MULLINGAR TO WELCOME BIG CROWD FOR CESAREWITCH DECIDER
Ian Fortune
Mullingar is the place to be this afternoon with the final of the midland’s classic, the TIME Irish Cesarewitch, the feature.
Boasting a winner’s purse of €10,000, the two-run event has a final line-up fitting of its prestige and history.
One man that has played a big part in the rich history of the event is Pat Buckley and he will bid to claim a seventh Cesarewitch title when he sends out clear favourite Ballinabola Joe. Incredibly, Buckley has won each of the last three renewals with Bobsleigh Dream in 2023 and Singalong Dolly in 2024 and 2025.
JOE WITH AN IDEAL DRAW
And Ballinabola Joe has been given the ideal draw in the stripes.
A high-class tracker throughout his career, he has often suffered from his inconsistency at boxes but the long run to the turn over 600yds really plays to his strengths.
He again mistimed the start in the semis but charged into the bend to get loose. Given his lack of experience around Mullingar, it was far from surprising that he stuttered around the third and fourth bends, allowing Flight Club to pass him but he can only come on for that experience.
Certainly, if he traps on terms, he is capable of setting a really searching gallop and is greatly respected in his bid to hand Pat Buckley a seventh Cesarewitch title.
STARS STANDS IN JOE’S WAY
Durrow Star is perhaps the greatest threat to Ballinabola Joe.
She was flawless in her semi-final, posting a brilliant 32.95 on her way to a wide margin success. Trained locally by hall of fame handler Francie Murray, she has both the pace and power to again make a bold bid.
Murray himself also has an exceptional record in the classic, winning it four times in his long illustrious career. He first captured the classic back in 1981 with Murrays Mixture and his second title came five years later with Cranley Special.
His two most recent wins in the classic came this century with Forest Baby winning 2008 and most recently with Subway Ruth in 2012. Durrow Star will need to do things right at boxes but have no doubt, if she strikes the front at any point, it will need something extraordinary from one of her rivals to deny her.
CAN BORN PERFORM?
Born To Perform was a long way behind Durrow Star in the semis but excuses can be made for the brilliant stayer.
The Jennifer O’Donnell trained bitch was in a prominent position just behind her rivals into the back straight but was cut off as they began to straighten up.
She then lost further ground around the third turn but she too is likely to improve for the look around. A decent starter with huge strength and pace, she is entitled to respect, although containing Durrow Star into the turn is imperative.
CLUB NEEDS TO TAKE FLIGHT
When Flight Club overhauled Ballinabola Joe to win his semi-final, it was just the second victory of his career.
But the son of Good News does boast some exceptional form, including finishing runner-up to Drombeg Banner in last year’s Irish St Leger.
A noted big finisher throughout his career, he looked right at home at Mullingar last week and it would be no real surprise if he were to add to his tally. However, he will face a greater test this afternoon.
From four, he again needs t be at his very sharpest in the early exchanges to turn close enough to make his power count. His owners Mark Connolly and Tom Caughey will be hoping that is the case because he is a threat to all if within striking distance at halfway.
MAGGOT WITH A KIND DRAW
Actindamaggot was somewhat handed his victory in the semi-finals, capitalising as the leaders got in each other’s way around the third and fourth bends.
The Ian Reilly trained Actindamaggot looked far more comfortable around Mullingar and he shot to the front before holding off the renewed challenge of Fleadh Riley.
Tonight, Actindamaggot will be a big price to score for Davi Murtagh but he has the draw in his favour and his presence is a concern for a couple of the others. AS he has proven in recent outings around Shelbourne Park, the son of Ballymac Cashout is capable of going up far faster than he did last week and it would be no shock to see him contesting the early lead. If doing so, you never know what might happen.
DROOPYS MUST ROAR INTO THE TURN
That leads us to the last remaining finalist, Droopy Roar.
A trap to line winner of his semi-final, Morgan Crowley’s son of Droopys Syndey will start the rank outsider of the field but his presence is a concern for favourite backers as he could potentially get in the way of Ballinabola Joe in the opening exchanges.
There is no doubt he will need to step up considerably on his semi-final form but does have the pace to get involved in the early scrimmages. Indeed his 7.05 split in the semis was the fastest of the six finalists.
If he is to cause a shock, Droopys Roar will almost certainly need to turn in front and hope that the others meet traffic problems.
A WONDERFUL FINAL
It’s an intriguing final and one with many possible outcomes but the market seems about right. Given the intricacies of Mullingar, any result is possible but from a logic standpoint, Ballinabola Joe and Durrow Star are the most likely winners.
Slight preference is for Ballinabola Joe in the stripes but he needs to get loose into the turn as nothing will come easy thereafter. The key for Durrow Star is clearing Born To Perform and Actindamaggot into the bend.
If she were to do so, she too would emerge as a serious player. Best of luck to all involved and, don’t forget, if you can’t get to Mullingar, the final can be viewed live at 4.18pm on www.sisracing.tv.