HISTORIC MCCALMONT CUPS GETS UNDERWAY

Ian Fortune

One of the most historic competitions on the Irish calendar gets underway at Kilkenny this evening with the opening round of the Deadly Kennels McCalmont Cup the feature.

First run in 1947, it was twice won by the legendary Spanish Battleship but is run as a valuable A1 stake these days.

There are seven heats spread across the card, which also acts as a fundraiser for Lourdes Ossory Pilgrimage. Three will advance from each of the heats, along with the three fastest fourth place finishers.

ACE TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

The opening heat is perhaps the hottest of the round with most of the field winners in far higher grades in the past.

These include the in-form Imokilly Roxanne, who recently ran up an open bitch stake at Clonmel.

She seems certain to race prominently and is greatly respected but preference is for the Karol Rambottom trained Lamrock Ace who has real quality on his day. He boasts a best of 28.39 at Shelbourne and, whilst he was down the field in his latest outing after finding traffic, he can return to form to emerge on top.

Southwood Stan is also greatly respected. A fast starter with a kind draw in two, he is another that can race close to the pace throughout.

BEAU HAS THE DRAW

The second heat looks an intriguing affair.

Each of the six have very similar career best times and much will depend on the opening exchanges. Razldazl Beau has every opportunity from trap six. The Murt Leahy-trained son of Explosive Boy has run well in good company in the past and a stripes draw can only aid his chances.

Burnchurch Elle is a dangerous rival. Michael Cullen's local representative normally finishes with purpose and could arrive late and fast. Florican Heights also boasts some fine form and would be a big player of coming away on terms from three.

Throw in the useful Certificate, Chaotic Pershing and interesting youngster Early Home and it really is a fascinating affair. From the draw, the nod goes the way of Razldazl Beau but a watching brief is perhaps best advised.

PAPPONE HAS DRAW IN CLASSY AFFAIR

A few of those in action in Heat 3 seem to have been kept for this competition, with the inside trio in particular catching the eye.

Each have some performed at a high level in the past and all three moved well in recent sprint trials around Kilkenny.

Kilkenny regular Lemon Mundy knows how to win races and is certain to attract support in three but he will need to be at his sharpest in the early yards with the talented Tinahue Pappone the best drawn dog in the race in one.

If coming away racing, the latter might find himself in the perfect position to strike. It’s worth remembering that he has raced and won in AA0 company in the past and certainly has the class to be seen as a leading fancy for outright glory.

Carrigeen Whit is drawn between the aforementioned duo and needs to come away racing, as he will need first run if he is to emerge on top. Of the remainder, promising youngsters Playdate Storm and Oriental Diamond both won well last time out but this is their toughest assignment to date. Stick with Tinahue Pappone to show his class.

JIMS GEM TO SPARKLE ONCE MORE

Murt Leahy will continue his hunt or a fourth McCalmont Cup title in Heat 4 where he sends out Jims Gem.

A consistent tracker in fine form lately, it would be folly to ignore his obvious claims. If trapping on terms, he could get first run on the likes of Maireads Prince and Sober Barry, who stand out as the main dangers.

Maireads Prince, in particular, is dangerous. A finalist in the Easter Cup in the past, he may be nearing veteran status but retains plenty of ability. In contrast, Sober Barry is in the very early stages of his career but has shown talent. Jims Gem is the selection but he can’t afford any mistakes.

CAN MAJOR GET A RUN AT FUN?

The fifth heat is another packed with quality.

Fun Inthe Run has been something of a star for Daire Malone and is drawn to make a bold bid. He has the speed and stamina to compete at a high level and would be hard to peg back if getting loose at the front end.

Many of the others are also capable of running well but the outcome could centre around how well Powerhouse Major starts. He has shown plenty of pace in his two previous starts and is likely to open his account very soon.

One suspects, there is a very fast run coming from the Murt Leahy trained puppy and he is just chosen ahead of Fun Inthe Run. Old Road Villain has won well at Kilkenny in the past and is another worthy of a second glance.

VETERAN KAPUKA FACES PROMISING MARQUESS

With a wonderful 28 wins from 90 starts and a career total prize haul of over €22,000, Kapuka Warrior is the most experienced runner in McCalmont Cup draw.

The Karol Ramsbottom-trained son of Good News has been lightly raced in recent times but his legion of fans will hold out hope that he can claim yet another victory in Heat 6.

Now a veteran, he won’t be found wanting for track craft or determination but whether his older legs can allow him get the better of the promising Scooby Marquess is another thing. The latter has yet to win a race after three attempts but was a real eye-catcher in his latest start at Shelbourne Park over two bends.

It would be no surprise if the son of Grangeview Ten and former Oaks runner-up Scooby Duchess developed into a serious performer. For that reason, he is selected over his far older rival.

Mission Control and Jacktavern Storm also deserve a mention but none have a higher ceiling that Scooby Marquess who can lead home Kapuka Warrior.

RANGER READY TO STRIKE

The final heat is another intriguing affair with so many of the field holding claims.

There will be local support for Bogger Tommy but he will need to do everything right to have the final word. The prolific son of Glengar Bale knows every grain of sand at Kilkenny but clearing Mutts Maximus in the opening yards is imperative.

If failing to do so, he may struggle. Born Ranger comes into the race on the back of an impressive turn at Clonmel. He is clearly moving in the right direction and is the selection, although a slightly more fluent start would aid his chance considerably.

Paulstown Cash is also quick but has been finding traffic in recent starts. He needs to stay a true line from six if he is to escape further bother. Priceless Jose is also respected but one suspects Born Ranger may have too much for his rivals.