NOVICE DECIDER THE FEATURE AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

The final of the December Monthly Novice ON2 is the feature of tonight’s ten-race card at Shelbourne Park and Ardera Harvey will be very difficult to contain if repeating last week’s semi-final effort.

Trained by Dale Deakin for Pat McCullagh and Alan Briggs, the promising son of Head Bound took off on a very slow track. Easing clear of his rivals after a slick exit, he emerged five lengths clear in 29.38 on a track conservatively rated .50 slow.

It would be no surprise if he were to go even faster than the estimated 28.88 this evening. Standing in his way are the likes of Danikas Sapphire, Rolo Kate and Razldazl Tully. Danikas Sapphire was very impressive in the opening round and ran a huge race in defeat last week. She clearly has a big engine and a bright future and could emerge a serious threat if starting on terms.

Rolo Katie has looked professional in both her starts to date, making all on both occasions. She has a bit to find on the clock but remain open to much improvement, while Razldazl Tully was five lengths behind Ardera Harvey last week but did clock 29.00 in his opening round assignment. He has a tough draw to overcome in five but can’t be ignored.

Ardera Harvey remains the choice but he may not have things as easy as first predicted. The presence of the early paced Fancy Fada on his inside means he will need to be on his toes in the opening yards. Danikas Sapphire is nominated as the main danger.