POTENTIAL SUPERSTARS TO LIGHT UP KILKENNY
Ian Fortune
The Champion Open Unraced has long been a stepping stone to future greatness with so many superstars emerging form the famous competition through the years.
The 2026 renewal gets underway at Kilkenny this evening, an earlier starting date than normal, but it is once again packed with potential superstars.
The entry isn’t as large as previous years but there are still so many well-bred and hugely promising youngsters chasing the impressive winner’s purse of €15,000 with each of the five opening round heats packed with quality.
For obvious reasons, there will be great attention on proceedings at the St James Park venue and it seems very likely a number of potential classic contenders will emerge.
WANABE AN INTERESTING RUNNER
One of the most interesting runners in the competition is Toolmaker Wanabe.
He was entered for the Kirby Memorial only to be withdrawn from the opening round, suggesting his connections think very highly of him.
He has been trialing for some time and posted 28.90 in his first public spin at Newbridge last August. He is greatly respected in the opening heat but won’t have things his own way with so many of his rivals boasting promising trial form.
Biorra Prince represents Karol Ramsbottom and went around Kilkenny in a calculated 28.88 in his latest trial. Croydon Avenger is an interesting runner for Patrick Barrett. He posted 28.80 in his latest qualifying trial at Cork, while Cill Dubh Cothal moved well in his latest trial for local handler Michael Donnelly. Throw in the well-bred Trump World and Goldcash Legend and this heat really will set the tone for the following heats.
COLEY LOOKS A BIG PLAYER
Karol Ramsbottom has an eye-catching entry in Heat 2 in the form of Kapuka Coley.
He flew in his latest trial, posting a calculated 28.62 around Kilkenny. A repeat of that form would certainly see him to go close but he faces some interesting rivals.
Droopys Yeti flew in his latest trial, recording 16.41 (-.10) for the sprint trip at Kilkenny. Burgess Speedy also impressed in a recent trial, posting a calculated 28.86 at Kilkenny for the standard trip. He too must enter calculations.
A HEAT PACKED WITH QUALITY
Heat 3 is also packed with potential stars.
Each of the six displayed ability in trials including the Tommy O’Donovan trained Rossa Blenz, who posted 28.71 last time at Cork. Glengar Phantom also trialed very well for Pat Buckley, clocking a calculated 28.93 at Kilkenny, while All About Craic and Kilgraney Cash also moved well in trials at Kilkenny.
Nicky Swithin is also very interesting. A Graham Holland trained son of Swords Rex, his sister won on debut at Shelbourne Park last week in a fast 28.45. He moved well in qualifying and seems likely to go even faster. Kosovo completes the line-up and he too has shown promise in qualifying.
JIM JUMPS OFF THE PAGE
Uncle Jim draws the eye in Heat 4.
A son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire, he is representing Peter Comerford and Karol Ramsbottom. He flew around Kilkenny in his latest trial, posting a calculated 28.67 and looks a leading fancy. Kilbride King also moved well in qualifying, recording 28.76 at Shelbourne Park and the Robert Gleeson trained youngster is another with obvious claims.
But they are now alone in showing promise in trials. Vics Diamond also moved well in qualifying for Billy O’Keeffe as did Burgess Banker for JJ Fennelly, while Grangeview Rocko and Ambitious Bear complete a field packed with promise.
BECKS LOOKS FAST FOR GLEESON AND GLYNN
The last of the five heats is every bit as strong as the previous four.
Carrick Becks is greatly respected. Representing Robert Gleeson and Thomas Glynn, who won the competition in 2023 with Carrick Fergie, he displayed real promise in trials, including a 17.39 spin over 325yds at Newbridge.
He is clearly very quick but so too are a number of his rivals. Riverside Flame is one to note from the Riverside Kennels operation of Graham Holland. She moved well in trials and is likely to figure. The same can be said for the Pat Buckley trained Grouchos Frank and Michael O’Donovan trained Fun Time Max. both posted a calculated sub 29 second run at Kilkenny last time out. Throw in the clearly promising Kilgraney Bob and Ambitious Susie and it’s a wonderful way to finish off the opening round.
PARIS THE PICK IN LEAHY MEMORIAL
The final four races on the card at Kilkenny are the second round heats of the Georgie Leahy Memorial A3.
Lemon Paris set the standard in the opening round and is likely to follow up in Heat 3 for Tom Lennon. She led early last week to post 29.15 (-30) and can once again make virtually all to see off Droopys Mags and Thomastown Blue.
DOUBLE TO DROP RIVALS AGAIN
Double Drop was dominant in his opening round assignment and he will be a warm favourite to win the opening heat for Karol Ramsbottom.
Of his rivals, the pacey Mystical Ranger and Hello Petula are expected to offer the most resistance but Double Drop may have too much for the opposition.
MILO FACING A TOUGHER TEST
Heat 2 is quite open.
Foyle Milo was fastest of the six in the opening round, leading early to win in 29.38. He may need to repeat that form to lower the colours of Sober Sweetheart, Birchfield Pa and Oriental Moon amongst others.
MISSION CAN ASSUME CONTROL
Mission Control is the one to beat in the final heat after an impressive opening round victory in 29.20 (-.30).
The Mick English trained son of Daves Mentor is perfectly housed in the stripes and can lead home Volcano Vicky and Arrigle Out.