‘BIGMIKE’ TO RESUME BAR ONE DOMINATION

A BELOW-PAR performance last week brought about the end of his ten-race unbeaten record but super sprinter Ballymac Bigmike is a confident selection to resume winning ways in the second semi-final of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk this evening.

Trainer Robert Gleeson reports that Ballymac Bigmike (9.20) is ready to do himself justice in the semi-final. It is not an easy task with the likes of Pat Buckley’s Alfies Diamond and John McGee’s fastest third round winner Nothing To Hide among his rivals but if Ballymac is in top form he is virtually unopposable. He can lead home Alfies Diamond.

Betting on the first semi will be much more open and Gleeson has another leading hope in the Willie Hyslop-owned Toolmaker

Scot (9.05). He was only beaten a length and a half by Bigmike in the second round and then last week got up late when beating Catunda Dubai.

Toolmaker’s big rivals should be English Derby finalist Lenson Rocky, Laughil Ace and Maytown Flavour but Toolmaker has the class to stamp his authority in the early stages.

The 2016 Night of Stars was launched yesterday and the date is Saturday, November 12. This is the fourth year of the Night Of Stars and the format will be very much the same with eight championship races, each boasting a winner’s prize of €10,000.

The event is funded jointly via race sponsorship, IGB Grants and the sale of Grandstand Restaurant tickets at €100 each. The ticket entitles you to pre-racing reception, four-course dinner and wine and guaranteed restaurant seating.