On February 4th, for the first time in two years the National Coursing meeting will reconvene on Clonmel’s famed Powerstown Park stretch. Never in the 96 year history of the meeting has the sports flagship event been so eagerly anticipated. Not only does Oaks and Derby immortality await the victors in the Classic generation but also we will have Champions for the cohorts that were denied glory owing to the 2021 meeting being abandoned due to Covid. Add in the Champion Stakes and the Champion Bitch Stake, it truly promises to be a National meeting to saviour.
Boylesports Derby 20/21
Castleisland qualifier Kyle Honour has acted as the gauge for this season’s pups since his win at Cahill Park last October. The Marie Field owned runner was superb on that occasions and he heads to Powerstown as the clear 5/1 market leader. Drawn in the opening course of the final quarter he looks well housed to progress from his opening couple of courses. No less than four Kerry owned runners line out in the quarter, with Tarbert handler John Flynn double handed with Rashandreckless and recent acquisition Hermes. Rashandreckless was a winner at Galbally for the Flynn Family Syndicate. Whilst he had a busy campaign prior to this victory, one would expect that Echo Bill would be accounted for in the opener. No doubt Liam Foley and trainer Chris Houlihan were hoping for better than they received in the draw as they take on Blades Of Style in the opener. The Abbeydorney qualifier followed up his Trial Stake success to reach the final off the Cup at Lixnaw. His best form could see him progress to day 2, but tougher tasks lay in wait.
In the opening quarter, the buckle between Ballymac Tudor and Annual Fergie immediately jumps off the sheet. The pair most recently crossed swords in the final of the Corn Na Feile with the latter securing victory in emphatic fashion. Whilst Ballymac Tudor appeared leg weary on that occasion, Liam Dowling’s charge pose’s a much bigger threat as a fresh runner. It promises to be a thrilling contest; however a Trojan effort will be needed to reverse the Abbeyfeale form. Kilmurley won a Reserve Trial at Kilflynn for The Glory Syndicate which is headed up by popular Tarbert publican Tomas Coolahan. One of fourteen runners at the meeting for trainer Kevin Barry, the roof is sure to be lifted off the stands if this this one gets on a winning sequence.
The second quarter appears the most open of the four. Therewithashout runs in the colours of the Clash of the Ash Syndicate and will sport the white collar against Rossmore Dazzler in his opening course. The Syndicate is headed up by Kieran O’ Connell from Abbeydorney and he will be hoping his runner will continue on an upward curve following his success at Ballybeggan at Christmas. An opening day win could well lay the foundations for further flags earned. The build up to the National meeting will no doubt reach fever pitch in Kilflynn this week with local hope Totes Amigos flying the flag for the Whose Driving Syndicate. Steered by Ian Carroll, the jovial bunch are sure bring plenty colour and lots of noise to Powerstown Park. The draw has been favourable towards their charge who appears well positioned to make a bold impression. Trained by Shane Herbert, Totes Amigos upset the odds to qualify at Lixnaw and gave a decent account at Abbeyfeale before losing out at the penultimate round to eventual winner Annual Fergie. At 33/1, he may well prove the ‘Dark Horse’ of this particular Classic.
Express Razor is the sole representative in the Classic for Tarbert handler Patrick O’ Connor for whom he trains for his mother Christine. Whilst he took a couple of outings to find his feet, he was an emphatic winner at Knockgraffon having posted impressive clocks through the Stake. Express Razor continued to hit positive headlines when the €1,500 privemoney earned for his success was donated to the “Cancer Fundraiser” which has received an amazing response under the stewardship of To Pa O’ Connor. Bred by Kieran Culhane, he faces a tricky opening assignment against Needham Masters; however his best form should see progress. The route doesn’t get any easier however as the big ante post gamble, East Donegal qualifier Full Address, appears his most likely opposition in round 2. Liam Dowling’s second qualifier in the Classic is Ballymac Knockon. The youngest runner at the meeting, he first dipped his toes in competitive battle at Ballybeggan and while he crashed out in Round 1 on that occasion he reappeared at Abbeyfeale a couple of days later and collected in fine style. He will no doubt come on from the experience and is definitely one on an upward curve.
Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks 21/22
Kilty Coco is the clear market leader for the Oaks and has been since her impressive Trial Stake success at Ballyduff. The 7/1 favourite reappeared at Abbeyfeale and certainly looked the part until her withdrawal from the event prior to the penultimate round. The only single digit priced runner in this season’s Classic the draw certainly hasn’t been favourable. The Clonakilty owned runner will need to be at her best against the highly rated Morocco who earned rave reviews following her victory at Clonmel/Kilshellan. However the Hallissey’s have been around the game long enough to smell the threat and are sure to have their ‘lady’ primed for the challenge.
The opening quarter looks an open affair with fireworks certain to come from the bottom eight. Shanavulin Evie faces a tricky opening assignment against Ryco Tandoori. However, the Walter and James Costello owned runner is a useful sort and showed her class when coasting to victory at Cappaquin. If she gets her head in front early she is well capable of causing an upset. Silent Emily, the property of Mary and Trish Nolan, really looked the part when winning first time out at Castleisland. While she has had an interrupted preparation, recent reports have been positive. Trained by Mossie O’ Connor, she is bred for the job in hand and the long stretch is sure to be to her liking. She faces Oakview Lily in the opener with either Corn Na Feile winner No Luck Penny or Touch Of Rosie providing the opposition in round 2. A tough task, but not impossible. Northwich Girl qualified at Glanworth for Timothy and Kerri Carr. Having ‘ran-up’ to Silent Emily on her maiden at Cahill Park, it was inevitable that this lady would make her way to Powerstown. Whilst she will be the outsider against Knockout Sky, dismiss her at your pearl.
Listrim Rosie goes to slips against Fate Intervenes in the second quarter for her Abbeydorney owner, James Carroll. She showed steady progress throughout the season and recovered from a final defeat at Regional against Chance To Shine to score at South Clare. If she continues on an upward curve then victory in the opener is not beyond her. Heart Over Mind is one of two qualifiers for John Flynn’s in the Oaks. A winner first time out at Traderee, the homebred was subsequently beaten in the opening round of the Troy Puppy Stake at Kilcullen by Keep Moving in an impressive clock. The draw hasn’t been kind however, with the fancied Montpellier Lolly expected to progress.
There is plenty Kerry interest in the third quarter, with no less than six Kerry owned runners in the mix. Some Shenanigans owned by the J-D-D-Foley Syndicate takes on Blakemont Posh and is well capable of progression. Trained in Ballyduff by the renowned Jim’ Bob’ Allen, the Abbeydorney winner reappeared at Abbeyfeale and performed admirably. She will be well tuned for the task in hand and could well run deep into the competition. Ballinorig Flyer qualified at Dungarvan for the Hanafin Clan Syndicate; however the draw has been desperately unkind. She is pitted against the highly rated Aghadown Beau who earned rave reviews following her success at Bandon. A career best performance will be needed to feature. Meek And Mild is the second of the Flynn Syndicate runners and qualified early in the season at Kilflynn. Her most recent showing saw her reach the last four against All Age company at Roscommon. She faces the Johnathon Best trained Emigrant Rose in the first. Callaway Liz was purchased following her Trial Stake success at Enniscorthy by Listry’s Dennis Murphy and was subsequently supported into her current mark of 14/1. She remains in the care of handler John Mulcahy and can begin repaying the faith shown in her with a big performance against the Dan Brassil Ashmore Jessie. Whoever prevails is sure to have a big say in the quarter. Lexilicious lines out in the final course of the quarter for owner Grace Foley. A winner at Fermoy, the Liam O’ Callaghan trained runner faces Ballybeggan qualifier Barrack Rachel in round 1.
Connections of Chance To Shine will be quietly satisfied with their draw in the final quarter. The Regional winner went down to Kilty Coco at Abbeyfeale and don’t be surprised if the pair clash yet again before this quarter determines a representative. Owned by the Three Lucky M’s Syndicate from Scartaglin, the Mossie O’ Connor trained runner is well capable of emerging from those around her in the top eight. As stated in the opening paragraph, the victor of the buckle between Kilty Coco and Morocco is sure to be a hot favourite to book a slot in the last four.
