STAGE SET FOR TOP-CLASS CARRICK ALDO NATIONAL PRODUCE STAKES FINALE
Peter Farrell
Kindly sponsored by Tom Glynn, the final of the Carrick Aldo @ Stud National Produce Stakes takes centre stage at Clonmel later tonight and we have a top-class line-up on offer which is fitting of the €20,000 first prize
This prestigious classic has proved hugely competitive and there has been a mixture of thrills and spills throughout with no greyhound managing to really stamp their authority on the event. Faypoint Ranger was the early frontrunner as the reigning Con & Annie Kirby champion staked his claim for back-to-back classics, however, he was luckless in running in the semis and that has subsequently left the door open for what looks a wide-open contest later tonight. The likes of Born Braver and Snazzy Boss have produced the clocks that suggest they lead the way in terms of a potential victor, however, there is quality in abundance throughout the line-up and it wouldn’t come as a surprise should any open the sextet emerge triumphant.
A LOOK AT THE FINALISTS
T1 – TETRA DESTINY (Owner: The-Benalmadena-Syndicate)
This handy white and blue arrives at the final having last tasted victory in an A5/A6 contest back in March. That said, while the son of Ballymac Bolger is going through a lean spell in that regard, he has improved massively in defeat and his semi final estimated clock of 28.47 outlines how far he has come. Now established as a top-class tracker, he has been rewarded for that semi final performance with a fine draw in red and any repeat of a sub 28.50 puts him in contention to play a part. The outsider of the line-up, a career best effort is required but his trajectory is only going one way so don’t be surprised if he makes the frame.
T2 – FLASHING SAFFRON (Owner: C. Armstrong – Trainer: Pat Buckley)
This lady has firmly established herself as one of the leading females in training and although she will make her way to UK shores after completion of tonight’s final, she has certainly left her mark on Irish soil. A blistering early-pacer, the daughter of Grangeview Ten was a sensational winner of a top-class Enniscorthy Unraced and she has carried that form to Clonmel, where has taken to the circuit like a duck to water. Perfectly drawn in trap two, she is expected to dispute early on for connections and given her draw, she could build a sizable lead if any traffic ensues on her outside. A strong player who will attract plenty of market support.
T3 - BLASTOFF HEFFO (Owner: Philip Buckley)
Representing a kennel that has tasted classic success in the past after Blastoff Jet raced to Leger success in 2018, ‘Heffo’ has been a revelation in this event and comes into the final as the only unbeaten runner in the field. The brindle son of Dorotas Wildcat has come from off-the-pace in both rounds to date and he will look to implement a similar tactic tonight with all likelihood that he will not feature early doors. Drawn in three, he must nestle into a favourable position in the early exchanges, however, if getting loose, he will have all rivals looking nervously in their rear-view mirrors. Still improving with just nine starts to his name, Buckley’s charge knows his job and is a lively contender in this valuable decider.
T4 – BORN BRAVER (Owner: Whens-He-Running-Syndicate – Trainer: Jennifer O’Donnell)
A classy individual that blitzed an unraced stake at Thurles back in February of this year. Posting a scorching 28.90 .20s on that occasion around the notoriously tough Thurles track, his engine was clear for all to see and the son of Here Comes Syd has really come of age in the Produce Stakes. Notching 28.45 and 28.38 victories in recent weeks, he played his part in an epic battle with Lemon Joey last time out and although he came out the wrong side of the result, he remains one of the favourites for glory tonight. Despite his inside seed, he looks well-drawn in four and expect a big display from Jennifer O’Donnell’s charge tonight.
T5 – LEMON JOEY (Owner: The-Short-Back-And-Sides- Syndicate – Trainer: Murt Leahy)
An ever-present in several major events in the past eight months, ‘Joey’ needs no introduction having firmly established himself as one of the best in training. A son of Ballymac Best was a beaten favourite in the National Puppy stake at Shelbourne, while he also reached the semi finals of the recent Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick. The brindle has a lovely mixture of early speed to compliment his stamina and he comes into the final having gotten the better of Born Braver last time out. A really determined tracker, who is seeking a ninth career victory tonight, ‘Joey’ will be fancied by many and has that all-important ‘big race’ experience to call upon.
T6 - SNAZZY BOSS (Owner: Denis O’Donohoe – Trainer: Graham Holland)
The favourite coming into the final and rightly so based on his scorching 28.23 effort in the semis. Indeed, the son of Pat C Sabbath has a string of brilliant performances to his name with a 28.48 effort also standing out around Limerick. The heavyweight hasn’t come out of the woodwork, however. He posted 18.76 in a qualifying trial at Enniscorthy, showcasing his clear ability from very early on. Brilliantly drawn in the stripes, another 2.89 sectional can see him dispute at traprise and if getting loose into the back, it will surely be lights out for his rivals. The key to success is outgunning Lemon Joey early on, however, make no mistake that the ‘Boss’ is the real deal and is expected to go close for a kennel seeking a fourth Produce Stakes success.
Verdict – While Snazzy Boss is the right favourite, preference goes to Flashing Saffron to upset the odds in trap two. Pat Buckley has a fine record in recent years in the Produce Stakes having claimed two of the last three runnings with Gaston Pecas and Unanimouspanther and this lady has a lovely make-up in the decider. Unlikely to be challenged on the run-up by her rivals in traps one and three, she can take a commanding lead into the back and hope for some skirmishing in behind. The battle between Lemon Joey and Snazzy Boss is mouth-watering to say the least and whoever comes out on top must enter calculations, while Born Braver is another that should get involved if allowed the racing room. An intriguing final which is sure to split opinion, the vote goes to Flashing Saffron to lead home Born Braver.
*****
KIERAN SNR & HANNA PURCELL MEMORIAL SEMIS
Elsewhere on the card, the semi finals of the Kieran Snr & Hanna Purcell Memorial A4/A5 525 serves as the supporting act.
In the opening semi final, two first round winners in the shape of Bogger Fionn and Black Coco lock horns with the former receiving the narrow vote. Liam Peacock’s runner bounced back from a hefty tumble with a trap-to-line victory last weekend and the son of Glengar Bale is likely to step forward for that confidence booster. Well housed in two, don’t be surprised if he puts up some decent figures if making a similar exit this time around.
In the second semi, it’s all about Dwell Mock as he bids to build on a brilliant 28.66 performance last time out. The son of King Sheeran is difficult to oppose on that form having romped to a six length success, in turn sealing a third win from just five starts. Further improvement is likely as a July pup and he is drawn perfectly in three to make-all.