ED CAN FINALLY CLAIM A BIG PRIZE IN 600
Ian Fortune
A glance at the advance betting would suggest that Ballinabola Ed need only turn up this evening to capture the RPGTV Open 600 but that is certainly not the case. While the brilliant son of Confident Rankin is certainly the one to beat, he has shown a tendency in the past to fluff his lines on occasion.
Both Brendan Murphy and Pat Buckley will be hoping he has put those days behind him and so far this year he has looked nothing short of thoroughly professional. The 600yd trip also really plays to his strengths.
With the opportunity to get loose on the long run to the turn and the emphasis then turning to pace and power, two attributes he has in abundance, he is the near perfect dog for the unique 600yd test.
It’s for this reason he will be as short as he is in the market but the likes of Allforthebest, Disco Pants and Storys Cashout are waiting in the wings should he make any mistakes. Mcneill and Millridge Bryce complete the line-up and neither are completely without a chance.
BEST A THREAT
Allforthebest is perhaps the greatest threat to the favourite. A real powerhouse with a relentless galloping action, he really does relish the 600yd trip with the extra long run for home suiting the son of Vulturi.
He shouldn’t be too far away into the turn from an ideal draw in six and will be staying on stronger than any at the finish. It’s just a case of whether he can somehow hold Ballinabola Ed or even stay close to his heels. In truth, Ed has more pace to the turn and down the back and if he is to cause the upset he needs to find a way to be close to his rival at the third turn.
CAN DISCO DANCE CLEAR?
In contrast to Allforthebest, Disco Pants will be looking to get loose into the turn. A high class tracker over 525 and 550yds, he is stretched by the additional yardage but has the early zip to dictate. That is his only real hope but it’s one his connections will cling onto.
CASHOUT NO BACKMARKER
Of Ballinabola Ed’s rivals, Storys Cashout is perhaps closest to the complete package. With enough early speed and pace down the back straight to race prominently, he also stays the trip out really well. His biggest concern is the presence of Disco Pants on his inner. If he is to make waves in tonight’s decider, he must get across Disco Pants on the run to the turn. That is no easy task.
MCNEILL HAS POWER
Mcneill bids to give Paul Hennessy a seventh win in the classic with his last coming in 2013. He has gone close in the intervening years and Mcneill is a big price to end his drought. He is immensely strong all the same and with a fast start he could certainly outrun his price.
BRYCE CAN OUTRUN ODDS
Millridge Bryce completes the lines up. He was a long way behind Ballinabola Ed in the semis but has been running well. He too is very strong and, if he were to make a good start, Donal O’Mahoney’s charge could potentially make the frame.
IT HAS TO BE ED
Ballinabola Ed is without question the greyhound to beat. That is something that can be said for him in each and every race he takes part in but if he were to come home in front this evening, he would be claiming the big prize his incredible talent so richly deserves.
If trapping on terms, the June ’20 whelp would probably have too much dash for the opposition into the bend and he would likely ease on to the third turn before coming home in front. But his tendency to make a hash of the start is a slight concern and many will be avoiding him as a betting proposition at 1-2 or shorter.
Allforthebest is seen as the main threat. From an ideal draw he will attempt to cling onto the coattails of the favourite before pouncing late. Storys Cashout can emerge the best of the remainder. The action is live on RPGTV from 6pm.
Shelbourne Champion 550
TREATY STANDS OUT IN A BRILLIANT CHAMPION
The Shelbourne Champion 550 has been a wonderful stake since introduced to the calendar with many of its competitors going on make waves in the Derby itself. One suspects that will again be the case this year with tonight’s opening round packed with big names including the recent Con & Annie Kirby Memorial winner Clonbrien Treaty.
The son of Pestana looked the real deal when racing to a facile success in the Limerick feature and it will be fascinating to see him on his return to Shelbourne Park. After his exploits in the Kirby, he has been changed to a wide seed and looks the one to beat in the opening heat, although Bens Teddy is seen as a serious rival.
Throw in the very promising Sober Glory, who recently posted a fast 28.17 in a trial at HQ, and it’s quite a way to kick off the €7,500 to the winner stake. Clonbrien Treaty is selected to take another step towards potential greatness.
STORYS TO LAY DOWN THE LAW
Heat 2 is packed with quality. Storys Law is the potential pace-setter, although a stripes draw is perhaps not ideal. If he doesn’t get to the front early, the powerful Belindas Finn, Good Zeus and Hukum would come into the equation. As I Say is another worthy of respect. He has looked very progressive and has a good draw on the fence.
Storys Law has a leader’s chance and is selected to come home in front, but Belindas Finn has been hinting that he is ready to unleash a massive run and his is not to be ignored.
CAN FASTER GET LOOSE?
There are plenty of talented performers on show in Heat 3. Each of the six are capable of making a bold bid and much will come down to the start. Run Faster has the best Shelbourne Park form on offer and would be difficult to stop if getting loose early but Borna Mick, Haka Carlo and Glengar Bridie are all seen as big dangers. Even Ballyhimikin Rex and Hawkfield Blue can’t be dismissed in what looks a very tricky contest.
HUGO JUST GETS NOD
Kirby Memorial form is very prominent in the final heat with each of the six taking in the classic. Gaytime Hugo and Scaglietti fared best of the six, reaching the final and the pair can fight out the finish. Much will depend on which of the duo gets first run and slight preference is given to Gaytime Hugo. Of the remainder, Papa Di Oro can play a part if making a slick exit from a wide draw.