IT’S A CUP WEEKEND AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

The quarter finals of the Dublin Cup headline tonight’s action at Shelbourne Park and there will be plenty of eyes on Bounceback Luna as she attempts to repeat her brilliant opening round success in the last of the four heats.

A sister to recent Enniscorthy 525y track record breaker Glengar Kane, Bounceback Luna was flawless last week, flashing from the inside box to make all in a 28.37 romp. Anthony Kehoe will be hoping she can repeat that form from the same draw.

Of her rivals, Duffin Dermy will give her plenty to think about in the early yards, although he does seem to lack stamina, while Miss Fern is another that could get involved if trapping on terms. In reality, Bounceback Luna boasts far superior form to her rivals and it is difficult to beyond her.

CLON CHOSEN IN TIGHT AFFAIR

The opening heat is perhaps the most open of the four.

Kanturk Clon went fastest of the six last week when chasing home Bounceback Luna but he is far from guaranteed to turn close to the pace. There is fine early speed in this contest with Badminton Treaty on the fence and Hazelhill Marty in the stripes expected to go up fastest.

Gunner Bun, Daring Danny and Gallant Star are all capable of going under 29 seconds and could get involved if finding a clear passage around the turn. Kanturk Clon does get the nod, however. His latest run was encouraging and he has the overall ability to make a bold bid.

BUCKO NEEDS TO BE ON HIS TOES

Silverhill Bucko justified odds-on favouritism in the opening round, albeit those that took the 2-5 on offer would have been left to sweat.

He went up fast and got somewhat lost on the corner before going back to the front down the back straight. He would eventually win by a length in 28.95.

The Graham Holland trained speedster is again likely to start favourite or Heat 2 but he will certainly need to go faster with the likes of opening round scorers Sunshine Pearl, Highview Dynasty and Firstpastthepost waiting in the wings.

Each of the trio went faster than Silverhill Buck last week and it would be no shock if any were to lower the colours of the likely favourite. A watching brief is perhaps best advised, although Silverhill Buck is perhaps deserving of the favourite’s tag as he does look the most likely leader.

WORD TO HAVE HIS SAY

Notawordsaid is a confident selection in Heat 3.

He was one of the more impressive opening round winners for Ollie Bray, showing fine early speed after an okay start. Mutts Maximus also impressed last week showing his rivals a clean pair of heels from the start but a trap four is a concern.

In contrast, a trap two draw looks perfect for Notawordsaid. He is chosen to contain Mutts Maximus into the bend before going on to score with a bit in hand. Atouchofmagic could emerge as the best of the rest, although he may need to recapture his best autumn form.