SECRET CAN SOLVE THE BAR 1 BETTING IRISH SPRINT CUP PUZZLE
Ian Fortune
The Bar 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup will come to a conclusion at Dundalk this evening and the stage is set for a spectacular contest.
Over the past four weeks there have been many superb displays and quite a few shocks and the door is open for more of the same this evening.
After a wonderful semi-final run, Montana Secret has been installed a warm favourite with the sponsors Bar 1 Betting but nothing can be taken or granted with many of those in the line-up capable of making a bold bid.
SECRET A DESERVING FAVOURITE
Montana Secret is of course a half brother to former champion and track record holder Broadstrand Syd.
They have many similar qualities and he is a deserving market leader for Johnny Linehan and owners Barry and Martin O’Reilly.
It’s easy forget that prior to the classic, Montana Secret had never raced over two bends and his progression through the classic has been notable. He has gone faster than any of his rivals over the 400yd trip, posting a rapid 20.89 in the second round and again dipped under the 21 second barrier in the semi-finals.
While not always the fastest starter, his pace into the bend and ability to maintain a powerful gallop to the line has seen him relish the stiff test at Dundalk. If he does trap on terms this evening, he is likely to have too much for Barefoot On Fire on his inner and is then perfectly positioned on the inner of his main rivals. That is why he is nominated as the one to beat.
BOMBS AWAY FOR NINA
Jack Kennelly has made quite a name for himself with sprinters in recent years.
He has another class act in the form of Bomber Nina and she is seen as a serious threat to Montana Secret. Remarkably, she only came into the competition as an opening round reserve but she has really come into her own over the past weeks.
A good starter with fine pace into the bend and the strength to get home and beyond, she has obvious claims, although a trap five draw is perhaps not ideal. But don’t be surprised if she does shoot from five and quickly put herself in the mix.
TIERMANA CAN START TO DREAM
Tiermana Dream has become one of the best and most consistent sprinters in training.
The Colm Fitzgerald trained Treaty Cup champion was flawless in the early rounds winning his opening and second round assignments in an identical 20.96.
He seems to have forgotten his trapping boots in his subsequent starts, however. He will need to have them on this evening as he is drawn a little wider than ideal in the stripes of six. Have no doubt, the razor-sharp son of Ballyhimikin Jet is a big player but he needs to be lively at boxes to put himself in the firing line from the start.
BILLY NEEDS ANOTHER FLYING START
Rallying Billy produced a career best effort in the semi-finals when rocketing from boxes to make every inch.
In victory he was claiming just his second career success and, if he is to follow up, he will need a flying start from three.
Chris Delaney and Dan Flynn will know that is possible, however. Indeed, his semi-final run is a blueprint for what he needs to do. On that occasion, Looking Splendid and Tiermana Dream did show more pace into the turn but neither could get back on terms, allowing Rallying Billy to kick on from the second bend.
BRUNO RUNNING WELL
Buddy Bruno and Barefoot On Fire are the outsiders in the line-up but both have quality.
Buddy Bruno races like a four-bend greyhound taking on sprinters. He is capable of breaking smartly but tends to get a little outpaced into the bend before running on well.
He will win many races before his career ends but the sole puppy in the line up will need a little luck if he is to triumph for David and Anna Murray and Michael Malone.
WILY VETERAN STILL HAS FIRE IN HIS BELLY
Barefoot On Fire is running like a wily veteran should.
He is well into his fifth year but Martin Lanney has him purring. Of course, Lanney won the classic in the past with Johnny Gatillo but it would be something of a shock if Barefoot On Fire was to come home in front.
That said, he did post a quick 21.13 behind Montana Secret last week and was only beaten two and a quarter lengths. The experience of the son of Grangeview Ten has been evident. He has largely avoided traffic through the classic and seems to know the right part of the race to put his foot down. From an inside draw,. He could again mind his footing around the turn before charging home. It is certainly possible he could make the frame.
A WONDERFUL CONTEST
It’s a wonderful contest with numerous possible outcomes but the draw is very much in favour of Montana Secret.
If he minds himself at traps and comes away on terms, he should be in the perfect position to strike.
Bomber Nina is greatly respected despite a tough draw, while Tiermana Dream would also be a big player if finding his trapping boots. The best of luck to all involved.