising star at the back end of 2023 and he should come on considerably for last week’s opening round defeat.

Neon Lights ran on fast to lead late in the opening round but he may need to turn closer tonight, while Hukum will also finish at speed. Sogna In Grande will also have support as he is a possible pace-setter on the outside of the track.

The additional space is most likely to suit Highview Splash, however. From a kind draw in two, the powerful brindle can turn before asserting down the back straight. He gets the nod over Sogna In Grande.

GORDEN TO STEP FORWARD

Heat 2 is another wonderful contest with Superfast Gorden likely to start favourite but he will need to be at his best with Undulation and Ballymac Walt to contend with, while connections of Droopy Fidget, Pennys Lynx and Scotty Scheffler will also be fancying their chances of getting involved.

Superfast Gorden has been one of the stars of the Irish track scene since the back end of 2023 and will no doubt step up on last week’s performance when leading late to win in 30.00. Ballymac Walt set a searching gallop last week, only to fade home. He too will improve and is seen as a threat but the biggest danger is Undulation.

She was having her first start in six months last week but did everything right in an impressive trap to line success in 29.79. A repeat of that display could see her play a big part. The likelihood is Superfast Gorden will improve greatly on last week’s run and is chosen to see off Undulation and potential pace-setter Ballymac Walt.

MARINO AND TREATY CLASH

The final heat is another packed with unbelievable quality.

The key to this contest is how much Clonbrien Treaty will come on for his latest outing. The 2023 Leger and Kirby Memorial champ displayed fine speed to set a searing gallop last week only to tie up badly in the closing yards.

The brilliant son of Pestana is perfectly drawn in the stripes but will need to be at his sharpest in the early yards to get loose. Nomadic Nova did little wrong in defeat last week and is also likely to go up strongly.

If he were to lead the field around the turn, there is no Bens Teddy to pick him up this week. He could represent value, although the vote goes to Ballymac Marino. The 2023 Juvenile Classic winner caught the eye in defeat last week, showing early speed, pace down the back and stamina. Had it not been for an opening bend bump, he may well have started his Easter Cup campaign with a victory.

Unlike last week, he is drawn on the inside of his main dangers and that could make the difference. If safely negotiating a clear passage into the back straight, he could emerge as the one to beat. One potential hazard for Ballymac Marino is the presence of Beepers Lariat. The latter will go up fast and has a good draw on the fence. At bigger prices, he too could get involved.