MORE FIREWORKS LIKELY AT KILKENNY
Ian Fortune
The hunt for the €15,000 winner’s purse continues in the second round of the Champion Open Unraced at Kilkenny this evening.
There were many superb displays, both in victory and defeat, last week and more of the same is expected in the four heats.
ALF REALLY APPEALS
Graham Holland recorded a wonderful treble in the opening round and two of his winners will clash in tonight’s opening heat.
Ballinakill Alf was one of the most impressive opening round scorers, overcoming early traffic to win in a fast 28.91.
In victory, he displayed pace, determination and plenty of class. He can again make a bold bid from trap three with his kennel companion Jacktavern Bolt and obvious threat. None of the remainder managed to come home in front last week but there was much to like about the displays of Ballymac Nunez and Arrigle Rise in defeat, while the remaining duo Max Vega and Clonroosk Sydney displayed promise in trials.
BRUISER TO FOLLOW UP
No fewer than three opening round winners clash in Heat 2 where Droopys Doughnut has the best of the draw on the fence.
The Johnny Linehan trained son of Pestana dipped under 29 seconds last time, clocking 28.99 and is likely to have a big say again.
But he will be severely tested. In fact, the vote goes to Unreal Bruiser, the fastest opening round scorer when recording 28.90. The Graham Holland trained youngster displayed superb early speed to dominate from the early yards and he could again set a strong gallop.
Style is also respected. Representing Michael O’Donovan, who won the stake in each of the last two years, he is likely to improve on his 29.05 opening round return. To add further intrigue to the contest, Da Quiet Syd is capable of going up fast and could also race prominently, while the extremely well bred Deadly Jet is likely to improve on his opening round effort. It’s quite the heat but Unreal Bruiser just gets the nod ahead of Droopys Donut.
LUCK NUMBER SEVEN
Seven Beach appeals for last year’s Derby winning handler Jennifer O’Donnell in the third heat.
A September ’21 son of Pestana, he displayed fine early speed on debut to make virtually every inch. A repeat of that display may well suffice, although Carrick Fergie and Grouchos Vic are far from box fillers.
The former came home in front last week, stopping the clock in 29.22, while Grouchos Vic chased home the aforementioned Unreal Bruiser, posting 29.26 in defeat. Seven Beach is the choice to follow up last week’s success but Carrick Fergie is a worthy adversary.
COPPER HOUSED TO GO CLOSE
The final heat is no less intriguing with Ballymac Copper and Stonepark Syd expected to head the betting despite failing to win their opening round assignments.
The former chased home the impressive Seven Beach last week but has been handed a favourable draw on the rail.
If he traps on terms, he may be able to slip around in ront. Stonepark Syd was behind Unrewal Bruiser last week but is also capable of making a bold bid, while Bymystandard is another that could potentially improve enough to get involved.