All systems Go for Oaks challenge in Clonmel
Following a wonderful qualifying campaign where our local clubs contributed greatly while hosting stellar renewals of their annual meetings, the 94th National Coursing Festival will get underway on this Sunday at Powerstown Park in Clonmel with dreams of a deep run in the classics from our qualified hopefuls.
The bulk of our attentions will of course be concentrated on the Horse & Jockey Oaks where first to take to slips on the opening morning will be the John Kelly trained Go Jetter (Adios Alonso/Smokey Millie), owned by his nephews Jamie & Darragh Meagher.
Hugely impressive in her facile Borrisoleigh success, Go Jetter was a late starter this season but progressed from two previous outings and the manner of her Trial Stake victory suggested that she could be far ahead of what that bare form read.
At the top of the card, she will race on the white collar in the second course of the opening round when facing Thurles winner Outcast Alonso and can be expected to progress. She could then possibly face Rushview Gold if that challenger can win her opening course against the fancied Ballymac Enya, and, having defeated Rushview Gold at Borrisoleigh, Go Jetter may have a suitable draw.
Superbly bred with Clonmel pedigree on both sides of her lineage, it would come as little surprise if Go Jetter was to relish the unique demands of a Clonmel Oaks and she appears grossly overpriced at 40/1!
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