FIGHT TO THE FINISH
DUNDALK stages two qualifiers this evening for the AllWeather Finals on Good Friday.
The winner of the 8.30 is guaranteed a free start in the £200,000 Betway Easter Classic at Lingfield on April 14 – something not lost on Mark Johnston who runs Fire Fighting.
The six-year-old came second in the 2016 Easter Classic, having qualified at Dundalk the previous autumn. He has been absent since August but that does not worry Charlie Johnston, the trainer’s son.
“It is something new to Fire Fighting having a break, that’s for sure,” he said yesterday.
“He ran every fortnight for two years and finally had a little problem at the back-end of last summer. That meant an enforced ® break and he has come back well from that and seems in great form.
“It is a long way to go for your first start of the year, but the race looked a good option for him because he comes out top on ratings and has obviously gone well around Dundalk before.
Longest
“This is the longest break he has had since he was a two-year-old, so there is a danger he might be a bit ring-rusty. He’s showing all the right signs at home, though. Pat Smullen rides.”
Fire Fighting’s rivals include Elbereth – third in the Group One Premio Jockey Club last autumn – Pique Sous and Elleval.
Gordon Lord Byron goes for a fourth course success in the Download The Award-Winning At The Races App Race (7.30) over six furlongs.
James Given sends Sign Of The Kodiac over in the hope he will qualify for the £150,000 Betway Sprint on Finals Day.
Five go to post for tomorrow’s £150,000 Betway Marathon qualifier at Lingfield.
Johnston runs Isharah which reeled off a hat-trick of wins in handicaps at Newcastle and Southwell in December and January.
“Isharah has had a really good winter,” said his son and assistant. “He has quite a bit to find with Vettori Rules and Winterlude, but it looked worth having a go at. Even if he runs well in defeat, he should hopefully qualify through that route. Better still if he wins.”