PLENTY OF QUALITY FARE AT DUNDALK

Ian Fortune

Dundalk plays host to a superb card this evening packed with sweepstake action, while the sprinters are also starting to appear ahead of the Bar One Betting Irish Sprint Cup.

The undoubted feature of tonight’s card is the final of the Track Supporters Club A3 525 and Graham Kelly will be hoping Whiterock Storm can reproduce his semi-final display.

If doing so, the son of Grangeview Ten would be difficult to beat in the €2,000 to the winner decider. Showing smart early speed, the January ‘24 whelp dominated to win in a rapid 28.53. to highlight the strength of his run, the next fastest qualifier was Berties Bassett, who happened to finish second to Whiterock Storm.

The latter can go faster if finding a start but a half second is a big ask. Of the others, Francisco Bay has fine early speed and can race prominently but ultimately, Whiterock Storm should be too good for his rivals.

RIDDICK AND KURSK MEET OVER 400

Former Irish Sprint Cup runner-up Elite Kursk is one of a few talented sprinters on show in the fifth race, an SS0 400.

Ballymac Riddick comes into this contest in fine form after wins in 21.02 and 21.10 and seems set to go close again but Elite Kursk is greatly respected despite his advancing years.

Robbies Flyer is inexperienced but displayed enough on debut at Shelbourne Park in an 18.78 debut success to suggest he has a bright future as a sprinter. Despite his lack of racing, he is nominated to win the second heat for Shea Campbell.                

PROMISING TYPES ON SHOW

Racing commences with the semi-finals of the Finigan & Sons S0/S1 400.

After his fine victory in last week’s Bar One Betting ON1 decider, Buddy Bruno steps into hotter company but seems set to continue his improvement in the opening heat. He will need to start better than seven days ago but is clearly a leading fancy from a favourable draw in two.

COMPETITIVE END TO THE CARD

Racing ends with the semi-finals of the John Keenan Memorial A1 and both heats are very competitive.

Renas Rocket and Hawkfield Brisk are token selections.