We have been hitting the bar recently with our ante post selections which, although having reached the final, have landed only the each way part of our bet. Chris Allsopp's Ballymac Ace, put up each way at 16/1 ante post by puntinplay, is now best priced 11/4 with sponsors Stanjames.com to land the Pall Mall over 450m tonight.
He is unbeaten in the competition and has clocked the fastest time so far when flying around the Sandy Lane circuit in 26.35 in his semi final on Thursday. The only drawback is his trap 5 slot in a field of railers. Glenroe Ginger, drawn on his immediate inside, possesses sprinter's pace to the bend, however, if Ballymac Ace looks lively at the start and keeps tabs on his main rival, he should see out the trip stronger, and land a big priced winner for us.
At 8.00 we have a decent six bend contest with the recent Regency winner He Went Whoosh going from trap 5, and attempting to make it five from five over C & D. He loves it around here, but I am willing to take him on with Mark Wallis' Kinda Easy in trap 6 who has a rich vein of form. The St Leger winner was given a sprint trial around here and clocked a decent 14.96 when only beaten a length by none other than top sprinter Rotar Wing. If he turns handy enough he can turn the screw on the final lap. 5/2 is freely available.
8.15, 250m. What a cracking sprint this is, with Officer Donagh, Rotar Wing and Jimmy Lollie in traps 2,3 and 4 respectively. If Greenlough Speed had lined up it would have been the two bend contest of the season. Rotar Wing has a tricky draw sandwiched between his two main rivals, but his pace into the bend may just be enough tonight. His terrific bend-running will also stand him in good stead. It is not often you get 2/1 on offer about Dave Pruhs' star. Avail yourselves again with the sponsors.
The 8.50 is run over 845m. This marathon looks to me to be at the mercy of dual TV Trophy winner Midway Skipper. Henry Chalkley's star bitch has returned to form with a vengeance since being taken off her seasonal suppressant. Bubbly Eagle performed better last time, but does not appear to be one to rely on nowadays. Midway Skipper is simply different class, and the sponsors again are a stand-out at 11/8.
9.10, 595m. Raving Black is nicely housed in trap 1 over an ideal trip, and his chance is respected. However, Chris Allsopp could have a good night and land this with Balllymac Rumble in trap 2. He has good early pace which will serve him well over this sharp six-bend trip, especially with the short run to the first bend. This trip is likely to be right up his street, and he was given a look around here in a two-bend trial which could pay dividends. Take the 4/1 with Victor Chandler.
Catch all the action live on Sky this evening from 7.30.
