The close proximity of the Chelsea Glass Trainers Championship meeting seems to have kiboshed the Coral Golden Sprint undercard on Friday writes Floyd Amphlett.
Only six of the supporting opens filled, the remainder of the meeting will be propped up with graded races.
Racing manager Peter O’Dowd said: “I am bitterly disappointed but it is perhaps a sign of the times.
“There is a great demand on open racers at the moment, though the Trainers Championship meeting has almost certainly cost us runners, particularly with Paul (Young) and Mark (Wallis).
“It’s a pity because I think it is a cracking final and with the exception of Evanta Fantasy, most of the big names made it through.
“The draw would seem to favour the red (You Never Listen), particularly because Lough Messi (T2) spent part of his career as a wide runner and should certainly give her some room.
“But I have a sneaky feel that Rab (McNair) will pull something out of the hat with Leamaneigh Turbo.
“He’s an absolute genius is finals when his dogs invariably break at their best and I wouldn’t be surprised if he popped out and went all the way.”
