SPRINTING SUPERSTARS TO LIGHT UP DUNDALK IN IRISH SPRINT CUP

Ian Fortune

This year’s Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup has been the most incredible renewal of the sprint classic and tonight at Dundalk, six of the best sprinters on the planet should provide a real spectacle in pursuit of the €20,000 prize.

First run in 1932, there have been just two dual winners of the famous classic, Fair Mistress in 1942 and 1943 and in recent years the brilliant Ardnasool Jet defended his title, winning in 2018 and 2019. 

Of course, Broadstrand Syd is bidding to join that exclusive club when he starts a red-hot favourite to defend his title, although he is opposed by some exceptionally talented rivals. 

Broadstrand Syd is the perfect place to start, however. The Johnny Linehan trained star is the track record holder and has gone unbeaten through the prelims, hinting that he is as good as ever. His semi-final success was flawless, exploding from three to dominate.

A week on, he again wears the white jacket and his many followers will be hoping for a similar start from the sensational son of Droopys Sydney.

PATRIOT A LEADING FANCY

The market suggests Droopys Patriot is the main threat.

He overcame a moderate start last week to hit the front on the corner. While he may not have been overly fluent on the bend, he did find a way to shake off the challenge of Southwind Wild for a two length victory.

He simply can’t afford a similar start this evening. If he gives Broadstrand Syd a start, it’s difficult to see how he gets back on terms so a slick exit is imperative. There is no doubting his quality and he is entitled to plenty of respect but it will be interesting to see how he negotiates the bend if he isn’t in front. Should he find a way to emerge on top, he would hand Robert Gleeson a second victory in the classic after sending out 2016 winner Ballymac Bigmike. 

BROWNE AMONGST THE BEST

Stonepark Browne has established himself as one of the best sprinters in training and can’t be slept on despite a tricky draw in four.

He is always capable of a flying start and has the quality to break track records.  

That was the case at Limerick when he posted a sensational 18.12 during the Treaty Cup. He finished second to Broadstrand Syd in the past two weeks and is drawn on the wrong wide of the favourite. If he is to finally get the better of his rival he needs to explode from boxes as he will be edging inwards into the corner.

BRANDAN NEEDS TO FLASH FROM BOXES

Ballymac Brandan has done remarkably well to get to the final.

He debuted in the opening round and has grown through the competition. He has been rewarded with a rail draw but needs to produce the best display of his short career to emerge on top.

It will be the first time he will race from the inside box and the fear is he would miss the start. If doing so, he would find himself with a mountain to climb but have no doubt he has a big future and it will be interesting to see if he steps up to four bends after tonight’s contest.

SOUTHWIND WILL BID TO RUN WILD

Pat Buckley has trained some brilliant sprinters over the years so it is something of a surprise that he has never won an Irish Sprint Cup.

He sends out Southwind Wild this evening with a view to finally claiming the title.

A natural sprinter with fine trapping ability and the early speed to match many of the very best in training. The question is, however, can he get first run on the more fancied runners as he is unlikely to run them down.

He is drawn in five and could find himself with room to manoeuvre if Stonepark Browne edges inwards as expected. If he were on the outside of two or three dogs into the turn, he could benefit from any traffic and is certainly not ignored.

ACE SET TO OUTRUN HIS ODDS

That leaves Epic Ace.

Amongst the very fastest greyhounds in training, he bids to hand both his owner and trainer a second Irish Sprint Cup success. Grangeview Ten captured the 2020 renewal for Pat Guilfoyle, while Good Cody came out on top for John Kennedy junior a year later.

The pair join forces this evening and both will be praying for Epic Ace to put in one of his better starts. There is no doubt he has the pace to make a bold bid and is the standout value alternative to the shorter priced runners. Expect Epic Ace to have more than just a minor role.   

AN EXCEPTIONAL RACE CAN GO THE WAY OF SYD

It’s an exceptional race and a wonderfully fitting conclusion to a vintage renewal of the sprint classic but, ultimately, it’s difficult to see beyond Broadstrand Syd if he produces his best.

A special sprinter with special pacem, he has a date with destiny and is chosen to flash from traps once again to contain a talented field. Epic Ace is chosen to emerge the main danger although the caveat is he must produce one of his best starts. The best of luck to all and may they come home safe.

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EARLIER START AT DUNDALK

Those with runners at Dundalk this evening are reminded that there is earlier start to the racing with the opening race due off at 7.30pm.

AS a result weight-in will be between 6pm and 6.45pm sharp.