O’CONNOR JULIAN VETS CASHEL TRI-DISTANCE SET FOR THRILLING CONCLUSION

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by O’Connor Julian Vets Cashel, the €3,000-to-the-winner A2 Tri-Distance concludes at Limerick Greyhound Stadium tonight and connections of all six finalists can have reason for optimism ahead of what looks a wide-open finale.

The final six will step up an additional 25 yards this evening and the testing 600-yard trip looks set to play to the strengths of several contenders. Cormac Doyle holds an extremely strong hand coming into the decider with his ‘Monbeg’ trackers and it was Monbeg Notorious who set the standard in the semi-finals, posting a rapid 31.03, the third-fastest time clocked at the Dock Road circuit behind record holder Thats It Jack. Interestingly, despite that performance, litter brother Monbeg Hero may still go off favourite after posting 29.70 in round one before catching the eye in defeat last weekend, going down by just two lengths to Boardofpeace in 31.22. Indeed, the sons of King Sheeran are both very well drawn in traps three and four respectively and it would come as no surprise to see the litter comrades go toe-to-toe down the back straight. If that proves the case, patrons could be treated to a thrilling contest. Outside of the leading duo, Boardofpeace comes into the final fresh from a fine performance of his own in the semi-finals. Michael Keating’s runner made virtually every yard seven days ago as he repelled the challenge of Monbeg Hero in 31.22. He will don the red jacket tonight and, should he come away racing in similar fashion to his 4.29 start last weekend, he will be bang in the mix at the opening bend. Another with strong claims is Ballyelan Brandy, who is drawn in his favoured striped jacket for Kathy Scanlon. The heavyweight son of Coolavanny Hoffa is without a win in the stake, however, he has caught the eye in defeat and clearly possesses a big engine, as evidenced by his estimated 31.31 clock last weekend. The extra yardage will cause no issues for this tracker and, if he can pull one of his ping starts out of the locker, he could prove a very lively outsider. Another from the stamina set is Deyse Buckley’s Velvet Lagatha in trap two. Like ‘Brandy’, this lady will be flying come the business end of proceedings and connections will hope she can nestle into a favourable position early on. In order for that to happen, she might need to hold onto the coat tails of Boardofpeace early on, but that is easier said than done and she may require some traffic ahead in order to pick up the pieces late on. The remaining finalist is Snuggie Tasha for Myles Cummins in trap five. This lady is the outsider of the six but, after posting 31.43 in defeat last time out, that alone highlights the quality of tonight’s decider. ‘Tasha’ possesses strong pace throughout, however, she will likely need a career-best effort from what looks a tricky draw in five.

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FLOWTECH ACTION ON THE UNDERCARD

On the undercard, the semi-finals of the Flowtech Ireland A4/A5 525, worth €3,000 to the eventual winner, also feature.

Hail Mary was the standout performer in the opening round and Fionnuala, Aoife and Michael O’Meara’s runner looks the one to beat in the opening semi-final. A winner in 28.77 last weekend, the January ’25 pup looks to have a bright future and, now that she has shed her maiden tag, that could prove the catalyst for bigger and better things for the daughter of Dorotas Wildcat. Drawn in five, she will look to stick close to the early-paced runners on the inside before delivering a big finish close home. That said, this is a red-hot contest, with all of the opening-round winners pencilled in together. Seattle Suzi, Rallying Solo and Ballygibbon Lass also notched good victories last weekend and all carry claims. However, it is Boozed Foxy who could prove the biggest threat from a plum draw in red for Paraic Campion. The daughter of Boyhero was just chinned by Hail Mary in the opening round and she will look to turn the tables this time around.

In the second semi-final, Thanks Magic is the selection after catching the eye for John Gerard Cronin last time out. On that occasion, the daughter of Grouchos Duke shipped an opening-bend bump but recovered well to finish third, posting 28.88 in the process. One suspects that, with a clear run, ‘Magic’ could go considerably faster and, given she is only a May ’25 pup, significant improvement can be expected. Of her rivals, the likes of Magicman and Bosra Bono make the most appeal, however, this is an open affair where opinions are sure to be divided.

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