The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Octane Wonder will hope Kyle Mozart hits bum note
GREENMOUNT Racecourse in Limerick is the place to be for all greyhound enthusiasts this weekend as the Irish Cup brings the curtain come down on what has been a tremendous season for the sport of coursing.
A select field of 64 will do battle for the blue riband event with Kerry owned runners featuring prominently in the ante-post market. The layers have installed Octane Wonder the market leader at 6/1, but the Mossie O’Connor trained runner has been pitted against his fierce rival Kyle Mozart in the opening buckle. The Tom Nolan owned runner boasts a 100% success rate between the pair with two wins from two meetings. Both wins came at Abbeyfeale in the finals of the TS last term and more recently in the Corn Na Feile All Age last December.
Kyle Mozart was just touched off by Howdododo in the final of the Champion Stakes at the National meeting in the intermittent period and no doubt Michael Field will have his charge fully wound up for this mouth watering opening round buckle. Octane Wonder’s season has very much been focused on a tilt at the Irish Cup and if he arrives at his best he should have too much in the tank for his illustrious rival.
While the tie between Octane and Kyle is the stand out buckle in the first quarter of the event, there are also some leading contenders among the remaining 14.
Dan Brassil is double handed with Killacolla Jet and Ashmore Rocket. The latter failed to sparkle at this seasons Derby and faces a difficult opening assignment against current Kingdom Cup winner Skellig Shane. Essential runs for Tadgh Sullivan and is capable of upsetting the odds in his opener against Wallace Banner. Tory Hill Denzel is the sole entry for Tarbert’s John Flynn while Galevalley Hero will need to improve on his recent outings to feature against his more illustrious rivals.
Wiseguy Mark is an interesting entrant in the second quarter for Lixnaw’s Paudie Lyons. The Derby semi-finalist produced some lung bursting runs at Powerstown 4 weeks ago and a repeat of that form should see him firmly in the mix. The layers are keeping him on-side at odds of 10/1. He faces the Charlie Farrelly/ Sean Counihan owned Kerry Abu in the opener. Connections of Ballinveala Yolo will be hoping that their charge can build on his bold showing in this season’s Derby where he reached the last 8. Smearla Dresden should improve from his two runs in the Derby but he will need to do everything right if he is to get the better of Needham Eoin. The winner will most likely face the Michael McMahon trained Domain King in Rd 2. He excelled when claiming the main event at Listowel this term.
Edward O’Sullivan’s Ever So Magic has a good turn of early foot and if he pops out in front of Kyle Bruce he may well produce the shock of the opening round. Tell me more lies will once again cross swords with Drive On Smokey, and it’s a buckle that should go right down to the final stride. Walk In my shoes is another who should benefit from the flat running surface of Greenmount and the draw has been kind to the Castleisland owned runner.
Carmac Chaos was most unlucky not to get the flag in Rd 3 of this seasons Derby, and the Gearoid Carmody owned runner may well emerge as the surprise package in a competitive final quarter. Battle of the boyne delivered for Kathleen and Donal O’Connell at Lixnaw earlier in the season and he’s a dog you right off at your pearl. He faces a tough opener against Manntan Manor, but don’t be surprised if he turns the formbook on its head here.
The action gets underway on Friday with an 11am start.
Order of Running
FRIDAY: Once through Irish Cup (Interval) Once through Patsy Byrne Select Bitch Stake, Earl of Dunraven Kilgobbin Dog Puppy Stake, Cu Chulainn Bar Bitch Puppy Stake and Kyle Invitational Champion Working Members Stake.
SATURDAY: Second round Irish Cup. First round Woodlands House Hotel Irish Purse. (Interval) Third round Irish Cup, second round Select Bitch Stake, second round Irish Purse and first round Bill Chawke Irish Plate.
SUNDAY: Commence with second round Champion Working Members Stake, first round Surplus Stake, second round Bitch Puppy Stake, second round Dog Puppy Stake, third round Select Bitch Stake, third round Irish Purse, second round Irish Plate and fourth round Irish Cup (Interval) Complete all semi-finals (Interval) Complete all finals.