‘PATRIOT’ TO DOMINATE MARATHON FINAL

CAUGHT in the closing yards last year, Jaytee Patriot is set to make amends in the final of the Best Car Parks Marathon over 1,025 yards at Shelbourne Park this evening.

A year ago Jaytee went clear and looked an assured winner until collared on the run-in by Roxholme Magic. The winner couldn’t defend her title this year due to injury and Jaytee Patriot looks set to collect at the second time of asking.

On semi-final form, the Paul Hennessy-trained Jaytee has some eight lengths in hand over his final opponents and if he can repeat the 59.08 run of last week, he should be well on his way to victory. English challenger Incredible Flyer is a likely leader while Ardilaun Suzie and Danozos Dream will be the big stayers.

The odds are that Jaytee Patriot (9.40) will provide trainer Hennessy with his first ever victory in the competition, while Danozos Dream and Ardilaun Suzie can complete the placings.

Marginally the most valuable race of the night is the T. Nolan Kingdom Derby final at Tralee and the layers might be persuaded to use plenty of chalk!

Likely market leader is the Owen McKenna-trained Holycross Lad but he will be crying out for the line and it could well be that model of consistency Coolavanny Mason (9.57) will come through to win it for Pat Buckley.

It could be quite a night for Buckley as he has Austin Whelan-owned Droopys Dargle

(9.20) contesting the final of the O’Leary’s Driving School Open

575 final at Curraheen. Droopys is not well drawn in five but can pick her way through the field to hit the front in the closing stages.