ALL EYES ON SUSIE’S ZAFIRO IN RCETS

Ian Fortune

As a son of Droopys Syndey and Susie Sapphire, there was great hopes for Syd Zafiro ahead of debut and he hasn’t disappointed to date.

Tonight, the exciting youngster bids to maintain the unbeaten start to his career in the final of the RCETS Open Unraced.

There is a wonderful card on offer at Shelbourne Park. Aside from the RCETS Open Unraced decider, the finals of the This Runs Deep A1 550 and Barking Buzz App ON2 are also part of the twelve-race card, while there are also semi-finals of an A3 Dual Distance and an A2 550.

SYD TO GIVE RIVALS THE SLIP

The final of the RCETS Open Unraced is the undoubted feature, however. Worth an impressive €4,000 to the winner, it’s fitting that a potential star will head the betting. Syd Zafiro was foot-perfect in the semis, dominating from the outset to win in 28.37.

He had eight lengths in hand on Southfield Duke, while the other heat was almost a second slower highlighting the fact that the Owen McKenna trained Syd Zafiro really should be winning this evening.

Drawn in the blue of two this evening, Syd Zafiro will quickly emerge as the one to beat if starting on terms. Of his rivals, litter brothers Southfield King and Southfield Duke probably offer the most resistance although both have plenty to find to worry the favourite.   

Torpedo Turtle boasts an unbeaten record but he struggled to get loose last week despite making a fast start. He must turn in front if he is to worry the judge this evening. Highview Emer and Bonnie Big Jaws complete the line up. Both have shown promise but need to hit the ground running to land a telling blow.

HONEY TO FLOW

Some very talented trackers will battle it out for the €2,200 winner’s purse in the This Runs Deep A1 550. Honey Sky posted 29.80 last week and will be hard to beat if coming away racing, although Savana Hero and Barefoot Awesome are seen as serious dangers. Much will depend on the opening exchanges but Honey Sky has done enough to early the vote.

LIBERTY CAN IMPROVE PAST RIVALS

There are some nice types on show in the final of the Barking Buzz App ON2 525. Rallying Girl went fastest in the semis, leading early to clock 29.15, but the nod goes to Aayamza Liberty. The latter finished well to come from off the pace to score in 29.28. With plenty of room for improvement she is selected to go far faster.