BoyleSports Coursing Derby 2017 – Preview

Meet the contenders for the 2017 BoyleSports Coursing Derby.

Winter Wish (Kyle James-Uptown Angel) January, Reserve winner Ennis/Clarecastle, 40/1
Was reserve A on the list but gets the call after both the winner and runner up in Liscannor were declared non-runners. Picked up the reserve trial stake first time out. His best effort since that came in Dungannon where he was beaten in the semi-final by the winner Brians Choice. Had a run out over Christmas in the Loch Garman Cup. He was withdrawn out of the semi-final.

Wood Fang (Mafi Magic-Bend Your Knee) March, Tradaree, 40/1
Clocked fastest from the outset of this Trial Stake. Opened up a few big leads throughout, flew in the semi-final. Runner up here Redzer Rocky has since come out and got to the semi-final in Abbeydorney (again beat by the winner). Nice boost for Wood Gangs form.

Do It Barney (Adios Alonso-Kincora Chubbys) Jan, Glin, 25/1
Looked a bit green the first day but really came into his own after. Beat the favourite Killacolla Rio in the semi-final before accounting for Vals Image in the final. Keep an eye on the form for this trial stake, normally throws up a handful of winners. First Derby qualifier for Alonso.

Reikers Island (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Glory) March, Westmeath Utd, 10/1
Trained by Gerry Holian, bred to be special. Was favourite from the start of the stake. After two impressive runs on the Saturday he opened up 1/2 jolly on Sunday morning. Never looked like getting beat at any stage. Looks to relish the rising ground in Westmeath.

Was well supported for his win. I have no doubt there is plenty left in the tank, ticks all the right boxes! Ham And Inch has since come out and won in Cavan (Island beat him in the third round). Impressive winner of the Corn Na Feile in Abbeyfeale, now second favourite for the Derby behind his litter brother.

For The Parish (Adios Alonso-Central Stardust) June, Ballyheigue, 33/1
First time out winner, only a June puppy so improvement has to come naturally. This was a 48 dog trial stake! Beat Downton Pluto in the second round who has since ran and been beat in the final in Castleisland, also put Boomtown Harvey away in round one who has since been beat in the final in Mallow. Had a bye in the semi-final which was a big plus for him. 3rd qualifier for Alonso.

Kilkillogue (Newinn Wonder-Hard To Sell) April, Regional, 33/1
First qualifier for Newinn Wonder. Owned, bred and trained by Benny Treanor. First time out winner here at the Regional, was clocking alongside some decent all age runners. Did have to battle hard to win his semi-final but was a comfortable winner of the final itself. Tanxamill (beaten semi-finalist) has since collected in Ardpatrick!

Ballinveala Yolo (Killimor Matey-Ballinveala Wren), R/U Cashel, 33/1
Gets into the Derby following the withdrawal of Post Graduate. Had an outing after Cashel, he reached the semi-final in Kilsheelan where he was beaten by the winner Not Caught Paul. He looked to come off a bit stiff after the course. All is OK now however, he is fit and well and is ready to take his place in the line-up. Trained by Kevin Barry.

Fleetwood Douvan (Fleetwood Don-Lowroad Treasure) Feb, Fermoy & Grange, 40/1
A homebred runner for Dave Harrington. He owned the sire and bred the dam. Overturned the red hot favourite Remember Tony in the final here. Looked to be a very keen dog on his hare, the extra distance in Clonmel should be right up his street. Form boosted since, beaten semi-finalist Oldfriendsrbest won in Rathcormac. Ran in the All Age in Cappoquin and was beat in the first round.

Sporting Romeo (Thomas The Tank-Dusty Track) Feb, Loughrea, 25/1
First qualifier for the Tank. A first time out winner trained by Gerry Griffin in Abbeyfeale. Snuck under the radar here all the way through the trial stake. The only dog they wanted was the runner-up Blades Of Fire! The betting in the final was fairly lob-sided, you could have backed Romeo at 4/1. It looked like toughness won it for him in the end.

