Dad To Upset The Pack In Limerick

A look at the six finalists in this year’s Irish St Leger at Limerick where Graham Holland is responsible for half the field but we’re going for an upset!

1. BLACK EYED PEPPA
Came into the St Leger under the radar a bit, was available at 33/1 ante-post after round 1. Yet to win a round but has been finishing off his races very strong. The draw hasn’t been too kind to him.

I would say connections would rather see him drawn nearer the centre of the track. He looked to run up straight from trap 4 in last week’s semi-final and kept a middle line around bends one and two. His trainer Michael J O’Donovan is in red hot form at the moment following his big win in the Juvenile Derby in Shelbourne Park, can lightning strike twice?

2. JAYTEE YANKEE
Champion Stakes winner back in August so bidding for his second major success of the year. He will have to be on his toes on the run to the corner in a bid to avoid trouble from trap one. Winner of two of the four rounds so far, his best run was in last week’s semi-final leading all in 30.00.

Trainer hasn’t made any secrets about how highly he rates this fellow, the fact that he took him over Towcester as a pup tells us enough. Going down the same route as a dog called Jaytee Jet! Hennessy is bidding to win this competition for the second year in a row (Priceless Brandy last year’s winner). Our biggest liability!

3. CLONBRIEN HERO
The most talked about dog in the country at the moment! Laurels and Produce Stakes winner already this year. Suffered his first defeat in the competition in last week’s semi-final when missing the break. Has been favourite from the off and but will be a good result in the ante-post book if he is to win.

As a middle seed drawn in three I wouldn’t be too worried, the dog on his immediate right will be keeping out on the run to the bend so he should get a solo. If he repeats his 2.80 sectional from round one he will go around the first two turns alone. First of three runners in the final for the Holland kennel.

4. BALLYBOUGH DAD
Looks to be the value bet in the final at 10/1. Has already reached the final of the Produce Stakes in Clonmel and has been holding his own with some big names in Shelbourne Park.

Has won three of his four heats so far and was only beaten a length by Jaytee Yankee in the semi-final.

A nice turn of early pace puts him bang in the mix and his record when wearing the black jacket is very impressive (he’s actually two from two in Limerick). The owner and trainer combination have enjoyed plenty of success over the last few years.

5. SONIC
Went off 7/4 favourite in the Derby final and finished 3rd after some huge runs in the opening rounds. Bounced back to his old self in the semi-finals last week clocking the fastest time of the night 26.64. Can be hit or miss at the boxes but looks to be coming home stronger than last year.

For a dog with such a huge reputation he is yet to claim a big win for his CV. He really deserves it. The draw could be better for him in my opinion as both runners on either side of him can run to the turn. The second of the Holland runners.

6. DROOPYS CABAYE

This lad had a bit of luck in round one sneaking through in fifth place! He hasn’t looked back since. Cabaye first came to our attention finishing runner up in the final of the Juvenile Classic in Tralee back in March behind Paradise Marko. He went on a nice winning streak in Shelbourne Park before the Derby and this ended in the semi-finals where he finished fifth behind kennel mate Black Farren.

Looks the best drawn of the three wide seeds in the line-up. He actually led in last week’s semi-final but was blown away by his Kennel mate Sonic down the back straight.

I’m going to side with Ballybough Dad in the final for a major upset. His record from trap four is very impressive, he can lead to the corner and any bit of bother in behind he will be away!

*Prices correct at time of publication