COMERFORD IN LINE FOR A VINTAGE YEAR

Early pace dominates tonight’s Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Oaks final line-up at Newbridge and the one to be on could be the locally-owned Vintage Year which bounced back to top form with an all-the-way success in the semi-final.

The bitch is owned by Kildare native Aidan Comerford and is trained by Marie Gilbert. She has looked a real star since her first race but had finished second in the first round due to wide running.

Vintage Year made no mistake in the semi-final when she led all the way and held off Next Stop Dublin in a driving finish.

Vintage Year will need to make one of her best starts as she has early pace all around her in traps.

John McGee’s kennel companions Canyar and Down The Green are sure to be involved while Pennys Rey, Next Stop Dublin and the second Gilbert runner Milldean Marie deserve respect. Vintage Year is taken to lead all the way for victory.

News of the Night of Stars to be run tomorrow week at Shelbourne is that entries are flying in for most of the €10,000 races.

However, Derek Frehill reports that entries are scarce for the 750 and 850-yard contests.

There are, as yet, no Britishtrained entries for these two races due to the clash with the TV Trophy heats at Towcester. However, entries don’t close until Monday and things can change dramatically.

Ger Kiely’s Airmount Tess had no luck in Wednesday’s final of the UK St Leger at Perry Barr when she met traffic problems early and she finished at the rear behind Rubys Rascal. Tess is likely to defend her 750-yards title at the Night of Stars.