Troy Bella can get his defence of his Scurry Gold Cup crown off to a winning start in the Bapp Group of Companies sponsored sprint over 360 metres at Belle Vue on Saturday.
David Mullins’ runner, who beat Roxholme Hat in 15.07sec in last year’s final, is the only wide runner in the second heat and is fancied to beat the ante-post favourite Droopys Reel, who sees the Manchester track for the first time.
Northern Sprint winner Coolavanny Dylan can take the third qualifier. Kelly Grayson’s runner has won 12 races already this year and is fancied to get first run on main rival Pull The Trigger.
Tree Top Jet is fancied to land the opening qualifier. Julie Bateson’s runner clocked a slick 15.04sec over the course and distances and can repel main rival and sole wide seed Geelo Brezza.
Former top Irish sprinter Tullig Irish can take the last qualifier. The son of Tullymurry Act has gone well in trials and can make a winning UK debut.
Draw and best odds:
Heat One:
1 Tree Top Jet 12
2 Seaview Elmo 125
3 Siberian River 40
4 Newinn Billy (m) 33
5 Ballymac Conte (m) 66
6 Geelo Brezza (w) 7
Heat Two:
1 Beaming Mix Up 66
2 Droopys Reel 4
3 Levante Beach 10
4 Newinn Mac (m) 25
5 Coal Butler (m) 16
6 Troy Bella (W) 7
Heat Three
1 Ballymac Image 200
2 Erins Friend 80
3 Pull The Trigger 20
4 Coolavanny Dylan (m) 6
5 Hit Squad (m) 50
6 Wall Garden (w) 50
Heat Four
1 Mahogany Prince 80
2 Mydras Tipp 80
3 Molly Dancer 250
4 Tullig Irish (m) 16
5 Hello Pebbles (m) 33
6 Onefortheroad (w) 80
