BROWNE SET FOR FAIR WARRIOR GLORY

Ian Fortune

There’s a wonderful card on offer at Mullingar this evening with a number of finals up for decision, although the undoubted standout is the final of the Pat Doran Memorial Fair Warrior Open 400 which features some very talented sprinters.

Of course, favourite to land tonight’s valuable prize is Stonepark Browne. Amongst Ireland’s best sprinters for the best part of two years, he has really taken to Mullingar and comes into tonight’s €5,000 to the winner decider on the back of two stunning performances.

His latest 21.06 return is the joint second fastest time ever recorded for the 400yd trip and a repeat of that form would surely see him emerge triumphant for Michael O’Dwyer and Michael O’Donovan. The son of Malachi is perfectly housed on the fence and fully deserves to head the market but in greyhound racing, especially top-grade sprinting, nothing can be taken for granted.

DANNY AND CASHMAN RACE FROM THE MIDDLE

A missed start or an early bump could throw this contest wide-open and there is enough quality amongst the five remaining competitors to make things very interesting.

Callaway Danny actually lowered the colours of Stonepark Browne in the opening round and is seen as the main threat from three.

Importantly, he is drawn on the immediate inside of Ardevan Cashman. The latter forced his way up the inside of Callaway Danny last week but may struggle to do so tonight. Should Callaway Danny produce one of his famed fast starts, he could really put it up to Stonepark Browne into the bend.

Ardevan Cashman is respected but he needs to rocket from four if he is to follow up his 12-1 semi-final success. John Cunningham will be hoping his charge can produce something extraordinary.

Rallying Billy has been running well without getting his head in front. He is drawn between Stonepark Browne and Callaway Danny. He may need a little luck but the draw could work in his favour if he sits in behind the pair. Any trouble up front and Rallying Billy could be in the perfect position on the fence to strike.

DUBH AND MAC COMPLETE THE LINE-UP

Glenlara Dubh and Supa Mac complete the line-up.

Much like Rallying Billy, Glenlara Dubh has yet to win in the stake despite running well. He needs an electric start and luck to get to the front in the decider.

In contrast, Supa Mac won both his opening and second round assignments. The Paul Hennessy trained tracker is racing like a four-bend greyhound taking on sprinters, often powering home to get involved late. He may struggle to match the principals to the bend, but would be a big player of somehow finding a way to turn close into the back straight.

It’s a fascinating contest but everything revolves around Stonepark Browne. If putting his best foot forward, he should win. Callaway Danny is seen as the main threat with Rallying Billy and Supa Mac nominated to fight it out for third.

QUALITY UNDERCARD

The remainder of the Mullingar card is packed with quality fare including the consolation final of the Fair Warrior.

Boltaway Wink stands out as the one to beat in the contest, especially if producing one of his trade-mark flying exits.

The Hawkfield Ozark @ Stud ON2 525 features some nice types but Tigress Tillie will be a hot favourite after a stunning debut last weekend. From an ideal draw on the fence, she can double her tally for Padraig Costello.

The action at Mullingar gets underway at 7.50pm.