The Deadly Kennels McCalmont Cup has a long and storied history. First run all the way back in 1947, the roil of honour features some legendary names including that of Spanish Battleship in 1954 and 1955.
None of tonight’s finalists will ever achieve anything like the three-time Derby champion but they are a talented bunch and, come 9pm this evening, one of them will have earned their lucky connections an impressive €6,500.
Lotto Other News and Kapuka Warrior were impressive winners of their respective semi-finals but neither have been particularly lucky with the draw. That’s not to say they can’t win but they certainly need to be at their sharpest to get around in pole position.
NEWS HAS BEEN MAKING HEADLINES
On recent evidence, Lotto Other News is the one to beat.
He posted 28.97 in the quarter finals, making every inch from trap three, while he went even faster from an inside draw last week, posting a rapid 28.80.
From a trap five draw this evening, he will need another fast start. It’s worth pointing out that he has won from out that far in the past but there is little doubt he would prefer a rails draw.
WARRIOR FACING TOUGH DRAW
The same can be said for Kapuka Warrior, who is drawn in the stripes.
He too is capable of a fast start and comes into the race on the back of two good wins.
He has never won from further out than trap four and needs to be electric at boxes to get around.
BRO RUNNING WELL
Droopys Bro will certainly have support from three.
He has returned to something like his very best in recent weeks, winning his opening round heat and quarter final before running well behind Kapuka Warrior last week. He can again play a big part if finding a start.
TED MUST FIND ROOM TO RACE
Lemon Ted is a big finisher and could potentially arrive late and fast. His biggest problem is finding room to race in the early yards.
With Lotto Other News and Kapuka Warrior expected to edge inwards from the outside boxes, he could be left short of room in four.
CANON AND BOY DRAWN ON INSIDE
That leaves Burgess Canon and Quarry Boy to complete the field. The former has the plum draw on the fence but must be at his very sharpest to come home in front.
The same can be said for Quarry Boy. He has been running well but could find space at a premium in the opening exchanges.
NEWS CAN COME OUT ON TOP
It really is a fascinating contest but one fast start could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Lotto Other News is chosen to come away racing and take the corner. If doing so, he could run out a deserving winner of what has been a tremendous renewal of this famous competition. Droopys Bro is nominated as the main threat, while Kapuka Warrior and Lemon Ted aren’t ruled out either. Best of luck to all involved.
TEXAS JACK TO WIN TOM BROWNE MEMORIAL
Earlier on the card, Texas Jack will be hard to stop in the final of the Tom Browne Memorial A3. Thomas Leahy’s promising son of Coolavanny Hoffa took off in the semi-finals, shooting clear to emerge a wide margin winner in 28.84. He has lengths in hand on the clock and is chosen to emerge a comfortable winner at the expense of Woe Maudie and Birchfield Pa.