Dez set to Produce the goods in Clonmel Classic opening round

SHOTGUN DEZ, winner of the National Puppy Stake at Shelbourne Park last November, can make big-race experience tell in heat eight of the opening round of the National Produce Stakes over 525 yards at Clonmel (9.24).

Trained by three-time Produce Stakes winning handler Graham Holland, a tilt at the English Derby was presumably considered given two excellent recent sprint trials at Towcester but the decision instead to target this event can pay immediate dividends.

Holland can also score with Newinn Spot in heat four at 8.18 and Nicky Swithin in heat five at 8.32.

The opening heat which begins proceedings at 7.34 can go to Michael O'Donovan's Brother Thomas who won his first two in the Juvenile Classic at Tralee en route to the final and recently flew round that venue in sub-track record trial.

O'Donovan can double up in heat six at 8.48 where his Berlin Trilogy appeals, while Paul Hennessy's Kirby Memorial finalist Jaykay Fly has outstanding claims in heat three at 8.03. 

Owen McKenna's Callaway Danny (7.48) and Droopys Winsome (9.06) for last year's winning trainer Murt Leahy are other heat suggestions.

There is also earlier Irish action at Mullingar where the chief fancies are Morgan Crowley's Droopys Roar (11.13), Ian Reilly's Droopys Riveria (1.12) and, particularly, Seamus Reilly's Breffni Katie (1.47), while PJ  Peacock's Ratchies Borris (8.09), Thomas Buggy's Kilgraney Nike (8.43),  Leahy's Droopys Yeti (9.01) and David Flanagan's Mystical Ranger (9.50) can all score at Kilkenny tonight.

Harlow has a Friday double-header with Darren Whitton's Shesomethingels (12.12) the early standout, while Darren Ellerker's Ballintine Ten (7.42) is the strongest evening pick.

Star Pelaw holds the afternoon fort with Stuart Tighe's Wheatsheaf Star fancied to follow up a runaway A2 success in a top grade contest at 3.03.

Shotgun Dez (nap)
T1 Clonmel 9.24