Laughil Duke and Ballydoyle Honey produced one of the epic races around Shelbourne Park last week in the Billy Mulvaney Senior and Junior 600 heats and the pair can go their separate ways and land the two semi-finals over 600 yards at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.
Laughil Duke made virtually all the running to hold Ballydoyle Honey by a head in 31.91sec, which was 19 spots inside the old record set by Sparta Maestro.
Pat Guilfoyle’s runner is up against some useful rivals in the shape of Highview Apollo, who won his heat in 32.15sec and Ballyhooley Henry, who ran well during the Derby and finished a close second to 32.19sec winner Samiya last week but he is expected to prevail.
Sporting Press Oaks winner Ballydoyle Honey can take the opening semi-final.
Graham Holland’s bitch suffered a form dip over recent months but looks back to her best over the past two weeks and can soon be in control.
Samiya, a member of the same litter, looks the main danger.
Robert Gleeson’s bitch made all last week to hold Ballyhooley Henry in 32.19sec and is an improving type.
Last year’s Derby finalist Vulturi is another to throw into the mix.
