Five Derby finalists pursue Cup

NO fewer than five of last year’s BoyleSports Irish Derby finalists figure in the first round draw of the Ladbrokes Easter Cup and should generate huge excitement at Shelbourne Park this evening.

The Easter Cup has been running since 1928 but this year’s event must rank with the best ever run and some massive times are anticipated over the next few weeks.

Top billing this evening goes to the James Robinsontrained, Eamon Cleary-owned Ballyanne Sim and the reigning Derby champion has been handed a really difficult task with Slippy Cian and Droopys Davy among his fourth-heat rivals.

In last year’s Derby final Sim was pursued closest by Magical Bale and Pat Guilfoyle’s powerhouse is due to run in the third heat. He is my idea of the likely eventual winner of this stake and he can show the way to Clonbrien Prince and Totos Park.

Jaytee Yankee and Blastoff Jet have been withdrawn from their heats but it is expected that reserves will take their places.