CHARLIE TO MAKE IT TEN ON THE SPIN IN CORN

Ian Fortune

Tuono Charlie has quickly turned into the best stayer in training and will bid to bring his record over six bends to ten wins from ten starts in the semi-finals of the Corn Cuchulainn at Shelbourne Park this evening.

Blessed with real pace and power, the Sharon Hunt trained star has all the qualities needed to be a true superstar over the extended trip and his price in the opening semi will be reflective of his abilities. Should he come away racing from four, the son of Good News is very likely to be too fast and strong for his rivals.

Miss Mini Holly can go up strongly from three and will step up on her latest outing but has almost a second to find on Tuono Charlie on her best form. Hanover Phantom could emerge as the main threat if repeating his best 2023 form.

He ran up the Corn Cuchulainn last year and could emerge as the nearest challenger to Tuono Charlie if doing so. Ballyhooly Tejay was beaten ten lengths by the favourite last week but his 41.72 return saw him emerge as one of the fastest qualifiers.

Tuono Charlie can dominate from four to continue his incredible run of form, securing his place in the final where he will likely start a hot favourite again.

COMRADE FACING A TOUGH TEST

The second heat is a far more open affair. Droopys Comrade made a bright start to his six-bend career in the opening round and gives the impression he will step up on his 41.89 return. If doing so, he could again emerge as the one to beat.

Mcneill has been a real star over four bends for Paul Hennessy and is likely to improve greatly on his opening round effort. He has posted 41.32 for the six bend trip in the past and can likely emerge as a big player, especially if sharpening up at trap rise.

Neon Lights and Leeloo are both talented over four bends but have a bit to find on previous six-bend form. Velvet Jenny posted a superb 41.81 return last week and has the speed to set a strong gallop from an inside draw. She will need to dictate, however.

It’s a tremendous contest but slight preference is for Droopy Comrade. Mcneill and Velvet Jenny can offer most resistance.