There’s a brilliant night of action at Shelbourne Park where we have a bumper 12-race programme, with the feature on the night being the Gold Cup Final at 21:38. All the action can be viewed live on RPGTV along with trackside interviews with trainers and owners on the night.
19:50 Trap 1: Cornerhouse Lady
The first race I am going to focus on is Race 5 due off at 19:50, and for me the red jacket of Trap 1 CORNERHOUSE LADY is the selection to play. This lady has been running in all of the big competitions recently and acquitting herself quite well. She was sensational last week, when doing a 2.03 split from traps and winning by a comfortable 5 lengths – posting a decent 28:62 in the process.
She is drawn in Trap 1, and her record from that draw reads well. From seven races it’s two wins, second twice and third on a further two occasions. I reckon she has a fine blend of speed and determination which should help her lead around the opening two bends. If she does that, she can make all and hopefully kick off our trio of winners for the night’s action.
21:09 Trap 4: Ballymac Art
This is a fascinating race, with two of the runners coming in with big reputations. Deadly Samuri and BALLYMAC ART were two of my fancies in the outright market, with Deadly Samuri crashing out in the opening round. Meanwhile, Ballymac Art got caught up in traffic problems last week, hampering her chances to make the final.
I feel these two will fight out the finish. Deadly Samuri really impressed at the Winter Festival when blitzing from boxes on that night and posting 28:15. On the flip side, Ballymac Art for the Dowling’s was behind him that night and she has had plenty of running since, when very impressive on the opening round a few weeks ago.
While I believe neither of them are particularly well drawn, Ballymac Art could have a slight advantage as Deadly Samuri has never run from the inside, which can cause some dogs to tend to miss the break on occasion. Ballymac Art could hit the front early, and if she does she will be hard to pass. Of the others, Trap 5 Romeo on Fire is a pup with a big future and could be one for the notebook for later in the year.
21:38 (Gold Cup Final) Trap 4: Ballymac Cashout
We’ve got a super race in store in the feature, with all six runners in with a chance. Liam and Shane Dowling come into the race with a fine record, having dominated two of the last three years. Last year they won with Ballymac Anton, and 2018 they landed the spoils with Chespirito. I reckon they’re in for another success tonight. Here’s a quick runner-by-runner breakdown:
Caused an upset in the second round and was involved in a messy race last week, but well drawn on the fence.
Not a brilliant win record and not blessed with early pace, but will be doing all his best work close home.
The favourite to take the prize and has been impressive so far. If leading will be hard to pass.
Behind Knockaboul Syd last week, but has previously clocked a 28:01. If the dog repeats that form, it can threaten.
Running really consistently of late, if race falls apart he certainly could pick up the pieces.
Won a messy race last week after being badly drawn on the outside and will need a lot of luck.
I believe it will be another Dowling-trained winner on the night. Even though BALLYMAC CASHOUT has been beaten by Knocknaboul Syd in the past, the Dowling’s have a knack of knowing what it takes to win this. Liam Dowling has been quoted as saying Ballymac Cashout is his Ballymac Anton replacement (last year’s winner). This dog can start and stay, and if he hits the front will be hard to pass. If he can turn close, he could hit the front coming off the last bend. 4-3-5 is my trio for the big one of the night.
* All prices for all of the races will be available here.
Shelbourne Park tips summary:
19:50 Trap 1: Cornerhouse Lady
21:09 Trap 4: Ballymac Art
21:38 Trap 4: Ballymac Cashout
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