Wiseguy Mark (Mafi Magic-Big Maggie) Feb, Abbeydorney, 20/1
First time out winner for Paudie Lyons, clocked the fastest throughout this trial stake. Beat Redzer Rocky in the semi-final (was also a beaten finalist in Tradaree) so there is a decent line of form here. Had to really work hard to win the final, the rising ground in Abbeydorney was right up his street.

Down to run in the All Age in Lixnaw, will keep an eye on this. Won his course in the first round in Lixnaw clocking well, he was then withdrawn. Also the runner up in this trial stake in Abbeydorney, Smearla Dresden collects his Derby ticket in Tralee.

Wheres Mr Wilks (Central City-Needham Time) Jan, Crohane & Killenaule, 20/1
First qualifier for Central City. Trained by Liam O’Donovan who has a marvellous record at this venue. Only had to run four courses as Askcharlesoliver was withdrawn out of the final. By a Derby winner out of an Oaks finalist so he should really appreciate the surroundings of Powerstown Park.

Form has been boosted, Cardinal Court beat in the second round by Mr Wilks wins in Wexford. Mr Wilks then wins the Puppy Stake in Mooncoin.

Tea Clipper (Mafi Magic-Bend Your Knee) Mar, Edenderry, 40/1
Second qualifier from this litter. Winner second time of asking, beat in the second round in the Regional on debut. Was the outsider heading into the final but over turned the odds on favourite Crafty Divo. Looked to really take off from halfway here, owned and trained by Mr. Timothy McAuliffe.

Tankofftom (Thomas The Tank-Blades Of Joy) Feb, Mallow, 25/1
A second qualifier for Derby winner Thomas The Tank. Beat in the 3RD round in Kilflynn first time out. Was clocking well all the way through the trial stake, was outsider in a tight final but pulled it out where it mattered. We will be keeping an eye on the runner up here Boomtown Harvey to see can he back up the form.

Its Your Round (Killimor Matey-Cunninghams Jet) Apr, Thurles, 50/1
One of the most popular trial stake winners to date. Trained by the Smith brothers Darren and Tony and aided by their father Tony Snr. A second Derby qualifier for Killimor Matey.

Its Your Round over turned the red hot 2/5 Manchee Tom in the semi-final before winning the final independently from Fairyhill Road. Have no doubt we should see this fellow out again before Clonmel. Beat in the first round of the Cup in Johnstown by Kingcormac Fairy. Must improve.

Ballymac Vale (Vale View Flyer-Curragh Time) Apr, Castleisland, 14/1
A first trial stake winner for Vale View Flyer (Murtys Blaze x Blades Of Glory). Owned and trained by Liam Dowling, this fellow looked well above average. Was showing pace all over the field and beat some fancied runners along the way.

Runner up Downton Pluto wasn’t beat far by the winner first time out in Ballyheigue. The form has since been boosted, Stonepark Mick (beat in round 2 here by Ballymac Vale) impressive winner in Borris In Ossory! Has been nibbled at in the market 20/1, 16/1 and now 14/1.

Whatdontuknow (Adios Alonso-Larchill Millie) May, Milltown Malbay, 40/1
Winner second time of asking, reached the semi-final in Liscannor (beat by the winner Hows Things). 5th winner of the year for Alonso! Was fancied from word go in Milltown and ran out an ultra-impressive winner in the end.

Improved bundles from his debut outing, any further improvement could put him bang in the mix. Beaten semi-finalist here Callura Sonic has since come out and won in Bandon.

Acres Bob (Thomas The Tank-Lochbo Zola) Jan, Charleville, 40/1
Trained by Barry Lynch for his long-time supporter JJ Crowley. Beaten in round one in Loughrea but made a quick reappearance here in Charleville. Crept under the radar throughout this trial stake, he just kept improving and improving. Is going to have to improve further if he is to be counted on the big stage.