Boylesports Derby 20/21
The Kevin Barry trained Tree Top Henry marginally heads the market for success in the 20/21 Derby at 6/1. The Westport qualifier’s last public appearance was in Ballyduff when he scored a resounding victory in the Kit Browne North Kerry Cup. Hot on his heels is the Brian O’ Brien trained Bedford Ben. The 7/1 shot first came to prominence when claiming his Classic ticket at Castleisland last term and landed the John Prendiville Cup at Listowel earlier this season. However the chasing pack is heavy with talent in what promises to be a thrilling competition.
Ashtown Magic will be the first of the Kerry owned runners to go to slips. Owned by the Barony Syndicate from West Kerry, which is headed up by Mossie O’ Donnell, he faces a tough task against Wallace William. However he showed true grit to secure his ticket at East Donegal and his best form should see him through. He should also have the measure of either Glenhouse Wonder or Ashmore Lotto in the next but Tree Top Henry looks the stand out performer to progress to the semi-finals and gets a confident not to progress.
Off To Chicago has given owner Donal O’ Connell plenty of joy this term. Having secured his pass for the Lodge Gate at Listowel, he then went to Lixnaw and landed the O’ Carroll/ O’ Connor Cup. He faces a tough opening course against Ryco Jackson, but should the Lixnaw runner succeed, the path forward appears much clearer. Bedford Ben has been particularly impressive this season and the draw has been more than favourable. Owned by the Jet Lads Syndicate which comprises of popular publicans Philip Enright, Eamon Carroll and trainer Brian O’ Brien, he possesses all the credentials needed at the highest level and is viewed by many as a potential winner.
Kennel companion Bedford Mindy goes in the third quarter and may well represent fantastic value at 16/1. He followed up his Trial Stake success at Ballyduff with victory at the Corn Na Feile and is well capable of extending his winning streak. Bandit Ryan is one of three runners in the Classic for Tarbert trainer Patrick O’ Connor and he impressed when finally delivering at Lixnaw. He runs in the colours of the About The Bill Syndicate which is headed up by Ritchie Houlihan. He meets Spital Ted in the opener but his best from should see him progress. Abbey Gonzalo runs for Abbeydorney handler Anthony O’ Connell and could be a lively outsider at 33/1. A winner at his local meeting, he was a shade unlucky to lose out to Cashen Rhino at the semi-final stage at Lixnaw but his clock in the opening round would suggest that he’s not short on ability.
The lightly raced Hope Razor was an eye-catching winner at Glin last season and returned to Ballinagoul for his only outing this term only to lose out in the final of the Desmond Cup to Bexhill Flare. Trained by Patrick O’ Connor for his Uncle Joe, he is keenly priced at 12/1. While he faces Fionntra Jack in the opener, his main threat in the quarter may well come from Kyle Raimund who showed terrific resolve to come through at Abbeyfeale. Dreden Dingo qualified at Tralee for Johnny O’ Keeffe and the Excors of the late Pat ‘Bawn’ McCarthy. He faces stiff opening round opposition in Carrowkeal Shane but a positive result is not beyond him.
Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks
The Joe Collins trained Aldanite is the clear market leader and she boasts an impressive CV heading to the Classic. An outstanding Trial Stake winner at Abbeydorney last season, she opened her account this term with a dominant display to claim the points in the All Age Bitch Stake at Ballyduff. She simply blitzed her rivals on that occasion and posted sensational clocks throughout the competition. The only blot on her copy book came when going down to Barrack Luna in dramatic circumstances at Abbeyfeale. However the defeat hasn’t affected her stock and she may well go off one of the shortest priced favourite in Oaks history next Friday morning.
