A SPECIAL NIGHT LIKELY AT KILKENNY

Ian Fortune

All the hard work, dedication and loyal support shown by those involved in Kilkenny Track will pay real dividends this evening when they officially open their newly refurbished grandstand and facilities.

Kilkenny on a Friday night is always worth a visit but this evening could be a bit special.

Aside from the celebratory atmosphere and reasons to party, the action on the track is also of a very high standard with a number of finals and a valuable Open 525. Sober Barry looks the part in the latter on his return to the scene of his McCalmont Cup triumph.

Drawn in two, he can show his trademark early speed to get first run on a talented field which includes the talented Droichead Nua, recent Select Stakes champion Bogger Bob and the very capable trio of Tetra Destiny, Droopys Orator and Sawdust Barry.

CLIFF CAN TAKE A2 DECIDER

There’s an impressive €2,000 on offer to the winner of the Carl Rotheram Electrical A2 decider and all six have strong claims.

There is very little between the six on semi-final clocks and much will come down to the start and opening bend.

Arrigle In has a perfect draw on the fence, will finish fast and seems likely to get involved at the finish, but whether she can get to the leaders has yet to be seen. Gortkelly John will go up fast from three and could get first run but All About Craic and Ballyhooly Cliff are both going the right way and emerged on top last week. Alight preference is for Ballyhooly Cliff in the stripes.

CASH TO PROVE TOO STRONG

The final of the Martin Fortune Memorial is the fifth race on the card and Paulstown Cash will be hard to beat after a superb semi-final display.

He posted a rapid 28.90 and a repeat of that form would almost certainly allow him emerge on top again. His near neighbour in five, Hamilton is the main threat after he too went fast in the semi-finals. 

DEADLY TO SERVE UP AN ACE

Deadly Ace is the one to beat in the final of the Peter Meaney Memorial ON2 525.

Representing the Karol Ramsbottom/ Gary Hannon combo, the son of Signet Ace was an easy winner of his semi-final in a standard-setting 29.48 and seems likely to go even faster. Should he trap on terms, he can assert into the bend before powering clear to see off Spudz Are Rotten.