Ballinveala Boro (Killimor Matey-Ballinveala Wren) Feb, Mitchelstown, 25/1
Debut winner for this son of Killimor Matey trained by the Patrick O’Connor. Went off well supported favourite here and victory never looked in doubt. Held his clock throughout the trial stake. Second qualifier for this litter (Hows Things won in Liscannor). Could be a dark horse! Boro has since come out and got beat in round two of the Corn Na Feile (beat by Callura Sonic).

Wiggs Well (Thomas The Tank-Tullamoy Queen) Apr, Freshford, 33/1
Winner second time of asking, beat in first round first time out in Westmeath. Was awarded the final in Freshford after Crafty Francesco was withdrawn after a no go. Betting was close enough heading into the final. Semi-finalist in Puppy stake in Old Kilcullen and also beat in the first round of the Corn Na Feile

Carmac Chaos (Feel My Pulse-Rock The Boat) May, Limerick City, 20/1
Winner of a no-course duffer on his debut in Ballyheigue, next time out he made no mistake picking up his Derby ticket in Limerick City. For a May puppy he looked to come to hand very quickly. The further he went in the trial stake the more he improved.

Wallace Wonder (Newinn Wonder-Wallace Court) June, Trim, 33/1
First qualifier of the season for the Matthews team. Only a June puppy so improvement should come naturally. Came through this trial stake under the radar a bit, breeding suggests that a longer field should suit. Carried a bit of luck on his side.

Mulboy Hunter (Newinn Wonder-Roes Hill) May, New Ross, 33/1
Winner second time out for the McCall team. First time out in Glin he reached the quarter final (beat by Killacolla Rio). Tough winner here, beat the well fancied Dennisovich in the second round. The further he went in this trial stake the better he got. Ashwood Tank (beat in semi-final here by Mulboy) has come out and won in Gorey.

Path Way (Thomas The Tank-Barefoot Model) May, Galway & Oranmore, 20/1
Winner second time of asking. Beat in the second round in Abbeydorney on debut by the runner up (Smearla Dresden, has since collected in Tralee). Made no mistake next time out at the Galway meeting (run in Glin). The further the better for this lad. Was well supported in the market here.

Chooseyourweapon (Thomas The Tank-Needham Beauty) June, R/U Carlow, 40/1
Reached the final in Carlow in his second outing. He was beaten in the second round in Crohane on his debut. Had two more outings before getting the call that he was in the draw. Beaten in the third round in Borris In Ossary by winner Stonepark Mick, then beaten in the semi-final in Sevenhouses again by the winner Take Three. Needs to improve.

Ever So Magic (Mafi Magic-Slippy Toes) Feb, Listowel, 40/1
Ran up a duffer in Abbeydorney, was outsider the whole way through the trial stake in Listowel. Had luck very much on his side in the semi-final when hot favourite Stonepark Mick went way off line. Was 3/1 outsider in the final but again defied the odds! Runner-up here Floating Victor picked up his Derby ticket next time out in Abbeyfeale.

Wi Can Riki (Adios Alonso-Central Stardust) June, Nenagh, 12/1
One of eye catching winners of the year trainer by Gerry Holian for Lars Wicander. Went off well supported favourite for his trial stake win and won as he liked. Was added to the Derby market at 16/1 but that was snapped up straight away. He is now 12/1 for Derby glory.

Brians Choice (Eshwary Leader-Foxhill Penny) Feb, Dungannon, 33/1
Second time out winner, reached round two on debut in Trim. Trained by breeder Damien McHuge, this is sire Eshwary Leader’s first winner. Beat the reserve trial stake winner from Ennis (Winter Wish) in the semi-final.

Ham And Inch (Kyle Leigh-Liams Mac) May, Cavan, 40/1
Beat by Reikers Island (winner) in the third round in Westmeath first time out. Improved for the outing and clocked well throughout in Cavan. Over turned the well fancied Annabels Magic in the final here.

