SPRINT STARS IN ACTION AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

The 1XBET Islandbridge Sprint gets underway at Shelbourne Park this evening and is likely to provide some superb performances.

A number of Ireland’s best two-bend stars are on show, while a few unexposed types could also potentially make a splash.

BROWNE CHOSEN TO WIN HOT CONTEST

The opening heat is particularly hot with a number of proven performers in the line-up.

Each have obvious claims but Stonepark Browne is perhaps the most likely favourite. He was last seen finishing a close second in the open sprint on Kirby Memorial final night at Limerick, when storming home after a tardy start.

His rivals include former Irish Sprint Cup runner-up Elite Kursk, recent Curraheen Park Super Sprint winner Droopys Apollo and the useful Microchip. Slight preference is for Stonepark Browne but any mistakes at boxes could leave the door open for Elite Kursk.

DREAM AND NINA TO COME TO FORE

Tiermana Dream won the aforementioned open sprint on Kirby Memorial final night, holding off Stonepark Browne in a thrilling finish.

He is amongst the leading fancies in Heat 2 where the promising Bomber Nina is seen as the main threat.

On best recent form, the pair standout, although Valderrama has long been very talented, while Kirk Michael, Ballymac Roddick and indeed Harry Houdini are not short of pace. Tiermana Dream is very sharp at boxes and a flying exit could put him in pole position.

A WIDE-OPEN CONTEST

Heat 3 is a very open affair with no real standout.

Indeed, claims can be made for most of the field but the pin falls on Breaghmore Dice in two. He has plenty of fine form on his card, including some impressive trial form over two bends.

His recent form is not as impressive but he did lead for much of the way in his latest outing at Galway. IN terms of picking the main dangers, Yurty Magurty could certainly figure if producing something close to his best recent four bend form. Costalotmore is also respected after winning three sprints, albeit in lesser company, around Newbridge.

SCAMPI TO FRY RIVALS

Droopys Scampi will be expected to win the final heat after posting an exceptional 18.35 in her latest sprint outing at Shelbourne.

She seems to be improving with each outing and will be very hard to contain if trapping on terms.

Portrush Ben also won well last time and has a kind draw on the fence, while Magical Max has run verry well at Shelbourne in the past. Woodcliff Duke and Rallying Billy will look to make the frame, while Im Here is a fascinating newcomer.

All the signs point to another impressive display from Droopys Scampi and she is chosen to lead throughout for Johnny Linehan.