PRODUCE STAKES ACTION CONTINUES AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

Swords Diamond sent out a warning shot in the opening round of the National Produce Stakes last weekend and Graham Holland’s tracker will bid to make it three straight victories when he lines out in the opening heat tonight.

Owned by Barbara Lowndes, Swords Diamond soared around the Suirside circuit to post an incredible 28.14 last weekend, blitzing his rivals by some eight lengths on the night. Indeed, the son of Swords Rex showed his ability over the two-bend trip prior to that as he clocked 18.54 around Shelbourne, however, he went to an entirely new level last weekend. On that occasion, the September pup was far superior to his rivals in respect of the clock and despite lining out in a red-hot contest tonight, should have enough to prevail. Indeed, the battle to the bend could prove decisive, with Scooby Marquess amongst his rivals, and one who was quicker to the third-bend last weekend. On that occasion, the Jennifer O’Donnell-trained charge posted 15.81 for the first 300-yards, a lightning-fast return from Steve Noble’s tracker. Drawn in two, he could well prove a thorn in the side of Swords Diamond if the latter has any slip-ups early doors. Jaykay Fly and Cushie Flytplan, two trackers that went deep in the recent Kirby, also have claims. The former is very well housed in one and is capable of posting huge figures if allowed a clear passage. Carol O’Riordan’s runner, trained by Paul Hennessy has been luckless with trap draws in recent weeks, however, this is a chance to lay down a real marker for the Kirby fourth. Cushie Flytplan, meanwhile, is also bidding for back-to-back wins in the classic. The Michael O’Donovan-trained black posted a fine 28.48 from off-the-pace, suggesting he has plenty more to come. He is boxed in between Scooby Marquess and Swords Diamond, however, so will need to be paw-perfect to prevail. Ardfert Sam and Riverside Rex are the remaining runners, both class animals in their own respect. The latter in particular ran Shotgun Dez really close last time out but needs to negotiate a tricky draw in five.

HEAT WATCH

Vivaro Warrior was a brilliant winner on night one for Kenneth Busteed and he is the one to beat in heat two. The son of Deerjet Sydney made every post a winner in 28.42 on that occasion and the fawn is well-drawn in trap three to clear his inside rivals. Should that be the case, the pacey fawn can make it four wins from just nine starts. Powerhouse Major continues to show plenty of ability and is again selected to make the frame for John Coleman, while Canya What is a potential leader in this contest and wouldn’t need to improve too much on her first-round performance in order to advance.

Droopys Winsome was another runaway winner of his opening round heat and the improving July whelp is expected to go very close in heat three. A son of Pestana, he sealed a fourth win from seven starts when posting 28.42, which was one of the performances of the night as he galloped to an emphatic six length victory. Drawn in trap two tonight, he will likely be doing his best work late but has the draw to nestle into a favourable position early on. Berlin Trilogy isn’t having too much luck with the draw for Mark and Michael O’Donovan. He is again poorly housed in four, however, has buckets of early speed which could see him dictate on this occasion. A big run is definitely on the horizon for this brindle star and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him cross over in front. Of the others, Alien Bat showed enough to suggest there is more to come and can make the frame if stepping up on his first race at Clonmel last time out.

The final heat of the second round will see two of Graham Holland main players lock horns, however, it’s difficult to make a case for Newinn Spot based on prior outings. The son of Tommy Shelby looked a real star in the Rural Kennels Unraced, however, hasn’t been the same greyhound since and while time is certainly on his side, others are preferred in this contest. His kennel companion, Shotgun Dez, made a winning return to racing last weekend and was flawless in posting 28.61. Although he notably tired late on, his early speed was exceptional and is the one to beat from trap four. Also involved in this contest is Hackney Dancer, who won in 28.62 last Friday night. Another from the Michael O’Donovan kennel, he is on the immediate outside of Newinn Spot in two, so will need to win that particular battle if he is to land the spoils. Out wide we have Sawdust Barry, who ran a big race in defeat last time out and could be a value bet for Murt Leahy and The-Chissel-Syndicate.