ALDO TO STRIKE AS GOLD CUP GETS UNDERWAY

Ian Fortune

The Tote Gold Cup will get underway at Shelbourne Park this evening and a few of Ireland’s best will be on show including former Irish Sprint Cup winner Carrick Aldo.

David Murray has clearly targeted this event with his star, giving him two trials in recent weeks and he can make a flying start to his campaign in Heat 5.

His task is far from straightforward, however. From an ideal draw in the stripes, he will certainly start favourite but needs to be at his sharpest in the opening exchanges as Grangeclare Lady is also likely to go up fast from trap five.

Cheque For Sir will likely edge inwards from four, leaving room for the outside duo and they can quickly come to the fore. Of the remainder, Boylesports Blue has a kind draw on the fence but really needs to return to his very best form, while the same can be said for 2023 National Puppy Stake winner Whyaye Bonnylad. Droopys Bro completes a talented line up.

BEACH TO KICK OFF THE YEAR IN STYLE

Seven Beach is another with obvious claims in the early season showpiece.

The Jennifer O’Donnell trained star races from five in Heat 2 and can stamp his class at the expense of Dynamic Force and Hawkfield Blue.

Ventry Faith is also capable of playing a part but a trap four draw is against him. Instead, he could potentially provide Seven Beach with extra room in the early yards. The classy son of Pestana is chosen to dictate from the early yards.

BEAUTY CAN OVERCOME TOUGH TEST

Heat 4 is perhaps the most intriguing of the six heats. 600yd track record holder Da Bold Falcon will have plenty of support.

A Derby semi-finalist, the Ginger McGee trained powerhouse will finish faster than any of his rivals and faces an ideal draw on the rail.

The 525yd trip is plenty sharp enough, however. Droopys Bookem is beginning to fulfil his potential, winning a dual distance last time, but this is his toughest test in a while. Untold Rufiyaa could be anything.

He was paw-perfect when last seen in the National Puppy Stake and may need a repeat performance on this occasion as Phoenix Memphis is certain to edge inwards from four, potentially leaving Untold Rufiyaa short of room.

In contrast, the top-class Drive On Beauty could be left with plenty of room to maneouvre. With plenty in her favour, she has the early speed and class to get the better of Da Bold Falcon and Untold Rufiyaa.

JOEY TO TAKE THE JUMP

Lemon Joey steps up into all-aged company in the opening heat and will be tested by the likes of Ballyhooly Bruno, Ballyhimikin Rex, Is She There and big finisher Youandme Babe.

Lemon Joey looked quite a prospect in the National Puppy Stake and is ready to make a splash in 2025.

The Murt Leahy trained son of Ballymac Best can show his class by taking charge in the early yards to come home in front. Ballyhooly Bruno can emerge as the main threat, especially if reproducing anything like his Winter Racing Festival form.

CHEQUE TO CASH IN

The penultimate heat is quite an open affair with slight preference for Cheque For Cash should he reproduce anything close to his best.

The market will suggest Miami King, Prince Nasseem and In Good Time are also entitled to respect but the potential superior early speed of Cheque For Cash can allow him turn in front before going on to score.

CAN ROBBIE BE SLICK ENOUGH?

Heat 3 is another conundrum.

In what looks a wide-open affair, much will depend on what turns in front. Robbie Be Slick has been running well, finding one too sharp in recent weeks but he is certainly due a turn.

If coming away on terms, he could quickly establish himself as the one to beat, although none of the five remaining runners can be ruled out.