Knockane Skye goes to slips against Finn Heather in the opening quarter. Owned and trained by Billy Doyle, she booked her slot in the Classic with victory at Lixnaw. Coolard Fame will take on Masonbrook Ivy and a result is well within her capabilities. Jointly owned by Adrian Carr and Thomas Healy, Coolard Flame impressed when scoring at Mallow and followed that up when reaching the semi-final of the All Aged event at Glanworth. The stand out tie of the quarter is surely the pairing of Poetic Justice and Barrack Elliemai. The latter oozed class when coasting to victory at her local meeting in Abbeyfeale for Shane Curtain; however she will need to be at her best against Poetic Justice who currently sits on a mark of 12/1.
In the second quarter connections of Wiseguy Niamh will be hoping for a big performance when she takes on Knockout Model. Trained by Paudie Lyons for his daughter Ava, she saw a busy campaign peak with success at Millstreet on New Year’s Day. Howdylittlelady is one of two qualifiers for John Flynn however the Regional winner faces the highly touted Montpellier Queen. Mountain Robyn will be the first of Eileen Flaherty’s runners to compete when she takes on Glorious Dame. Her best form this season came at Abbeyfeale where she ‘ran up’ to Barrack Ellie Mai. Flaherty will be quickly back in slips when Durango Steffi, whom she trains for James Lavery and Stevie Deenihan, takes on Barrack April. Durango won first time out in Tralee and of all the runners in the event; she is perhaps the least exposed. She may well be the dark horse of the Classic and is keenly priced at 16/1.
There will be a local pairing in the third quarter when Our Ambition and O Solo Mio meet. The latter, who is owned by Eileen Jones and trained by John O’ Sullivan, was a decent winner of the Galbally qualifier ran in Glin last season and she reached the final of the All Age Bitch Stake at Newcastlewest on her debut this term. Whilst she failed to sparkle to the Corn Na Feile she should have the measure of Sean Carr’s Our Ambition who comes in as a reserve having reached the final at both Limerick City and Cappaquin. A leading fancy for the Classic in the event is without doubt Ballinveala Elsa. Owned by Vincent Purtill from Ballybunion, she was a resounding Trial Stake winner at Cashel and bucked that form when winning a competitive Cup at Johnstown. Few in the Stake measure anywhere near her profile and a bold showing is expected. Brownhaired Mary also comes in as a late replacement and owner Donie Mulvihill will fancy his chance of progression at the expense of Maisy Daisy.
Ashtown Alice provides the Barony Syndicate with a second runner at the meeting and connections are sure to confident of success when they take on John Flynn’s Merry And Bright in the fourth quarter. The latter has really struggled for form all season and anything other than a convincing win for the South Clare winner here would be a major surprise. Liam Dowling will be represented by Castleisland qualifier Ballymac Floral who hasn’t been seen in public since her Trial Stake success. She has the credentials to make an impression over the opening couple of rounds but the one they will all have to beat here is without doubt Aldanite who should progress to the semi-finals with the minimum of fuss.
Champion Stakes
Da Lantern heads the market for the Kevin Smith Champion Stakes for Galway trainer Matt Harte. He takes on the outsider for the event, Iniesta, in his opening course and should pass this test with flying colours. Killorglin handler Patsy Joy has enjoyed a tremendous season with his kennel star Get Lost Now who assured qualification following victories at Bandon and most recently the Kingdom Cup. He faces a tricky opening assignment against Mad Mans Game. However, Bexhill Flare may well be the one to follow. Having won the Desmond Cup early in the season, he appeared to have rediscovered his best form on his latest outing when he claimed the silverware at Templetouhy. Trained by Brendan Matthews, the 3/1 on offer is tempting.
Grace & Matt Bruton Champion Bitch Stakes. Shane Dowling is sure to be pleased with the draw for Ballymac Smokey and if he delivers his charge in top order she will be a leading contender. Having secured maximum points at Ballyheigue early in the campaign, her latest exploits saw her reach the final of the Kingdom Cup where she went down to Get Lost Now. Her main rival for this event is surely Shes Invincible, who swerved the 20/21 Oaks for this event. The Ray Conroy owned bitch, who gained maximum points at Kilflynn on the opening weekend of the season, is the clear 6/4 favourite. However, if the draw goes to script she might not get it all her own way in a potential semi-final against Icon Queen.
