OLD TRICKS READY TO SHINE AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

It may be a low-profile evening at Shelbourne Park but there is still plenty of sweepstake action to look forward to including the final of the Best Wishes to All A1 525. Boasting a winner’s purse of €2,250, the inside of the track is perhaps the place to be.

Old Tricks and Surprise Reunion were impressive in their respective semi-finals and occupy traps one and two. Add to that the fact that Monodie Mike, who swung wide from an inside draw last week, is drawn in three and the inside duo should have room to race early.

Much will depend on which of the duo turns in front but with the benefit of a rails draw, Old Tricks is perhaps the most likely leader and winner. Surprise Reunion is the obvious danger, although Monodie Mike can’t be completely dismissed.

Of the remainder, Beebees Prince can race prominently but may need to turn in front which is no easy task from trap four. Blackheath Ellen won her semi-final but needs to step up on that form, while Grace And Laura may need a carer best effort from a wide draw.

TYSON TO DELIVER KNOCKOUT BLOW

There are some decent types on view in the semi-finals of the Bet With The Tote A1 525.

The opening heat is relatively open but Phoenix Tyson is chosen to come home in front for Ian and Billy Reilly.

A talented early pacer, he actually came from off the pace twice in his last three starts to win.

If finding his trapping boots, he could get first run on the likes of La Pepinillo and Bellagio and it would be no surprise to see him emerging a comfortable scorer.

MYWAY CAN COME OUT ON TOP

The second heat looks set to go to Razldazl Myway.

Dolores Ruth’s talented youngster has been racing in good company and seems likely to improve further.

In what is just his fifth career outing, he can dictate from early to get the better of Resurgan and Urban Flight.

WARRIOR LOOKS THE PART

The semi-finals of the Talking Dogs A0 525 are a little later on the card and Kapuka Warrior is nominated as the best bet on the card in the opening heat.

Blessed with the type of pace and ability to allow him win his opening and second round assignments in the Derby, he can see off a decent field to emerge a comfortable scorer.

Of his rivals, Brockagh Justine and Gracebridge Star have the early speed to race prominently and perhaps offer the greatest threat but Kapuka Warrior should be too good. 

DEBOSS READY TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

Ballymac Deboss sems to be returning to his best early season form and he can make the most of a favourable draw on the rail in the second heat.

Castleivy Ginge is also finding some form and can emerge the main threat.