Not Caught Paul (Thomas The Tank-Moat Lady) Jan, Kilsheelan, 33/1
Paul got off the mark on his 4th time of asking. Best performance before his win was in Cashel where he was beat by the winner in the second round. He is trained by Donal Leahy for Moira Roche and Margaret Holland. His best run was in the ¼ final in Kilsheelan.

Even though he was an outsider in the final he won the final with ease. Paul then appeared out in the puppy stake in Mooncoin. Only beat a tight length by the eventual winner Wheres Mr Wilks.

Tanxamill (Thomas The Tank-Dusty Track) Feb, Ardpatrick, 33/1
Third time out winner. Beat by the winner in the semi-final (Kilkillogue) on debut at the Regional, then bowed out in the second round in Listowel. Form of this trial stake so far doesn’t jump out at you. Will have to keep an eye on it.

Away Razor (Razor Ashmore-Carrowclough) June, Ballyduff, 16/1
Winner first time out for the O’Connor family, trained by Patrick O’Connor. Can he emulate his sire Razor Ashmore? He also picked up his Clonmel pass at this field in 2007. Being only a June puppy improvement should come naturally. Beat the highly thought of Jamaica Jude in the semi-final. This one we will be keeping onside as much as possible.

Ballygerald Buzz (Newinn Wonder-Specific Date) June, Knockgraffon, 20/1
Winner second time out for Owen Mckenna. Made his debut in Listowel where he reached the second round (not beat far by the highly thought of Stonepark Mick). Made no mistake in Knockgraffon, winning all his courses by wide margins. Currently a 20/1 chance, will be shorter come February! Still only a baby.

Blades Of Fire (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Glory) Mar, Rathkeale, 7/1
The talking dog of the 2016/17 season, trained by Gerry Holian. His potential was never hidden! Went off 6/4 on debut in Loughrea, it was one of the shocks of the year when he was over turned in the final.

Absolutely romped through the trial stake in Rathkeale going off evens favourite! If he gets to Clonmel fit and well he will go off a very short priced jolly. At the moment he’s 7/1, this could look big come the last week of January.

Oldfriendsarebest (Feel My Pules- Come On Molly) May, Rathcormac, 33/1
Reached the semi-final on debut for trainer John Linehan in Fermoy (beat by the winner Fleetwoon Don). Ran out a comfortable winner in Rathcormac, clocked well throughout, the longer the better for this lad. Second trial stake winner for first season sire Feel My Pulse.

Sharavawn (Thomas The Tank-Honeycomb View) Apr, Enniscorthy, 33/1
Shuck under the radar in this trial stake in Enniscorty, just seemed to keep finding more. Was beat in the first round on his debut in Cavan. Thrived on the rising ground. More improvement is necessary.

Killacolla Jet (Thomas The Tank-Killacolla Spice) Apr, Lixnaw, 16/1
Jet was first produced in the Glin Derby at the start of the year when handled by the Fitzgerald family. He won his first course and was pulled out and moved to Dan Brassil after clocking very well.

Next time out he ran out a comfortable winner of the dog trial stake in Lixnaw. Was favourite from the start of the trial stake here. Good weekend for the litter as his sister (Trillainminella) collected in Johnstown.

Callura Sonic (Kyle James-Callura Rain) Feb, Bandon, 33/1
Winner third time out. Was first produced in Liscannor reaching the semi-final (beat by the runner up Kilkeale Blade). Next time out he also reached the semi-final in Miltown Malbay where he lost out to the winner Whatdontuknow.

Really took to the hill here in Bandon, beat the well fancied Oilean Kyle in the final (Oilean already a beaten finalist in Charleville). Sonic has since appeared in Abbeyfeale, beat Whatdontyouknow and Ballinveala Boru in the first two rounds and was then withdrawn.

