Shutthe Backdoor can capitalise from a terrific make-up in the final of the Gain Select Stakes over 525 yards at Waterford on Saturday.
Brendan Matthews’ Derby semi-finalist is drawn on the fence in a field of six railers. Last week he set the standard with 28.30sec in his first race at the track after coming into the event as one of three ‘invited’ runners, therefore not having to qualify from the opening round.
He is expected to rail into the lead at the opening bend and go beyond recall.
Ian Reilly’s Juvenile Derby runner-up Hee Haws Sheriff is generally the second favourite for the prestigious decider.
Last week he hit the front off the third turn before appearing to cramp on the run-in and just held on to a qualifying place when third to Tynwald Rodney.
If he can make his usual fast break he will be major player.
Pat Buckley’s 2014 St Leger winner Paradise Silva is a big runner. This year’s Dundalk International winner scored in the opening round in 28.37sec and did well to almost reel in an out and gone Shutthe Backdoor last week.
Phillip Gough’s Local runner Go Dex Go will have plenty of support despite drawing trap six. He clocked the quickest time of the first round with 28.33sec but that was from an inside draw.
Peter Cronin’s Tynwald Rodney ran a cracker last week when coming from almost last to first to win in 28.50sec.
The Mulvaney Memorial 600 runner-up is not the most reliable starter and faces a tricky draw in five.
Murt Leahy’s outsider Lemon Miley seldom runs a bad race but this is a big ask.
1 Shutthe Backdoor 5-2
2 Lemon Miley 8
3 Paradise Silva 3
4 Hee Haws Sheriff 9-4
5 Tynwald Rodney 12
6 Go Dex Go 6
There’s more to GAIN
