STAGE SET FOR A WIDE-OPEN KASKO DECIDER AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

There’s a tidy €2,100 on offer as the final of the Kasko Dog Feeds Unraced ON2/ON3 525 takes centre stage at Thurles tonight, and a good crowd is expected for what should prove a highly competitive decider.

Kindly sponsored by Kasko, who continue to lend their support to the Premier venue, claims can be made for several of the finalists. However, the likely favourite is Lemon Mal, who produced a trap-to-line success in 28.93 .40s last Saturday night. On that occasion, Tom Lennon’s runner bounced back in style from his debut defeat and, having been rewarded with a fine draw in two, the son of Malachi looks well placed to nestle into a favourable position early on. Should that prove the case, expect this February pup to go very close. That said, threats are aplenty and Zaconey Montana will bid to turn the tables on ‘Mal’. Niall and Eric Foley’s tracker impressed when winning on debut in 29.15 .40s, but had no answer to Lemon Mal seven days ago. The strapping blue has been very consistent on the clock up to this point, however, and he can be expected to race prominently from his trap-five berth tonight. Another finalist sure to attract support is Noel Hehir’s Tromora Bingo. The son of Dorotas Wildcat landed his semi-final assignment in 29.22 .40s last weekend and, although faced with a potentially tricky draw in four, where he will need to come away racing, his improvement was notable in the semis. Granted a clear passage, there could be even more to come. Of the remaining finalists, Da Lucky Lad posted a rapid 1.65 sectional in his latest start and looks the most likely leader from his wide berth in six, while both Supa Henry and Lethal Jack have raced with credit through the earlier rounds. It would come as no surprise to see either make the frame for their respective connections in what promises to be an intriguing finale.