STICK WITH RIP IN OLD CREAMERY BAR HOSPITAL DECIDER AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

There may only be nine races on offer at Limerick later tonight, however, it’s a case of quality over quantity as two sweepstake finals go down for decision, the feature of which is the €2,500 to the winner Old Creamery Bar Hospital AO 525, kindly sponsored by Al Fitzgerald.

This competition has produced some mouth-watering performances over the past three weeks and heading into the decider, it’s difficult to pinpoint a solid favourite. Foxwood Rip is the only unbeaten runner coming into the final and he has been in terrific form for Denis McGrath. The son of Bockos Jon Joe is very consistent on the clock and he has an added advantage of being drawn in trap one for a fourth successive outing. A string of 1.30 sectionals suggest that ‘Rip’ will dispute early on and if he can control the inside on the run-up, he will take some stopping given his strong galloping style from halfway. That said, he has plenty of rivals and Highview Ben tops the bill for in-form trained Paraic Campion. The classy son of Pat C Sabbath has produced 28.37 and 28.41 in his two starts and he is running at the peak of his powers of late. Owned by the VHR-Syndicate, he has consistently broken the 1.30 sectional barrier in recent starts and should he take another ping start in four, it will make for a fascinating encounter with Foxwood Rip on the inside. Far from a two-dog affair however, the outside duo of Torpedo Turtle and Rich Pursuit cannot be discounted. The latter, trained by Francis Murray, has really taken to her Limerick surroundings having arrived as a stranger to the Munster venue. The strapping daughter of Droopys Sydney has caught the eye on multiple occasions with her swashbuckling finishes that has seen her difficult to keep out of the qualifying positions. Murray’s charge is capable of posting 28.40 herself, however; and should there be any traffic early on, which is a possibility given the early speed on the inside, she is the most likely to pick up the pieces. Torpedo Turtle, meanwhile, is getting better and better with every outing at Limerick. Trained by Jack Kennelly for The-Big-Boohaw-Syndicate, the brindle son of Ballymac Vic has 28.23 to his name around HQ and it’s easy to see why in recent starts. That said, he has been handed a horrible draw in five and he will need to ping out in order to play a part. Of the remainder, Gulleen Ina got back to her best last time out for Timothy Gilbourne when posting an estimate of 28.58. This lady could prove the key to the race given she is a lightning starter that could prove a thorn in the side of Highview Ben early on. However, this could also see her the meat in the sandwich on the run-up with the Starson Frankie also capable of a flying start in two. The latter has posted a red-hot 28.25 in the past around Limerick and Pat O’Connell will also fear none of his rivals coming into the decider. Drawn in trap two, his chances will be decided in the first few strides of the contest, however, it would be unwise to rule out the classy son of Explosive Boy.

In conclusion, this is a brilliant final that is sure to divide opinion but the vote goes the way of the in-form Foxwood Rip in trap one. Denis McGrath’s charge will benefit from a plumb draw in red and it’s difficult to oppose a greyhound that has won very handsomely in each round to date. In terms of the main threat, Rich Pursuit has gone under the radar up to this point and she will be primed to capitalize on any potential traffic at the opening bend.

HEFFO TO BLASTOFF

Prior to the main event, the final of the Limerick Stadium ON2/3 525 serves as the supporting act and Blastoff Heffo is the selection to go one better than his second place finish on debut.

The son of Dorotas Wildcat failed to justify his 4/5 starting price on debut, however, he showed enough in defeat to suggest he will strip with much more knowledge under his sheet this time around. The brindle looks a very promising type and expect a more polished performance from Philip Buckley’s charge from trap four tonight. Kevinsfort Homer ranks as the main threat for trainer John Byrne having held off Blastoff Heffo last time out and he is well drawn in three to again dictate proceedings.