YOUNGSTERS TO SHINE AS STUDENTS DESCEND ON SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

The students will descend on Shelbourne Park this evening for the latest in a series of student nights that have been held over the past two years.

There is an eight-race card on offer and the decibel levels should be a touch higher than normal.

BIRD TO SHOW HIS SPEED

There is plenty of sweepstake action to look forward to but the feature is the semi-finals of the October Monthly Novice ON2 525.

Last week’s fastest opening round scorer was eliminated for going too quick but there are some promising types remaining.

The opening heat is a fascinating contest. Kickback Carlo was the fastest of the qualifiers, posting 28.98 in defeat last week. Many of the others also ran well in defeat but Speed Bird is chosen to come out on top after an eye-catching opening round success.

The son of Droopys Flytline missed the kick and found plenty of traffic before unleashing a powerful turn of pace from halfway. He came through to lead late in 29.35 but gave the impression he would go far faster in the near future. For that reason, he gets the nod to lead home Kickback Carlo and Traumatised.

RYAN LOOKS READY TO OPEN ACCOUNT

Dave Buckley’s Fercullen Ryan displayed plenty of promise on debut and is set to open his account in the second semi-final.

He chased home Razldazl Cuddles last week, giving notice that he will go quicker in the near future.

Bobby Boucher was just a length behind Fercullen Ryan last week and is seen as a big threat from an ideal draw on the fence, while Missy Tashadelek finished at speed to win on debut and is another worthy of respect.

DYNAMO AND CASHOUT TO SCORE

Racing will end with the semi-finals of the This Runs Deep A2 575.

Distant Dynamo has yet to win a race but ran well in his latest defeat over the 575yd trip, finishing second to a very strong runner. He is set to go one better this evening in the opening heat.

Shelone Cashout boasts some fin form around Dundalk and is chosen to come home in front in the second heat. Of his rivals, Swift Legend and Gunner Bun can offer the most resistance.