Askcharlieoliver (Kyle Leigh-Good Morning Mam) May, East Donegal 20/1
First appeared in Westmeath United where he was beat in the second round. Next time out he was unlucky to be withdrawn out of the final in Crohane (when fancied), Wheres Mr Wilks was declared winner. Collected his ticket in East Donegal, beating the well fancied Eshwary Dawn in the final. Second winner of the season for Kyle Leigh.

Tullamoy Thomas (Thomas The Tank-Tullamoy Queen) Apr, Old Kilcullen, 33/1
Owned and bred by Fr Dan Dunne and trained by Brendan Farrelly. Winner third time out, another winner to come out of the Westmeath Trial Stake, he lost out in round two here. Next time out he was sent to Carlow where he reached the third round (beat by Manchee Tom). Collected next time in Kilcullen, the shorter field seemed to suit. All the litter look to be all about early pace.

Newinn Oak (Kyle Leigh-Newinn All Blonde) May, Glanworth, 20/1
Third qualifier for Kyle Leigh from dam Newinn All Blondes first litter (Kingsmill Dynamo-Newinn All In). Winner first time out for trainer Owen Mckenna, was fastest in every round. Early pace looks to be his forte, had to battle hard to win the semi-final from Don Cossack. Form has since been boosted, Don Cossack wins in Borrisoleigh!

Duargile Desmond (Adios Alonso-Duargile Magic) Apr, Newcastlewest, 10/1
Desmond was withdrawn in the second round of his first two outings in Ennis and Mallow. Next up was Galway & Oranmore where he reached the semi-final losing out to the runner up Pay Me Later.

Looked to have improved going to Newcastlewest and was favourite throughout. Looks to be longer the better for this fellow, should thrive in Powerstown Park. Desmond has changed hands since winning, He is now owned by John Boyle and trained by Dan Brassil. A second qualifier from the litter.

Ashwood Tank (Thomas The Tank-Ashwood Sarah) Apr, Gorey, 40/1
Third time out winner for Declan Byrne and the Ashwood team. Beaten in the semi-final in New Ross by the winner (Mulboy Hunter) first time up. Next time out he appeared in Kilsheelen where he got beat in the second round. Popular local winner in Gorey, was a slight outsider in the final. Looks to be all early pace.

Shaunanne Tiger (Newinn Wonder-Shaunanne Flyer) June, Westport, 33/1
Winner second time of asking in Westport for Terence and Stephen Gollogly. Only a late June dog (30th of June to be correct) has to improve with age. Beat in the third round in Cavan on debut, seemed to clock well early. Improved leaps and bounds to win in Westport. Beat Barefoot Marine in a close final.

Ballymore Flash (Razor Ashmore-Ballymore Trick) Apr, Castletowngeoghegan, 40/1
Owned and trained by the O’Sullivan Family (Dublin Coach). Made his debut in New Ross where he was beat in round one by the runner up Only The Lonely. Next time out he was withdrawn out of the second round in Carlow. Made it third time lucky in this 16 dog trial stake in Castletown. Didn’t set the world alight in rounds one and two but came to prominence in the semi-final.

Go Usain Go (Thomas The Tank-Lemon Bolt) Apr, Dungarvan, 25/1
Trained by Dinny Lennon in Threecastles Co Kilkenny. Usain got his National Meeting ticket at the second time of asking In Dungarvan. Went a short priced favourite after one round, his early speed broke the heart of his opposition.

He beat the highly thought of Breska Diamond in the final. Wouldn’t be surprised if he improves further from this outing. Can be a handful in slips.

Wings Of Desire (Tynwald Smokey-Needham Marie) May, North Kilkenny, 20/1
A second Derby qualifier for the Matthews team. Wings was well fancied in his first two outings in Castleisland and Kilsheelan but had no luck on both occasions. Done his job in North Kilkenny, beat Nearly Lost in the decider. This is Needham Marie’s first qualifier (2015 Champion Bitch Stake winner). Could be a dark horse.

