DUBS AND SAM SET FOR SHELBOURNE

FANS of the Dubs will flock to Shelbourne Park this evening where the three-in-a-row AllIreland champions will be the star attractions along with Sam Maguire.

There will be plenty of opportunities to meet the stars and get photographs taken.

You might even back a winner or two and I will put forward the Gerry Melia-trained RouteSixhundred as one that may help to recoup the expenses. Una O’Sullivan’s bitch has fine early pace and may take the first semi-final of an A2 Stake.

The final of the Gain Dog Food Nutrition A3 at Kilkenny is the most valuable contest of the night and Henry Kelly’s Karlow Rocket may be the solution.

The obvious danger will be the Paul Hennessy-trained early pacer Barefoot Banker which was the fastest heat winner last week.

However, the superior stamina of Karlow Rocket may well be the difference between them. Crossleigh Olaf also merits consideration.

The Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Oaks is a traditional end-of-season highlight at Newbridge and the valuable competition commences this evening with four first-round heats.

Local owners have leading prospects in the 525-yard feature and one which will take plenty of beating is Vintage Year (9.15), which is trained by Marie Gilbert for Aidan Comerford.

Early pace is Vintage Year’s forte and she can use it to take the early lead from Fuerty Sue and Canyar.

Ballykett Beauty and Pennys Ponyo can be other local runners worth an interest.