Sarah Buckley
This week we welcome Sarah Buckley from the hugely influential Limerick based family with English, Irish and Derby Scottish victories among their successes.
With a dad, uncle and grandad all successful in the doggie game, Sarah has been bred, reared and schooled to know her hounds.
Sponsor betting: 7-4 Coolavanny Hoffa, 4-1 Ballymac Finn, 7-1 Callaway Pro Am, 8-1 Borna Warrior, 10-1 Crafty Kokoro, Maries Wedding, 14-1 Explosive Boy, 25-1 Droopys Nice One, 50-1 Cryptopunk, Skywalker Barry, 66-1 Gortkelly Nestor
The story so far . . .
What a terrific first semi-final we have in store. This line-up, rivals that of a derby final.
Clocking a 16.88 sectional Coolavanny Hoffa looks the one to beat. Hoffa may not get it all his own way on the outside if the other wide seed, Born Warrior breaks smartly. Born Warriors tendency to swing wide around the last turn may be his fragility when things should be unfolding towards the crucial stages of the race. If Callaway Pro Am gets away on the inside, we may be in for a treat reliving that third-round buckle between himself and Hoffa. The Corn Cuchulainn winner Crafty Kokoro, is only getting stronger with each run and after a showstopping performance in the third round proves she can certainly play her part at the head of affairs if not make the final. Cryptopunk may just be squeezed for room early and be denied a spot in the final. Explosive Boy nearer the fence should certainly lead the inside, but can he repel all challengers when the going gets tough?
With trap four now being vacant, all eyes will be on the red box housing Ballymac Finn. Both Finn and his litter sister Maries Wedding have got a perfect draw. Ballymac Finn dug deep in his quarter final heat after again showing explosive early pace, then holding off Skywalker Barry & Gortkelly Nestor. Barry a multiple big race finalist could once again put himself in the biggest decider of them all. One to watch on the outside who should get plenty of racing room will be Droopys Nice One who finishes strong for trainer Murt Leahy and will be picking up the pieces for any mistakes from the leading candidates. My trio for the second semi-final will favour the younger three in this field, Ballymac Finn, Maries Wedding and Droopys Nice One.
