CANINE STARS TO TURN UP THE HEAT IN DUBLIN
Ian Fortune
After a few quiet days due to the high temperatures, racing returns with a bang at Shelbourne Park this evening with the stayers turning the heat back up in the final of the Donal Beatty Memorial Corn Cuchulainn.
The stayer’s classic takes centre-stage on a top-class card, much of which will be streamed live via Talking Dogs TV on YouTube. ON top of the Corn Cuchulainn, there will also be huge interest in the final of the Celtic Cooling Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Open Unraced, while each of the remaining races boost increased prizemoney and should provide some exceptional racing.
DESIRE IN EXCEPTIONAL FORM
Lennies Desire is favourite to land the Donal Beatty Corn Cuchulainn.
If doing so, he would have owner Lee Craze and handler Paul Hennessy a third classic success in three weeks following the victories of Lennies Eddie in the English Derby and Lennies Ash in the Oaks.
Of course, the brilliant son of Signet Ace doesn’t know that but his recent form has been nothing short of exceptional. Blessed with tremendous pace and much-improved stamina, his last two runs have been off the charts.
A winner in 41.01 in the opening round and 41.09 in the semis, he fully deserves his lofty position in the market and a trap two draw looks favourable. Certainly, he should have too much early dash for his kennel companion Priceless On Ice on the fence, which should afford him room into the bend.
With all his main dangers on his outside, he will hope to again dictate the pace into the home straight to set a searching gallop.
CHANTRY A BIG THREAT
Ballymac Chantry has really taken to the 750yd trip and is nominated as one of the main dangers from a wide draw in six.
Liam Dowling’ star has yet to find one of her flying starts but would be a big player if doing so tonight. Certainly, stamina hasn’t been an issue since returning to six bends and many will take a chance with the daughter of Ballymac Cooper at four times the price of the favourite.
CAN GLENGAR SILENT RIVALS?
Glengar Silent is drawn in five and is another with the four-bend pace to have a big say in the outcome, although that will depend on an improved start from five.
If he were to break on terms, the 2025 Derby finalist would be right up with the speed from the start.
His many followers will hope he can burn off his rivals to the fifth turn before going on to hand Pat Buckley a third victory in the six-bend classic.
POLLY HAS HIGH HOPES
Buckley has two chances in tonight’s decider with Singalong Polly another with obvious claims after a brilliant semi-final success.
She may have been in the easier heat but left some talented rivals standing as she flew into a commanding lead before coasting home clear in 41.20. A repeat of that form would see her go close but it is imperative she gets first run on her rivals.
ICE SURE TO FINISH WELL
The aforementioned Priceless On Ice is drawn on the fence and will finish as fast as any.
Her biggest issue is staying on touch in the early yards. Her stamina is her greatest strength but she needs to put herself in a position to use it.
Of course, Bryan and Kathleen Murphy have won the Corn Cuchulainn in the past with Priceless Jet. Indeed, the brilliant black was the latest of Paul Hennessy’s four winners in the famous competitionin 2021.
AIR TO OUTRUN HER ODDS
Highview Air completes the line up. She will be available at big prices but don’t be fooled into thinking she is just filling a box.
She has shown enough in her short six-bend career to suggest she has a very bright future over the trip. Certainly, a step up to the 850yd trip around Shelbourne will play to her strengths later in the year but don’t be surprised if she outruns her odds this evening. She requires a fast start to put herself in the mix but that is possible.
A WONDERFUL FINAL
It’s a tremendous final with many possible outcomes but Lennies Desire has been in the form of his career and probably has more tools than his rivals.
If starting on terms, he should be prominent from the start and can assert passing the stands.
Both Singalong Polly and Glengar Silent are greatly respected, especially if getting off the front, but Ballymac Chantry is nominated as the main danger to Lennies Desire. The best of luck to all.
HITMAN TO STRIKE DOWN RIVALS
The youngsters take centre-stage in the final of the Celtic Cooling Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Open Unraced.
While each of the finalists have the potential to step up on their previous form, Ballymac Hitman seems the most forward of the six.
After qualifying in 28.21, he found traffic on debut but left that form behind him last week, reeling in his litter comrade Anothercupoftea to win in 28.15. If reproducing that level of performance he will again emerge as the one to beat but nothing will com easy.
Both Anothercupoftea and Ballymac Hitman have superb early speed and the pair would potentially turn first and second. The latter hasn’t looked a strong stayer by any means and will almost certainly need to build a clear lead to score, while Anothercupoftea looks a bit stronger and is greatly respected.
Droopys Teaser, Freeway Bruce and Razldazl Thelma complete a talented field. Droopys Teaser is housed in two and seems likely to stay on well but may struggle to match a few of her rivals to the turn. Freeway Bruce is an all-rounder but needs to be at his very sharpest to turn close, while Razldazl Thelma is also quite strong and is expected to finish well.
Ballymac Hitman is the choice to land the €12,500 winner’s purse but he is a little vulnerable in the early yards. If he finds any traffic, Anothercupoftea will be waiting in the wings ready to pounce.
BECKS TO STRIKE IN VALUABLE PUPPY CONTEST
The remainder of the Shelbourne card is superb but Dromana Bucko @Stud AAO 525 is perhaps the most notable contest on the undercard.
A one-off race boasting a winner’s prize of €5,000, it features many of the best pups in training.
These include the perfectly housed Carrick Becks. Drawn in one, the Champion Open Unraced winner is chosen to get off the front to see off some very talented rivals including Swords Diamond and Ballymac Charbel amongst others.