BIG DERBY CROWD EXPECTED AT KILKENNY

Ian Fortune

It’s Derby night in Kilkenny.

A huge crowd is likely to pour through the stiles ahead of the action with Thomastown Gaa also hosting a benefit. There are four finals on the card but the undoubted feature is the final of the Lennies Derby A1 525.

The famous competition has provided some outstanding action over the past three weeks and it’s somewhat fitting that tonight’s €10,000 to the winner decider is a wide-open affair with each of the six contenders holding strong claims.

ENGLISH DOUBLE-HANDED

Mick English has unfinished business in the competition.

After going so close last year, finishing second with Mission Control, the duo are back and aiming to go one better. English is actually doubly represented with Da Bould Johnjoe completing his team.

Mission Control is the eldest finalist by a margin but retains all his ability. The powerful son of Daves Mentor flew home in each of his three runs in the prelims, winning his second round assignment in 28.91 (.40slow).

Last weekend, he ran on well to finish a close second to Rallying Billy and no matter the result this evening he seems assured to be involved at the business end. Much will depend on how close he can turn, but he has pace and strength to get involved.

Da Bould Johnjoe is perfectly housed on the fence. He led from the outset in the semi-finals and will bid to do so again, although the presence of Rallying Billy in two is far from ideal. If he is to come home in front, Da Bould Johnjoe must hold his neighbour into the turn before asserting as they hit the back straight.

BILLY WILL LOOK TO DICTATE

Irish Sprint Cup finalist Rallying Billy has shown terrific early speed through the competition.

He has also shown improved strength with each outing. Chris Delaney will be hoping to get his charge out front again. If doing so, the son of Ballymac Cashout could make a bold bid for glory, although he will be vulnerable from the third turn.

SILVERSTAR MUST FIND THE GAPS

Group Silverstar may have been a big price in the semis but ran a fine race in second for David Hanley.

A young son of Ballymac Cashout, he is quite strong. His best hope for success is to chase around the inside duo before launching his challenge in the second half of the contest. Certainly, given the make-up of the contest, it would be no surprise to see him hit the frame.

RANGER ANOTHER BIG FINISHER

Mystical Ranger is built in a similar mould.

He turned last in each of his last two starts only to come home at speed. The David Flanagan trained son of Grangeview Ten will finish fast but needs to find closer to the pace if he is to cause a surprise.

BOB THE VALUE OPTION?

Kilgraney Bob completes the line-up.

The joint youngest finalist alongside Group Silverstar, he is an all-rounder. The Thomas Buggy trained son of Ballymac Cashout moves well from start to finish and looks well housed in the stripes as a wide seed.

If finding a good start, there’s every chance he could turn close to the pace, putting him in a position to challenge in the closing yards.

CONTROL GETS THE NOD

It’s a fascinating contest and one with numerous potential outcomes.

Rallying Billy is chosen to dictate the pace but can he shake off Da Bould Johnjoe early enough? If he doesn’t, he would be a sitting duck in the second half of the contest.

Kilgraney Rob could represent value on the outside of the track, but Mission Control is due a turn and is selected to arrive late and fast to claim the richest prize of his wonderful career.