Stickmein, an Una O’Sullivan Memorial Irish Cup semi-finalist as a pup 12 months ago, is now 6/4 favourite to go two better in this season’s renewal. His early pace has been a feature of this event so far and none of his opponents have been able to live with it. The other stand-out performer has been the pup Ashmore Mac but despite his fancy clocks he remains a 3/1 chance with all those around him in the bottom half priced similarly. Interestingly we have an even divide of All Age & Pups and the last eight includes two Derby runner-ups, a Derby semi-finalist, a Derby quarter-finalist and an Irish Cup semi-finalist. The other three are a pup beaten just up by the outright winner in Rd3 of this season’s Derby, a pup which never made it to Clonmel and the winner of a very hot Deise Cup at Dungarvan this season (beating Champion Bitch Stakes winner Aran View in the final).
And so the scene is set for what should be a thrilling conclusion to the 2025/26 coursing season. Lets take a quick look at the last eight.
SWEAT THE ASSET: Connections were very disappointed when Bridie, Res A for the Oaks didn’t get a run at Clonmel but getting ample compensation here. Winner of a really competitive Deise Cup at Dungarvan just before Christmas. Will be an outsider but the red collar is enjoying huge favour (21 of the 24 courses this afternoon went to the Red !!).
MAGICAL TITAN: Lost a thrilling RD3 buckle at Clonmel but a shade fortunate to get the flag in RD3 here today against Moyle Alonzo. With a turn he may have been in trouble. Same price as he was yesterday morning so getting the job done but needs to come away better from slips.
STICKMEIN: Killing his opponents with his devastating early speed. Semi-finalist here last year and already on the podium three times this season at Cashel, Ennniscorthy & Glanworth. The one to beat if he keeps bombing away.
SILENT STORM: Was always going to be a most interesting runner in the Irish Cup after missing Clonmel. Changed ownership to the locally based Cuine Syndicate and is giving them a brilliant run. A shade fortunate to get flag over Kerry Craft in RD3 but then again connections were a shade unfortunate not to get flag with Central Giver in RD2 so were due a bit of luck. Will need to stay close in early stages to Stickmein.
ASHMORE MAC: This pup reached the Derby quarter-final earlier this month but his demolition of Mr Trendsetter in RD1 yesterday came as a shock. However it was no fluke with two more fastest of round clocks today. Would be a most popular winner for Derby sponsor John Boyle. Will be on the right collar to the final.
COOGA MAGIC: Derby runner-up in 2025 but has had his problems this season and it is brilliant for his Syndicate owners to have him back to his best. Doing everything right and holding his clocks well. The dogs he beat with ease in RD1 & RD2 are running very well in Purse and Plate which is often a great indicator. However his biggest test is to come.
BALLYMAC AWIL: This season’s Derby runner-up and everyone wondering if the six runs up Clonmel will start taking their toll tomorrow. However he has been very professional in all his courses here so far and once again the ones he beat along the way are still in contention for the Purse & Plate. Could possibly meet his kennel-mate Ashmore Mac in semi-final.
BALLINABOLA CHA: What has been a wonderful All Age season so far for this 2025 Derby semi-finalist isn’t over yet. Could the Irish Cup be joining the Cups won at New Ross, Carlow & Old Kilcullen on the mantlepiece ?. Remember Gigantor had won the Cup at Old Kilcullen also. Has met formidable opponents in all three rounds but is hunting exceptionally well and won’t be easily beaten.
To conclude we will have a quick look at the other stakes.
Patsy Byrne Select All Age Bitch Stake
Clocks & Betting would suggest that this is between the pup Butterfield and last year’s winner Ballymac Mulan. The 6/4 on offer for Ballymac Mulan might prove to be good value.
Dick Fitzgerald Memorial Irish Purse
All eyes will be on Callaway Pat and Mr Trendsetter who were fancied to go a long way in the Irish Cup but made early exits in different circumstances. Another pup running very well and on the favoured red collar all the way is Good Energy. Mr Trendsetter ran his best course this afternoon so might be the one to beat.
Bill Chawke Irish Plate
This is a wide open affair with only one pup remaining, Awaiting Trial. Any of the last eight are capable of winning. Success for Typical Magic would give him a unique Clonmel Powerstown Cup / Irish Plate double but he will be wearing white all the way.