OUTSTANDING ACTION LIKELY IN FAIR WARRIOR

Ian Fortune

After a tremendous opening round, this evening’s second round of the Pat Doran Memorial Fair Warrior Sprint can provide more enthralling action at Mullingar.

Callaway Danny went fastest in the opening round and will look to repeat that run in Heat 2 but he has last year’s winner Gem Friendly to contend with.

MINSTREL TO ROCKET TO THE TURN

One of those on view in the opening heat managed to win their first-round assignments and picking a winner is no easy task although the eye is drawn to the inside trio and Early Payout.

Buddy Bruno, Minstrel Rocket and Arrow Lambo are drawn in one, two and three and each have obvious claims, while Early Payout would be a big player if repeating anything close to his best.

There is little room for error in what looks a competitive heat but slight preference is for Minstrel Rocket. He posted a 6.98 sectional last week and is almost certain to hit the bend in front if reproducing that sort of run. He gets the nod over Buddy Bruno.

DANNY TO LOWER COLOURS OF GEM

Defending champion Gem Friendly is amongst the stars on show in Heat 2.

The defending champion ran well in defeat last week and can come on for the outing. She faces some notable rivals, however. Callaway Danny went faster than any greyhound in the opening round, stopping the clock in a rapid 21.29.

The Owen McKenna trained star is well housed in white as a middle seed and can quickly come to the fore. Others respected include Consolation Laurels winner Microchip. He has a favourable draw on the fence and can certainly get involved if putting his best foot forward. Throw in Rallying Billy and the pacey duo of Tubber Ace and Freeway Bruce and it is quite the contest.

Callaway Danny is chosen to follow up his opening round victory at the expense of Gem Friendly and Microchip.

BROWNE READY TO TAKE OFF

See The Wonder looks an interesting contender in the third heat after producing an impressive display to win last week.

She displayed good early pace before pulling clear last week and has been rewarded with an ideal draw on the fence. However, she faces a much sterner test this time around.

Stonepark Browne is amongst Ireland’s best sprinters and lost nothing in defeat when narrowly denied by Callaway Danny in the opening round. He can come on considerably for his first look at Mullingar and looks a formidable contender.

Glenlara Dubh has been knocking on the door, finishing second in his last two starts over this course and distance, and could be involved again. Bawn Paul, Ardevan Cashman and Mr Moneybags complete the line-up, but the class of the field may prove decisive. With the benefit of that first outing at Mullingar, Stonepark Browne looks exceptionally difficult to oppose.

MIGHTY MAC TO FOLLOW UP

The final heat has the makings of a terrific contest, with opening round scorers Ridgemount Sky, Boltaway Wink and Supa Mac locking horns.

Boltaway Wink was just fastest of the trio last week and is a fluent starter. He seems certain to contest the early lead.

Ridgemount Sky also arrives in good heart. He too has fine pace into the bend but has a little to find on the clock. If she is to score, she needs to contain Boltaway Wink in the opening exchanges.

Supa Mac claimed a narrow victory over Gem Friendly last week, showing real pace and purpose. He gave the impression he could go even faster and is nominated as the one to beat for Paul Hennessy. From a favourable draw in six, he can turn close to the pace before powering own the back straight to the winning line.

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