CARRIG CARTEL THE PICK IN THE OPENING ROUND OF THE A1 TIMMY WARD MEMORIAL

The €3,000 to the winner Timmy Ward A1 Memorial Stake gets underway at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium tonight.

Local trainer Jack Kennelly can take the opening heat with Carrig Cartel. The early paced performer ran well on Laurel's final night, when second in the open sprint. The selection has stunning early speed, and he's expected to make all the running from trap two. 

Leading early is a must, but he looks capable of bouncing back to winning ways.

Runfortheroses is interesting in the second heat for trainer Jonathan Best and owner Jim Harris. The August '24 whelp is two from two, and the bright prospect returns to racing action after a smart 17.49 trial last time. It's a hot contest, but a big run is expected.

Kilcolgan Mick, trained by Neilus O'Connell for Karen Geoghegan, is next best. He has strong Shelbourne Park form, and the pacey performer should be in the mix throughout.

Neilus O'Connell is the man to follow in the third heat, with the strong-running Coolavanny Nora getting the nod. The Noel Browne-owned runner has a couple of big clocks in the book, and this rates a good opportunity from the rails pitch.

With six first-round heats down for decision, it promises to be a wonderful event over the next couple of weeks. Of the other heats, Boylesports Paul for Patrick Guilfoyle is one to watch in heat number five. The selection has bundles of speed, and if producing a half-decent start, he will be hard to beat.

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