CHARLIE CAN SEND OUT A WARNING IN CORN CUCHULAINN

Ian Fortune

Tuono Charlie is understandably a hot favourite to land the Corn Cuchulainn which gets underway at Shelbourne Park this evening as part of the Oaks undercard.

There is no doubt, the famous six bend competition has a special place in the heart for many and its easy to see why.

Of the four opening round heats, it is the first that really does grab the attention. Yes, Tuono Charlie will be a hot favourite after brilliant victories in the TP Weadick Open 725 at Kilkenny and the Deadly Kennels 750 at Curraheen Park but he can’t afford any mistakes.

The fact that he has Shelbourne Park form in the past will stand to him and he is undoubtedly the one to beat but Hanover Phantom ran up the competition last year and is to be respected, as is exciting six bend newcomer Kilcolgancatchme and proven stayers Dagingerbreadman and Twofourone.

Tuono Charlie remains unbeaten over six bends, however, and he is a confident choice to dominate once again. After catching the eye in his previous outing, Kilcolgancatchme is capable of making a splash over the 750yd trip and is nominated as the one to chase home the favourite.

EMLY HAS THE DRAW

Heat 2 looks quite an open event. It is a much weaker affair than the opening heat and Alien Emly can take advantage from an ideal draw on the fence. Velvet Jenny is a potential pace-setter but does tend to struggle in the closing yards over 750yds. Terrific Intent has proven in the past that she has endless stamina and could also make the frame.

MCNEILL THE ONE TO BEAT

Heat 3 is packed with talented performers, albeit much of their best form has come over four bends. Fresh from his English Derby challenge, Mcneill could emerge as the one to beat if avoiding early traffic.

Oaks semi-finalist Beretta Melba is an interesting runner but has to prove her stamina. Instead Miss Mini Holly and Ocean Tesla, who have both run well over six bends, are seen as the main dangers to Mcneill.

COMRADE TO FOLLOW UP ON TRIAL

Droopy Comrade recently posted a fast 41.51 in a solo trial at Shelbourne Park and a repeat of that form could be enough to hand him victory in the last of the four heats. Leeloo is a high class recruit to the staying ranks and is respected, as is the strong running Youandmebabe and the talented Neon Lights.