The opening day of the Corn na Feile meeting at Abbeyfeale lived up to expectation, with some top class performances throughout each stake. Navalny set the standard in the Corn Na Feile Derby, however Castleisland qualifier Ballymac Sports remains at the head of the betting following his two length opening round success over Capablanca. Cuban Bruce didn’t live up to expectations as he raced offline throughout against Montpelier Merlo. Ballymac Cuinas and Banba Be Wilder both progressed; however Glin qualifier Navalny was without doubt the most eye catching performer of the day in the colours of Brendan Matthews and his next course with A Noble Friend is a rematch of their Glin Derby TS final.
Ballymac Tag produced a flawless display in the opening round in the Corn na Feile Oaks and has hardened into 4/6 for outright honours. She meets Kilflynn qualifier Linden Panache in the morning. Kennel companion Ballymac Nano upset the odds in the opening course when defeating Artic Heiguer and sets up a date with Montpelier Aya in round two. Annual Hope and Marvellous Model will contest the second quarter while the contest between Boherlode Hope and Zauberflute has the potential to be the buckle of the day.
Derby winner Masonbrook Ger heads the market in the All Age event following his four length victory over Floating Hego. The second half of the draw looks hard to predict, however the buckle between Tree Top Tyson and Drive On Lesley may well decide who sports the white collar in the final. Ballymac Major appeared to have put his recent dip in form behind him and should not be dismissed.
The final day of action gets underway at 11am. See Quick Results for betting after Day 1.