Stonepark Mick (Kyle James-Stonepark Dynamo) Jan, Borris-In-Ossory, 20/1
Made his debut in Castleisland, getting beat in round two by the winner Ballymac Vale. Was extremely unlucky next time out in Listowel, looked to be well ahead of the eventual winner Ever So Magic in the semi-final but went unsighted. Collected the lodge car park pass with ease in Borris-In-Ossory for trainer Michael O’Donovan.

Don Cossack (Newinn Wonder-Latest Gamble) Apr, Borrisoleigh, 25/1
Winner third time out for trainer Decky Byrne. Was beat in the first round in Listowel on debut, then reached the semi-final in Glanworth (beat by the winner Newinn Oak). Was well supported for his win here in Borrisoleigh, he was 2/5 favourite heading into the semi-final. Runner-up here Private Pulse also ran up in Johnstown.

Smearla Dresdan (Thomas The Tank-Call Her Dresden) Jan, Tralee, 20/1
Ran up the trial stake in Abbeydorney on debut (to Wiseguy Mark). Had two unsuccessful outings after this in Lixnaw and Newcastlewest. Looked head and shoulders above the rest next time in Tralee. Was a hot favourite on the second morning and made no mistake. One to be keeping an eye on in Clonmel.

Gurteen Davi (Thomas The Tank-Lochbo Zola) Jan, Cork, 33/1
Winner fourth time out for the Spillane’s in West Cork. Reached the quarter final in Glin on debut (beat by runner up Vals Image), next up was Mallow where he also reached the quarter final.

It was then on to Bandon where he fell at the second last hurdle (beat in the semi-final by the runner-up Oilean Kyle). Eventually things went his way in Blarney, got away lightly in this 16 dog trial stake.

Only The Lonely (March Is On-Joint Account) Apr, Dundalk, 40/1
Another to have a few outings before eventually clicking in Dundalk. Reached the final in New Ross on his second run, beat by Mulboy Hunter. A first round loss in Old Kilcullen followed this, then it was on to Dundalk St. Stephen’s day. Was never really favourite to win here, he held his clock over the four runs and beat Stowaway James in the final.

Needham Brexit (Tynwald Smokey-Needham Marie) May, Mooncoin, 25/1
Second qualifier from this litter, had plenty of outings before finally collecting in Mooncoin. His best running before he won came in Castleisland where he reached the third round losing out to the runner-up Downton Pluto.

Brexit had a bit of luck in running in the quarter final in Mooncoin, but never looked back after. Overcame Mungos Express in the decider. A third Derby contender for Brendan Matthews.

Creggane Tom (Thomas The Tank-Barefoot Model) May, South Clare, 40/1
Is after six outings this season. Divided the inter-club stake in Mallow at the end of October. Best form in trial stakes before he won came in Ardpatrick where he reached the semi-final losing out to the runner-up Lowmeadow Kajay. Was just about favourite at the quarter final stage in South Clare, had to dig deep to get the verdict in the final.

Cardinal Court (Kingsmill Dynamo-Hey Soul Sister) Jan, Wexford, 40/1
Had four outings this season. Beat in the semi-finals in Freshford and Enniscorthy (by the runner-up each time). His first run of the season was in Crohane where he was beat in round two by the winner Wheres Mr Wilks. Gave the Beckett family a late Christmas present in Wexford.

Floating Victor (Kyle King-Floating Spirit) Feb, Abbeyfeale, 25/1
Collected third time out for the husband and wife team of Colin and Mairead Wallace. Was withdrawn out of round three in Glin on debut. Reached the final in Listowel next time out, was 1/5 to win, didn’t look right in the final. Did the business next out in Abbeyfeale, looks a real Powerstown Park type dog. Short a bit of early but takes off from halfway. Will love the rising ground in Clonmel.

