OLLIE TO SHOW HIS CLASS AT SHELBOURNE
Ian Fortune
Theres a wonderful card on offer at Shelbourne Park this evening with four finals up for decision including that of the This Runs Deep Open Unraced, which features two of the brightest youngsters in training, Yorkie Ollie and Boylesports Blue.
Of course, the remainder of the field are potentially very talented also but the aforementioned duo look destined for stardom and their clash in tonight’s €10,000 to the winner contest is the undoubted feature of the tremendous eleven-race card.
OLLIE HAS ALL THE QUALITIES
It’s no surprise to see Yorkie Ollie emerge as a star through the unraced stake as he posted a scarcely believable 28.00 in a trial spin at Shelbourne ahead of his debut but the manner of his two victories to date suggest he has all the attributes required to become a serious classic contender.
A good starter with the early speed and back straight pace to match the best in training, he also seems to finish his races off with real purpose. He may have been a few lengths slower than Boylesports Blue in the semis but he did have to shake off some early crowding before running out a wide-margin winner.
BLUE WENT VERY FAST
In contrast. Boylesports Blue had a virtual solo, leading early from a kind draw on the fence to emerge a facile scorer in a stunning 27.98. Yes, the track may have been running fast but anytime that sort of run occurs, the same can be said of the racing surface.
The simple fact of the matter is, not many get close to the 28 second barrier, let alone break it. The fact that it was broken three times last weekend confirms how well the track was going but it certainly doesn’t take away from the fact that Boylesports Blue could be anything. He really is a beautiful mover with the pace and pedigree to be a champion also.
A CONTEST TO SAVOUR
Throw in the likes of 28.52 debut winer Vivaro Ceyian, the progressive Droopys Roar and the well-bred duo of Unreal Unreal and Fun Inthe Run and it really is a contest to take note of. The betting will suggest it is a two-dog affair, however, and it’s difficult to see how one or the other of the big two don’t come out on top.
From a draw point of view, Yorkie Ollie seems to have the greater claims. He is likely to go up straight from trap five, as he did last weekend, while Boylesports Blue is not guaranteed to do so from four. In the opening round it was notable that he edged inwards from trap three in the early yards, while he stuck to the fence from the inside draw last week.
If he were to drift towards the fence, he could find a couple in his way, while also handing Yorkie Ollie room to race. That can make the difference tonight. Yorkie Ollie is selected to come away racing from five and assert before the turn to remain unbeaten.
Remainder of card
EDEL HOUSED TO PERFECTION
Arent We All recorded a sensational 27.92 in the semi finals of the Sporting Press Open Bitch 525. That would normally be enough to ensure that she starts favourite to land the €3,500 prize but this remains a wide-open affair with Oaks third, Droopys Edel, perfectly drawn on the fence and the in-form Ballymac Run drawn in three.
Throw in oaks semi-finalist Beretta Reba, Poets Dawn and Now Were Talkin and you’ve a contest that would be fitting of an Oaks final itself.
If Arent We All was to repeat her latest performance she would be difficult to stop but that’s a big ask. Instead, Droopys Edel is worth siding with. She took a false step at traps last week and was left with plenty to do. She would eventually qualify in third but has been drawn to go much better tonight.
If coming away on terms, she can defend her inside pitch into the bend before asserting. Expect the Ian Reilly trained star to charge down the back straight to hold her rivals. She can see off Arent We All and Ballymac Run.
COOSANE’S RIVALS COULD FIND THEMSELVES IN A PICKLE
There’s €3,000 on offer to the winner of the Sporting Press Mini Open 525 and there will be a clash of styles here with Cushie The Best attempting to burn off his rivals in the early yards, while the hugely exciting Coosane Pickles is something of an airplane from the second bend.
The latter has very quickly established herself as one of Ireland’s best, winning three of her four starts to date. She posted 28.11 last weekend, charging down the back straight to take over from Deelish Nora before drawing clear.
Deelish Nora is again amongst her rivals and is respected but clearing Cushie The Best into the bend looks a very difficult task. Cushie The Best has really flown to the bend in recent outings and looks the main threat.
Crafty Alejandro is also respected, although he too needs to hit the ground running from his inside draw. He has just one win on his card but it was a mighty impressive effort in the opening round. Headinthewindow and Edermine Bonner complete the line-up but both will struggle to match Cushie The Best for early zip and Coosane Pickles for pace and power.
Coosane Pickles can come out on top, picking up Cushie The Best in the latter stages. Deelish Nora is perhaps the main threat to the pair.
BELLA TO FOLLOW UP
Earlier on the card, there is a fine prize on offer in the final of the A1 600. Tell On Bella is bred to be a star, being a daughter of former Oaks winner Ballymac Beanie, and she ran out a ready semi-final winner, dominating from the start to post a rapid 32.24.
Cagey Billy will likely go up strongly on the outside of the track but he needs to turn in front to follow up his semi-final success. Saleen Pearl was an eye-catcher last week, running on strongly at the finish. If she were to turn a little closer, she could have a big say in the outcome.
Droopys Bro isn’t the star he once was but retains the ability to get involved, while Stripe Sparky is very strong. Only, Innfield Dasher needs a more than a splash of luck to win but she too has some decent form and is no forlorn hope.
Tell On Bella is going the right way, however, has the right draw and has proven her strength over the trip. If she can come away racing, she will again take some stopping.