PUPS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

So many superstars have emerged from the National Puppy Stake in years gone by and it should be no different in 2023 with a tremendous crop of youngsters lining out in the opening round, which dominates a tremendous card at Shelbourne Park this evening. 

As you would expect, most of the top kennels are represented and the four heats should provide some superb action. Jennifer O’Donnell, after winning the Derby in 2022 and earlier this year, is eyeing up further big race success.

She sends out recent Puppy Oaks finalist Scooby Countess in the opening heat and will be more than hopeful. Of course, O’Donnell claimed the National Puppy Stake only two years ago with the talented Scooby Prince, and she can get her 2023 campaign off to a winning start with Scooby Countess chosen to dominate.

Of her rivals, Omuircheartaigh displayed massive promise on debut and is likely to put two subsequent disappointing runs behind him. If starting on terms, he could emerge a big player. Faypoint Sydney has also shown plenty of promise and is respected. If he were to match his 28.28 trial form, he too could have a big say.

EXPECT BAREFOOT TO CATCH FIRE

Barefoot On Fire catches the eye in Heat 2 from an ideal draw on the fence.

The Paul Hennessy trained son of Grangeview Ten displayed all sorts of promise on debut, clocking a sizzling 28.20 around Curraheen Park. He didn’t carry much luck a week later but is chosen to make a successful Shelbourne Park debut at the expense of Mustang Fever and Unanimous Kai.

CURLY TO POWER TO SUCCESS

Clona Curly may want further in time but he is selected to lead home his rivals in Heat 3 for Graham Holland and new owner Kevin O’Brien.

He displayed real pace and power to land the valuable Hennery Memorial Open Unraced at Cork on Laurels final night and is likely to come on considerably for his Shelbourne debut a fortnight ago.

On that occasion, he missed a step at trap rise before finishing at speed to grab third. With a slightly better start, he can turn closer to the pace before asserting in the second half of the contest. Of his rivals, the talented Scooby Pacemaker is respected, although he will edge inwards from a trap five draw, while the remainder will need to step up on previous form to add to their tally. 

BONNYLAD TOO SLICK

The final heat is a cracking contest with each of the six runners showing plenty of ability in their short careers to date.

Whyaye Bonnylad was razor-sharp through the recent Paddy Merriman Memorial A1 525 and he looks the most likely pace-setter.

That could make the difference. Glengar Elvis is proven in top company but a trap five draw and a step back in rip are not likely to suit. Romeo Kingpin won well at Shelbourne last time but is inconsistent at boxes, while Good Hope and Dunnanelly Fred will need to come through the bars if they are to get the necessary lead over Whyaye Bonnylad into the turn. Templeville Meg completes the line-up and she needs to shake of her latest run when hitting the deck.

FESTIVAL CLUES ON REMAINDER OF CARD

With the Winter Racing Festival just a fortnight away, there are plenty of clues on offer on the undercard.

Graham Holland is certainly bearing his teeth with some big name runners over a number of distances.

After his latest brilliant victory, Ballinakill Alf will be a red-hot favourite to confirm latest form with Road Exile in the open sprint. Beaten Laurels favourite Jacktavern Bolt has obvious claims in his Shelbourne debut in the open 525. He faces the likes of Rathdown Molly, Daleroad Duke and Ballymac Marino but has the all-important inside line on that trio.

He also sends out the hugely talented Nomadic Nova in the final race over 575yds. The son of Boradstrand Bono has shown all sorts of pace in recent outings but it will be interesting o se how he handles the extended trip. He takes on some hugely talented rivals including Pennys Lynx, who looks certain to appreciate the trip, Jetstream Breeze and most intriguingly, Ballymac Walt.

The latter has huge early speed and is certain to race prominently but he has never looked like he needed a step up in trip. It will be interesting to see if he sees out the extra yards.