BRESBET EASTER CUP HIGH ON QUALITY

Ian Fortune

The opening round draw for the Bresbet Easter Cup was made yesterday afternoon and a number of big names have targeted the oldest classic on the calendar.

As you would expect, there are a couple of noteworthy clashes but the opening heat is a big special with each of the six greyhounds capable of a huge run at any given time.

These include Callaway Knegare, the Derby third and Juvenile Derby champion, English Derby winner De Lahdedah, Coosane Pickles, who has been amongst the fastest females in training for some time and proven performer Tarnsa Maasai. Throw in Randolph Scotts, a god who clocked a rapid 28.23 in victory last week and the hugely exciting Swords Don and it really is a race fitting of the final itself.

TREATY BACK TO DEFEND HIS CROWN

Defending champion Clonbrien Treaty gets back to racing action in Heat 2 and will need to be on his toes with some very talented rivals in opposition including the razor-sharp Hopes Teddy.

The latter was brilliant in each of his last two wins.

Laurels runner-up Hazelhill Bucko is also greatly respected after an eye-catching run in defeat last time, while 2024 Juvenile winner at Towcester Faypoint Harvey is also more than capable of getting involved. It doesn’t stop there. Jaytee Craze is already proven over four bends but ended the year as one of the best stayers in training. He will be ready to pounce if finding room to race.

BOB FACING NOTABLE RIVALS

There is also real quality on show in Heat 3 with English Derby runner-up Boylesports Bob likely to prove popular.

A superb last stride winner at Shelbourne Park last Saturday night, he seems ripe and ready for an Easter Cup challenge but faces some notable rivals including Produce Stakes champion Unanimouspanther and the brilliant Champion 550 winner Carmac King. They are joined by the razor-sharp duo of Cheque For Cash and Mustang Fever, while the powerful Riverside Scotch is no also-ran.

A GOOD FINISH TO THE ROUND

Hawkfield Blue and Superfast Gorden are the big guns in Heat 4, although they do need to do things right to come to the fore, while Ventry Faith, Yorkie Ollie, Maireads Prince and the in-form Morning Bucks clash in Heat 5.

The round will end in style with 600yd track record holder Da Bold Falcon taking on the brilliant Untold Dollar, who was last seen winning at the Winter Racing Festival. Both may have to come from off the pace as Cushie The Best is a very possible pace-setter, while flying females Ballymac Marcia and recent Limerick Oaks champ Barefoot On Song are also respected.

**The full draw and form is available in upcoming cards**