Strong undercard at Portmarnock on Sunday

Dublin, Ireland – Portmarnocks eighth meeting of the season features eight races, four pacing events augmented by four French bred le trots on Sunday headlined by the annual "Painted Mile" for coulored horses.

Seven go to post in the opener the F-D Class le trot where Billy Roches VIVAMENT DIMANCHE has a 40 yards starting deficit to overcome but this consistent trotter can gradually make up the ground to strike within the shadows of the post. Others to consider in this are Valse De Fourches and Tamalou Perrine.

Coalford Hardy impressed on debut last week and can lead them all a merry dance in the grade F&G handicap pace but PRESIDENT is the one to beat here. Shane Howards gelding is in the form of his life at present and should win this with the minimum of fuss with Wolfhill Major also expected to make his presence felt.

Romeo De Centaure disappointed last week and needs to bounce back to form if hes to figure in the class D-C le trot. Vichy De Moem is the likely favourite whilst big runs are also expected from Rohan De Thirons and Sire D’Opac who has been crying out for a gate draw. The one that could spring a surprise however is Simosa and Joe Caffreys trotter made a pleasing debut last Sunday and can improve again to triumph at fancy odds.

The Grade C&D handicap pace is a mouth-watering contest where a case can be made for virtually all of the seven runners. Of these Porterstown Chris will be all out to atone for a bad break in stride last week whilst Lyons Monty will need luck in running if hes to land the spoils for connections that line a gamble. Carmel Camden was a stellar 2 year old but may need the run on whats her seasonal debut.

That leaves TALAVARY JEWEL who flew under the radar last week when starting poorly but finished with some purpose to be placed in a very competitive heat. She can win this for Welsh owner Ruth Phillips.

A class B free-for-all le trot pits seven evenly matched French imports against each other and the draw will be all important here. TIFFANY MONESTO broke a record on its penultimate start whilst Tonic Scott and Soir Printemps are very consistent and will be there to pick up the pieces should the selection underperform on the day.

Six.of Ireland’s best pacers go to post in the Grade C-A1 handicap which sees last seasons IHRC horse of the year title holder Deans Alibi start his 2015 campaign. He may just need the run however and PORTERSTOWN ROAD is chosen to upstage Matthew Roches stable star. Oakwood Outlaw will pounce late if this becomes tactical and the grey could just spring a big surprise.

Five of Irelands best trotters then go to post in the Class A free-for-all le trot. Sois Beau Gitan is in the form of his life at present but Solene De Bannes will be out to exact revenge having been beaten by him last Sunday. ROMALUS ANGENAIS is selected to glide past both of them at the business end of the race and give the shrewd Joe Caffrey his first win of the new season.

The afternoon ends with one of the most eagerly awaited races of the season so far, the annual “Painted Mile” featuring uniquely coloured Standardbreds, all present with the rare tobiano gene.

Last years winner CINDERELLA MAN will be all the rage to retain his title but connections of skewbald Keltic Panda have meticulously planned to upstage the striking grey and white colt aiming to cause the biggest of upsets. This looks on paper to be a straightforward match race between the pair with the race on for third spot between Kauto Star and Blue River Jessie.

by Thomas Bennett