RECORD BREAKER SYD SET TO SHINE AGAIN IN IRISH SPRINT CUP
Ian Fortune
While there are many stars in action at Dundalk this evening in the second round of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup, its fair to say most attention will be on Broadstrand Syd after his historic opening round effort when smashing the 400yd track record.
As reward for his efforts, the Johnny Linehan trained star has been handed a trap two draw in Heat 3 where he faces the reigning Derby champion The Other Kobe and the talented duo of Bobsleigh Syd and Crokers Sydney.
There is little doubt Broadstrand Syd is the one to beat if repeating anything close to his latest run but the presence of The Other Kobe is enough to keep his supporters from believing he is already home and hosed.
Certainly, Broadstrand Syd is expected to triumph but he may need to be every bit as sharp at boxes as he was in his 20.57 return last week. the Other Kobe and the promising Crokers Sydney can offer the most resistance.
CHAMPION ALDO CAN WIN AGAIN
Defending champion Carrick Aldo had to work a little harder than some expected in the opening round but he ultimately ran out a ready scorer. Tonight, he wears the black jacket and this could see him return to his fast-starting ways.
He may be taking on two opening round scorers in Apple Tart and Fleadh Rileigh but Carrick Aldo is fully expected to follow up last week’s victory. Apple Tart posted a 7.01 sectional last week and can emerge as the main danger but Carrick Aldo is a class act and he can assert into the turn to claim a fifteenth career victory.
AWESOME ALF TO ATONE FOR LATEST DEFEAT
Ballinakill Alf may have suffered defeat in the opening round, finishing third to Broadstrand Syd but he looks the part in Heat 6 where he will certainly start a hot favourite.
One of the best sprinters in training, he can assert into the corner to see off some very useful rivals including opening round scorers Neon Nite and Laughil Bruce as well as his kennel companion Faypoint Sydney.
JUNIOR FACING A TRICKY DRAW
You could be forgiven for believing Trinity Junior is likely to emerge as easy winner of the opening heat but things may not be as straightforward as it looks on paper. Yes, he was considerably faster than his rivals last week and is a former Champion Stakes winner but the proximity of Peppered Sean on his immediate inside is a big complication.
The latter lowered the colours of The Other Kobe amongst others last week. Shooting rom traps he moved wide from trap two. Tonight, he races from the inside box and seems likely to move wide again. That is a concern for Trinity Junior, drawn in two.
Throw the talented Stonepark Hoffa into trap three and things could get tight on the inside of the track. Trinity Junior is very strong, however, and one suspects if he avoids opening bend traffic his pure pace could make the difference. He is chosen to get the better of the unbeaten Stonepark Hoffa, who is likely to come on for his latest run which was just the third of his career.
TAYLOR AND EXILE TO LOCK HORNS
Romeo Taylor and Road Exile boast the best form in Heat 2 and the pair can battle it out at the finish. Romeo Taylor isn’t the most consistent starter but he timed it right in the opening round, flashing from traps to dominate in 20.91.
Road Exile was always second to Broadstrand Syd, posting 20.92 in defeat. With so little separating the pair on the clock last week, it hard to pick one over the other. Certainly, the pair can offer up a fine buckle but slight preference is for Road Exile due to the fact that he is more consistent at trap rise.
If there is to be a surprise in this contest, Vancouver Sting displayed enough in his latest defeat to suggest he could go close if the big two were to fluff their lines.
FLYING FINN CAN GO CLOSE IN A WIDE-OPEN AFFAIR
Heat 4 is one of the more open of the round. Last week’s sectionals suggest Second Treasure could well lead into the turn but many of his rivals are likely to step up on their latest outing.
These include former Derby runner-up Ballymac Finn, 2023 Champion Unraced winner Carrick Fergie, former Produce Stakes champion Burgess Supreme and the useful Robbies Tiger. In what looks a very open affair, Ballymac Finn just gets the nod to pick up potential pace-setter Second Treasure.
KURSK CAN IMPROVE PAST RIVALS
Heat 5 is another open affair with so many of the line up capable of playing a big part in proceedings. Opening round form suggests there is nothing between the six, although only Zippy Canning and Elite Kursk managed to come home in front.
The former flashed from traps to emerge a comfortable winner in 21.25, while Elite Kusrk had to work a little harder, showing fine pace into the turn to join and head his rivals before stopping the clock in 21.23. In theory, the latter is capable of going much faster although he needs to start on terms.
If doing so, the son of Elite Black, who recently dipped under the Enniscorthy sprint record in a trial, could give the 21 second barrier a scare. That would be enough to see him home in front. Zippy Canning, Droopys Metaphor and Pavilion Team are respected but Elite Kursk can progress enough to come out on top.
CAN MOLLY GET LOOSE?
Rathdown Molly wasn’t at her brilliant best in the opening round, finishing three lengths second despite making a fast start but she can be forgiven for that run. Should she repeat anything close to her best in Heat 7 she will be difficult to beat.
She doesn’t have room for error, however, as Pavilion Fire will be waiting in the wings. He too wasn’t at his best in the opening round but is capable of far better and looks the obvious danger to Rathdown Molly.