THE HUNT FOR GOLD ENDS AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

The first major competition of the Shelbourne Park year will come to a conclusion this evening with a wonderful line-up battling it out for Tote Gold Cup honours.

The early season showpiece has provided some enthralling action in recent weeks and tonight’s decider will be no exception.

To highlight the competitive nature of the stake, not one of the six finalists can boast an unbeaten record through the prelims. In fact, only Boylesports Coco and Deadly Style have won two of their past three starts.

COCO IN FYLING FORM

Certainly, Boylesports Coco is the in-form tracker coming into the final.

The Dolores Ruth trained star has matured into one of the very sharpest and best in training, dominating from the outset in her last two outings.

It’s clear she will have a big say in the outcome with a trap two draw almost guaranteed to suit. A 28.30 winner of her quarter final when seeing off Ballymac Finn by a length and a half, she matched that run last week, again leading home Ballymac Finn by a length and a half in a faster 28.23.

She is blessed with tremendous early speed and seems to be stronger than last year. For these reasons, she is certain to make a bold bid and it is no surprise to see her edging favouritism with many of the off-course layers.   

CAN FINN FLY?

The aforementioned Ballymac Finn has also been running very well, although he needs to find a lightning-fast start to reverse recent form with Boylesports Coco.

The 2022 Derby runner-up gave an indication of his well-being in the opening round, posting a fastest of the round 28.17.

He can be forgiven for his two subsequent defeats but the proximity of his rival on his immediate inner is undoubtedly an issue. Boylesports Coco does tend to edge right in the early yards and, unless he can better her in the opening yards, Ballymac Finn could find himself tight of room. 

Despite all that, he does look the greatest threat to Boylesports Coco and has every chance of handing Liam Dowling a third victory in the Gold Cup after Chespirito in 2018 and Ballymac Anton two years later.

A RETURN FOR HOLIDAY

Another Holiday hasn’t quite been himself through the early rounds of the Gold Cup but few will be ignoring his claims this evening, given his level of ability.

The Michael O’Donovan trained star was in irresistible form ahead of the Christmas break but has failed to really sparkle lately.

Few would discount a return to his best, however. The son of Dorotas Wildcat has sensational early dash and a kind draw in four. If he were to turn in front, he would quickly emerge as the one to beat. Certainly at 3-1 plus, plenty will be willing to take a chance that he finds form to make every inch, handing Michael O’Donovan a second success in the competition after Skywalker Barry in 2022.

CAN DEADLY TURN ON THE STYLE?

Another bidding to hand Michael O’Donovan a second Gold Cup title is Deadly Style.

The son of Droopys Sydney had limited form around Shelbourne Park ahead of the stake, coming in under the radar, but he produced a superb opening round effort to signify his intentions.

A second-round defeat followed but he produced a superb performance in the semis, coming from behind his kennel companion Another Holiday. He is unlikely to come from off the pace this evening but it’s not inconceivable he will turn in front. Certainly, with a fast start, he has the early dash to race prominently. At odds of 6-1, he is perhaps the value alternative.

A LOTTO WIN IS POSSIBLE

Double figure odds don’t fully highlight the claims of Lotto Other News.

Shaun Conway has his team purring at present and an inside draw could prove ideal. With Boylesports Coco certain to give him room to race in the opening yards, the son of Good News could find himself in a great position.

If trapping on terms, Lotto Other News can certainly outrun his odds, while it’s far from impossible he could come home in front. Any crowding in the middle of the track would aid his cause.

NEON NEEDS TO LIGHT IT UP EARLY

Neon Nite is the rank outsider of the field but, were he to score, he would hand Ian Reilly a second win in the Gold Cup following the success of Bogger Hunter last year.

The path to success is far from easy for Neon Nite. As well as he is running, he has a bit to find on those around him.

His greatest strength is early dash and, from trap five, he will need to be truly electric. If he is to emerge a shock winner, he must turn in front. Even then, he will need to contain his rivals into the third turn. Those connected to Neon Nite will take hope from the fact that if he were to score at odds of 25-1, he wouldn’t be the first to do so. Tyrur Kenny also won at those odds when landing the 2008 renewal.

A FINAL TO SAVOUR

The final will be televised live on GTV from 7pm and if you can’t make it to Shelbourne Park, it is an unmissable broadcast.

The layers believe the winner will come from Boylesports Coco, Ballymac Finn or Another Holiday.

It’s difficult to disagree, although nothing can be taken for granted in a race of this nature with so much early speed on show. Boylesports Coco has the best of the draw and that is enough to sway the verdict her direction but both Ballymac Finn and Another Holiday will do what they can to stop her from dictating.

Should Boylesports Coco come away on terms, she would have the early speed to lead up her rivals on the inside of the track. On current form, she would be hugely difficult to pick up and for that reason she is chosen to come home in front at the expense of Ballymac Finn and Another Holiday. The very best of luck to all. May they all come home safe.