Central Avenger (Tullamore-Central Heroine) Apr, East Donegal, 33/1
Had three outings before collecting on the fourth attempt in East Donegal. Beat in round one in Kilflynn, round two in Newcastlewest and round one again St Stephens Day in Dundalk. Made a quick reappearance to win in Donegal. Has to be from one of the last litters of Tullamore on the ground! Early pace looks to be his strong point

James Treasure (Kyle James-Fives Treasure) Feb, Galbally, 20/1
Has always been held in high regard by connections. Reached the semi-final on debut in Castleisland (beat by the winner Ballymac Vale), then it was on to Newcastlewest where he also reached the semi-final (beat by the runner-up Westlimerickhero).

Looked to be going as well as anything there. Collected his lodge carpark pass in Galbally, he was odds on favourite on the second morning. Looks a real Clonmel type.

Awfully Fast (Tullamore-Central Herion) April, Millsteet, 25/1
Had four outings before finally collecting in Millstreet. His best outing before his win came in Newcastlewest where he reached the third round before losing out to Killacolla Tank. After Newcastlewest he went to Tralee on St Stephen’s Day, getting beaten in the second round by the runner-up Cutting Edge.

Had to work hard for the win in Millstreet, beat Oilean Kyle in the final. A second qualifier from this litter! Trained by Gerry Holian.

Another Country (Cross Country-Miss Candy Floss) March, Ballymena, 25/1
Collected on his sixth attempt for John Martin. First time out he reached the semi-final in Westmeath Utd where he was beaten by the winner Reikers Island. This was followed by outings in Enniscorthy, Old Kilcullen and Dungarven.

In his penultimate run he reached the semi-final in Wexford where he was beaten by the runner-up. His win came in the Ballymena Trial Stake run in Tubbercurry. He got away lightly with only three runs in three days! He was awarded the final after Needham Eoin was withdrawn.

Breska Diamond (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Glory) March, Kilcreevin/Ballymote, 20/1
Winner on his third attempt. Made his debut in Glanworth but was beat in his first course, next it was on to Dungarven where he reached the final but lost out to Go Usain Go. Won probably the most competitive trial stake over the three days in Tubbercurry. Best run was in the semi-final where he beat the highly thought of Kyle Alex. He is trained by Pat Curtain.

Abunchoftools (Adios Alonso-Tanyard Kerry) April, Tubbercurry, 33/1
Collected his lodge car pass on his fourth time of asking. Reached the second round first time out in Killimer Kilrush. This was then followed by two first round defeats in South Clare and Millstreet. Held his clock throughout this trial stake in Tubbercurry but went into the final as a slight underdog. This is the second qualifier from this litter (Tree Top Kerry Oaks qualifier in Westport).

Ballinvosherig (Newinn Wonder-Hereforthecraic) January, Clonakilty, 25/1
Beaten in the final of a reserve Trial Stake first time out in Kilflynn (Mouseinthehouse was the winner). Next time out he appeared in Newcastlewest, reaching the third round (beaten by James Treasure who since has won in Galbally). A first round defeat followed this in Abbeyfeale, then it was straight on to Clonakilty where he made no mistakes. He was always fastest on the clock and won the final relatively easy.

Dru Mac (Kyle King-Ivgotthesecret) April, Templetouhy, 33/1
Even though he had five outings his form is OK. In his first two outings he bumped into a few speedy performers, Killacolla Rio in Glin and Smearla Dresden in Abbeydorney. Reached the semi-final in Rathkeale on his third appearance (beaten by the runner up Ballyglen Duke). Finally had his day in the sun in Templetouhy. Didn’t stand out in the earlier rounds but came into his own on the second day. Would stay galloping all day.

Take Three (Adios Alonso-Ballinakill Mary) April, Sevenhouses, 25/1
The last qualifier of the 2016/17 season. Only had two outings this season. Reached the final in Regional on debut (beaten by Kilkillogue). Then dominated the trial stake in Sevenhouses, looked to really take off from half way here. Was short priced favourite on the second morning, won like a jolly should. Trained by Tommy Dunford.

*Prices correct at time of publication