The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
All the Kerry entries for Clonmel assessed
THE DERBY
FOLLOWERS of the leash will make their annual pilgrimage to Clonmel this weekend for the National Coursing meeting which gets underway on Sunday morning. A record number of qualifiers from the county have really added to the excitement leading up to the event, and last Friday nightsvdraw produced some intriguing pairings in the opening rounds in both the Derby and the Oaks.
Boylesportsmagic (formally Ballymac Whisper) heads the market in this season’s Derby, and spearheads a strong challenge from Ballymacelligott handler Liam Dowling. Pitted in a tough opening quarter, he may not have things all his own way however, with the likes of Glanworth qualifier Astounding, the Lisselton owned Lone Tank, Huntingtown (whom he beat in Abbeyfeale) and kennel companion Ballymac Bingo being his main threats for a place in the last four.
The big tie in the opening round of the Derby comes in the second quarter. Cryuff, owned by Tom O’Connor (pictured) and Richard Mee will sport the red collar against the John Moynihan trained
Never A Lie who really caught the eye when booking his ticket at Ballybeggan. It promises to be an intriguing buckle and whoever comes out on top may well have a big say at the business end of the Classic.
Abbedorney qualifier and Corn Na Feile winner Picture looks adequately housed in the third quarter of the event. He may well have to take on Ballymac Hugo (who has been well supported in recent days) for the chance to sport the red collar in the second semi-final. The final quarter looks a very open affair. Possibly, Ballinveala Toro and Durango Johnny look our leading hopefuls.
THE OAKS
THE Owen McKenna trained NewInn Fifi is a worthy favourite for the Oaks. The Listowel qualifier confirmed her Classic credentials when winning the Corn Na Feile Oaks which saw her earn a mark of 7/1. Drawn in the second quarter and spot in the semi-final appears to be in her own destiny.
The opening quarter contains plenty of Kerry qualifiers with Ballymac Enya and Karasova jumping off the sheet as leading contenders. The latter caught the eye when winning her ticket at Ballyduff, however she hasn’t been seen in public since and much focus will be on her opening buckle against Sminky Star.
Ballymac Enya on the other hand has been out three times and has really impressive on all occasions. She possesses a devastating turn off foot and I expect her to progress and take on the favourite in the opening semi-final. Johnny Brosnan has two qualifiers for this season’s renewal. Tailteann Speed looks the pick of the pair and she looks well housed in the third quarter. The well backed Crafty Perfecto looks her biggest threat.
The final quarter is a very open affair. Connections of Tralee qualifier Mannaquin, Tradaree winner Daja Vu and Holyhill Theresa will all fancy their chances.
Castleisland winner Cha Cha Matilda is sure to be favourite to win the quarter, but her rivals will relish the challenge of lowering her colours.