TAKE-TWO FOR THE BOYLE SPORTS LIFFORD OAKS OPENER

Peter Farrell

Following last Saturday night's postponement due to adverse weather conditions, the opening-round heats of the BOYLE Sports Oaks 525 are scheduled to get underway at Lifford Greyhound Stadium tonight and, with €15,000 on offer to the eventual winner, some top-class performances are expected over the course of the three-week flagship event.

BOYLE Sports initially installed Droopys Crispy as the 3/1 favourite and those odds have shortened further following the withdrawal of her nearest market rival, Mystical Nala. Now the 5/2 favourite for outright success, the Barry Clancy-trained star arrives fresh from landing the Paddy Merriman Memorial 525 at Shelbourne Park. Throughout that stake, the daughter of Droopys Addition, jointly owned by Graham Ashe, broke the 28-second barrier on several occasions and is widely regarded as one of the most promising trackers in Ireland at present. Perfectly housed in red tonight in heat two, she should prove much too sharp for her rivals and looks a safe bet to set a scorching standard. Of her rivals, Ashleem Subline has clocked some phenomenal times around Thurles and looks the main threat, while Turnon The Turbo can also make the frame for Brendan Matthews from trap five.

Pat Guilfoyle landed this event twelve months ago with Magical Mag and returns with a strong hand for the 2026 renewal. One of his leading contenders is Magical Be Nifty, a Munster Oaks runner-up and winner of the 2026 On Faya Galway Oaks. With some superb times to her name, she looks tailor-made for the Northwest circuit and is my selection to go deep into this competition for Pat and Donal Guilfoyle. She faces stiff opposition in heat three, however, with Unassuming expected to go off favourite for Brendan Matthews from trap two. The daughter of Unlock Unlock flew around in 28.58 in a trial prior to the stake and a repeat of that effort would make her a difficult nut to crack. Of the others, Rolo Eugenie boasts brilliant Dundalk form and could set the early pace for John Scofield and Barry Clancy.

Bombay Special landed the Cork Oaks in March of this year and, having recently returned from a short stint in the UK, she looks the one to beat in the opening heat of the night. A top-class lady on her day, the daughter of Dromana Bucko has a career-best 28.01 to her name and, should she bring her A-game to the table, she looks likely to prevail. That said, she faces stiff opposition from Berry On Faya, who posted 29.44 over 550 yards in her latest start at HQ, while kennel companion Droopys Mezza is sure to attract plenty of support from a plum draw in trap two.

The remaining heat can see Magical Fiona land the spoils. Another hailing from the Guilfoyle kennel, she caught the eye in a preparation trial last weekend, posting 28.62, and that was a hugely encouraging effort on her first look at the circuit. Drawn in four, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout hasn't tasted success for some time, however, this looks a nice make-up for 'Fiona' and a level break could see her return to winning ways. Of her rivals, Alan Byrne and Rebecca Porter are double handed with two top ladies in Ballymac Jayah and Drumdoit Audrey, who can both mount big challenges if reproducing their best form. Meanwhile, Droopys Honor posted a sensational 28.42 around the tough Kilkenny circuit last time out and could prove something of a dark horse in this competition.