McCALMONT CUP CONTINUES AT KILKENNY

Ian Fortune

There is no shortage of quality racing to attract a crowd to Kilkenny this evening with the second round of the Deadly Kennels McCalmont Cup the undoubted feature.

There are four heats in all and each seems very competitive.

ACE TO FIND FORM

Karol Ramsbottom recorded a hat trick in the opening round but would be happy for this trio to progress this evening.

He has a strong hand in the second heat with Sober Bary and Lamrock Ace likely to come for the fore.

Lamrock Ace made all last week but didn’t impress on the clock. He is capable of going far faster and is selected to dictate throughout from a favourable draw in three. Sober Barry went almost six lengths faster than his kennel companion seven days ago and is clearly a danger but so too is Paulstown Cash on the outside of the track. Rockstar Willie, Great Morning and Jacktavern Storm complete the line-up and all three are respected but Lamrock Ace is selected to return to form and lead home Sober Barry and Paulstown Cash.

WHIT TO FOLLOW UP

Ramsbottom’s Kapuka Warrior is amongst the favourites for Heat 3 but may have to settle for a supporting role if failing to rocket from trap four.

Carrigeen Whit is the only other opening round winner in the line-up and has obvious hopes.

He was in front from the turn last week, moving clear to win with a bit in hand. He is chosen to emerge on top. Born Ranger is also a big player despite a disappointing run after a slow start last week. He finished only third but he seems likely to go far faster very soon. A fast start would aid his claims but a rails draw is very much in his favour.

Altesse Clifford is also far from an also-ran. He has won four of his eight career starts and looks likely to step up on last week’s effort. Oriental Diamond and Razldazl Beau also take their chance in this contest and have the ability to race prominently.

ROXANNE READY TO FIRE

The opening heat is another wide-open affair, although many will take a chance that Imokilly Roxanne can return to her prolific ways.

A winner of over half of her thirty five career starts, she failed to get off the front last week.

Should she produce one of her typically fast starts, she could assert into the opening turn. Old Road Villain will also attract support after an impressive display last week. He is drawn on the fence and will need to be on his toes early to contain Imokilly Roxanne.

Burnchurch Elle, Tetra Destiny, Mission Control and Playdate Storm are all entitled to respect but will need to come through the bars from their respective draw.

FUN SET FOR A CLEAR RUN

Opening round winners Bogger Tommy and Certificate line out in the final heat.

Both did enough in their latest outings to suggest they will play a big part again but Fun Inthe Run is chosen to get back to winning ways from an ideal draw in six.

It could get a little tight on the inside of the track and this could allow Fun Inthe Run to pounce. Tinahue Skylark, Chaotic Gustav and Oriental Prince complete a decent line-up but the draw can allow Fun Inthe Run to capitalise at the expense of Bogger Tommy.

PA ON THE CHASE FOR A THIRD TOM BROWNE MEMORIAL SUCCESS

There are also three heats of the Tom Browne Memorial A3 on the card and Birchfield Pa will begin his bid for a third win in the competition when he lines out in the last of the three heats.

The remarkable son of Droopys Buick has been in fine form despite his advancing years and is likely to go close again. Of his rivals, Da Bould Johnjoe and Rathduff Luna could give him most to think about.

DUKE AND IN TO SCORE

Abigails Duke and Arrigle In are selected to win the two remaining heats.

The latter is of real interest. A winner around Kilkenny in the past, she is very strong and recent posted a quick 16.55 in a sprint trial at Kilkenny. She can make the most of an ideal draw on the fence to lead home Gortkelly John.