CALLAWAY PRO AM @ STUD IRISH ST. LEGER KICKS-OFF AT LIMERICK
Peter Farrell
A huge crowd is expected to flock to Limerick Greyhound Stadium later tonight as the opening round heats of the Callaway Pro Am @ Stud Irish St. Leger gets underway.
Kindly sponsored by Denis Murphy, the €30,000 to the winner Classic has been won in the two years by Clonbrien Treaty and the 2025 renewal has added spice with the return of the defending champion as he bids to make history for Graham Holland and the Murphy Family.
Indeed, Clonbrien Treaty adores Limerick and it would be no surprise if he claimed what would be an incredible fifth classic after also landing the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial and the Easter Cup throughout his illustrious career. Fresh from a rapid 17.40 trial around Curraheen Park, the son of Pestana is expected to need a few rounds to find his feet, however, he has drawn a favourable heat seven and may well go close. His rivals include the hugely fast Untold Dollar in trap five, however, don’t be surprised if Clonbrien Treaty lays down an early marker from his favoured striped jacket.
HEAT WATCH
Heat 1 - In the opener, Grouchos Blake has come into the event with a blistering 18.38 trial and he will certainly appreciate a plumb draw in red for trainer Dave Bourke. That said, the son of Magical Bale can ill-afford any slip-ups as he has the vastly experienced In Good Time in six, while Hello Diego has been running out of his skin at present and is expected to make the frame.
Heat 2 - Ballyhimikin Ben was a fine winner at Cork in his last start and is the likely favourite in heat two. He is now a winner of five races from just nine starts for Graham Holland and is a big player in trap five, alongside his kennel companion Snazzy Boss in six. The latter has incredible speed, however, comes into the event fresh from some troublesome efforts around HQ. Instead, Kournikova is the narrow selection as she has shown her liking for the Limerick circuit in the past.
Heat 3 - After contesting the Dundalk International on his last start, Daleroad Duke is the obvious selection in heat three for Pat Guilfoyle and Thomas O’Keeffe. Indeed, the son of Good News was very unlucky on that occasion and on best form, is a class above his rivals in this contest. Breaghmore Dice has plenty to offer in four and posted a blistering 17.66 around Thurles last time out, while Starson Frankie is something of a Limerick specialist and can feature in trap one.
Heat 4 - Faypoint Harvey performed with real distinction in the recent English Derby and he can make a winning return to Limerick in heat four. Well-drawn in trap two, the son of Droopys Sydney has a lovely mixture of early speed to compliment his stamina and a fast start can see him make-all. Flight Club and Singalong Molly can emerge as the main threats in this contest, both of which have huge engines for their respective connections.
Heat 5 - Graham Holland has a fine hand in heat five as well and Bockos Sapphire can make it back-to-back wins in trap two. Stepping back up to Open class, she showed more than enough in recent outings to suggest she is capable of stinging this field out. Cagey Billy produced a monstrous effort in the recent Tipperary Cup decider to just miss out by a short-head and he should be tailor-made for Limerick, while Moorstown Knight can also make the frame in six.
Heat 6 - This looks like the heat of the night and the narrow vote is for Droopys Deploy in five. Robert Gleeson can count himself a little unlucky to be double-handed in this contest with Toolmaker Josepe in two, however, ‘Deploy’ is fresh from some brilliant performances around Dundalk. If continuing that form, he will be difficult to contend with. The aforementioned ‘Josepe’ is a threat and has shown his fondness for Limerick in the past, while Hot Wood has huge clocks in his locker, however, hit the deck last time out at HQ.
Heat 8 - In the concluding heat of the night, Dashing Toro just gets the nod to see off Barefoot On Fire. The former has incredible speed when allowed to showcase and is well-drawn in six to make a statement. ‘Barefoot’ is of course a massive threat in trap two and is likely to dispute, while Hackney Corner has stunning form in the book and could be the value bet in trap five for Pat Buckley.