FUTURE CHAMPIONS NIGHT AT ENNISCORTHY
Ian Fortune
Not long after 9pm this evening, the final of the Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial will draw to a conclusion at Enniscorthy.
A good crowd is expected through the doors for what should be a terrific night of racing action.
The famous competition has been a stepping stone to future superstardom for many brilliant trackers through the years and a number of those on show in this evening’s feature are expected to go onto bigger and better things.
FREEK A BIG PLAYER
Alien Freek set the standard in the semi-finals, posting a fastest of the competition 28.91 on his way to a decisive success.
He is clearly very promising and most progressive but he will require another fast start from the outside box this evening. Larry Byrne owns and trains the son of Shima Shine and Droopys Newby and he love dearly to bring the trophy back to his Gorey base.
CHASE WILL LOOK TO DICTATE
Clona Chase chased home Alien Freek a week ago, suffering his first defeat in the process.
He was only a length behind at the line and seems likely to have a big say in proceedings ounce again. The Pat Buckley trained son of English Derby winner Deerjet Sydney won his two previous outings in 29.14 and 29.24 but gave the impression he would soon go faster.
If he were to come away racing from two, which seems very possible, he would quickly establish himself as one of the leading contenders.
GALLANT ANOTHER THAT COULD LEAD
Droopys Gallant is a member of a brilliant litter and comes into tonight’s final on the back of two straight wins.
Blessed with tremendous early dash, he is certain to contest the early advantage and much will depend on whether he can get first run on the aforementioned Clona Chase.
If doing so, it would be no shock if the Murt Leahy trained youngster improved on previous form and came out on top.
MONBEG DUO BOTH PACK A PUNCH
David Morris and Cormac Doyle are double handed with litter brothers Monbeg Notorious and Monbeg United.
Neither have won a race at this stage in their career but both have shown plenty of pace and power in defeat.
It seems inevitable that both will develop into top class performer, albeit over slightly further but neither can be dismissed. Certainly, any traffic up front would play to their strengths as both will be finishing faster than any of their rivals. Notorious wears red and will look to slip around close to the pace, while United is in five and may need a little luck to turn close enough.
CAN TROUT FIND A CLEAR PASSAGE?
Headwire Trout completes a talented field.
Now under the care of Paul Hennessy for James Doyle, the daughter of Swords Rex has been finding the traffic spots and has yet to get the chance to show what she is capable of. That will happen soon but she will most certainly need a fast start from four to worry the judge this evening.
A CRACKING CONTEST
It’s a terrific contest and there are many possible outcomes.
All six have room for a great deal of improvement and that adds further intrigue to the decider. On the strength of last week’s semi-final display, Alien Freek is sure to attract plenty of support but we will side with Clona Chase to get first run on his rivals.
Both he and Droopys Gallant are likely to up fast from trap two and three and they can get first run on the field. Alien Freek is greatly respected, while don’t be surprised if Monbeg Notorious arrives late and fast to also get involved. The best of luck to all involved. The action at Enniscorthy gets underway at 8pm.