Kevin Smith Champion Stakes 2019 – Preview

Ahead of the upcoming Kevin Smith Champion Stakes we bring you everything you need to know about the runners.

Long John Silver (Feel My Pulse-Fire And Silver)

Tops the order of merit heading into the Champion Stakes. Reached the third round of the Derby last year (beat the favourite Outoftheshadow in round two). Started off the 2018/19 season on a winning note in Abbeydorney, this was followed by two final defeats in both Cavan and North Kilkenny. Bounced right back to form in the Cup in Ballymena taking the maximum points on offer. If avoiding Watchman until the final you could give him a squeak, loves course and distance.

Cobra Commander (Newinn Wonder-Late Drama)

Has been kept busy all year, first appeared in Kilflynn where he picked up 2.5 points by reaching the semi-final (beat by winner Granard Bolt). Kicked six points over the bar in Listowel before reaching the final in Urlingford. Sealed his position in the Champion Stakes when winning in North Kilkenny (beat Long John Silver in the final). Reached the quarter final of the T.A Morris last year in Clonmel.

Souldern Street (Adios Alonso-Churchill Queen)

Started off the year on a winning note in Ballyheigue, this was followed by a runner up spot in Lixnaw. Two first round defeats followed in Tralee (to Outoftheshadow) and Abbeyfeale (to Roquefort Teddy) before he reached the final in Templetuohy (was withdrawn out of the final as the 6 points were enough to get him in). Will be making his debut in Clonmel, his best running last year was at the Irish Cup meeting where he reached the semi-final of the Irish Plate.

Watchman (Newinn Wonder-Bossa Nova Babe)

Last years Irish Cup hero, will start off a very warm favourite for the Champion Stakes. Two runs and two impressive wins this year so far. His runs in Glin first time out were incredible. The only blot in his copybook was in the opening round of the Derby last year (went totally unsighted). The rest are playing for the runners up spot here, will be most peoples banker of the meeting.

Shine A Diamond (Adios Alonso-Class Attraction)

Three successes this season in Ardpatrick, Borrisoleigh and Macroom. The best of his running looked to be in Borrisoleigh at Christmas although many thought he showed real guts to win in Macroom. Went out on the third round of the Derby last year (a very unlucky loser). As tough a runner as there is in the line up

Ahamore Wonder (Newinn Wonder-Areyoureadynow)

Gets into the line up following two successes this season. First of which was in Dungarvan and then finished off with a win in Templetuohy (back to where he picked up his trial stake), didn’t have to run the final which was a massive bonus. Reached the second round of the T.A Morris at the Nation Meeting last year.

Granard Bolt (Adios Alonso-Granard Storm)

Two runs resulting in two victory’s this season. Came away from Kilflynn with the maximum points on offer then it was onto Killimer Kilrush and again he kicked six points over the bar (didn’t have to run the final). Appeared at the National Meeting last season and reached the quarter final of the T.A Morris Stakes, beat by the winner Mayfield.

Lone Rocket (Adios Alonso-Dublinfourdasher)

Picked up his points in Listowel (beat in final by fellow Champion Stakes runner Cobra Commander), Won in Rathcormac and ran up the Kingdom Cup in Tralee. Was beat in the first round of the Derby last year but went into it under a bit of a cloud. On his day he’s as good as anything. Will go off as one of the outsiders!

Get the latest odds for the Kevin Smith Champion Stakes here.