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Road All-Ireland 2009

This is not shaping up to be a vintage All-Ireland. Still, you never know. All five jockeys have won an All-Ireland. John McSweeney (Storm Trooper in 1997 and Morfa Duke in 2004); Tim O'Leary (Magical Mancini in 2008); Derry McCarthy (Bon Daniel in 2005); Kieran Sheehy (The Gallant Man in 1999) and Noreen McSweeney (Fidlin in 2007). Colomane last held the All-Ireland in 2000, when it was won by Red Meadows under Pamela Hickey.

• DILLY'S DRAGON (2111)
• 2003 bg House Of Cards (USA)/Dilly's Princess
• Runner-up to Dream's Place at Castlehaven, where he had no answer to the winner's challenge on the homestraight. Three emphatic wins in Grade B, in two of which he beat Kelly's Hero

• DREAM'S PLACE (1122)
• 2001 dbg Southwest Art (USA)/Coalford Dream
• Easy winner at Castlehaven and Dunmanway. Earlier win at Ballygurteen. He has only found one too good for him and that was the now sidelined Magical Mancini. Biggest, if not only danger, is Frisco Titan.

• DRIVEN STORM (340)
• 2001 bg Driven By Design(USA)/Springhill Sheeba
• Cannot be discounted. At Castlehaven, he did not lose gait. At Old Chapel, he was leading but broke stride at the last turn.

• FRISCO TITAN (12)
• 1999 bg Young Commander (USA)/Laura's Titan
• Impressive in Grade B at Old Chapel, where he was waited with until after the last turn. On his first road outing, in Grade A at Dunmanway, he was slow to turn but made up good ground to finish second to Dream's Place, who will be biggest threat here.

• KELLY'S HERO (4102)
• 2002 bg Hogan's Heroes (USA)/Tsarina Lights
• Never got into it at Castlehaven. Gallant winner at Old Chapel, beating Hilltop Tuck and Magical Mancini. Will be ranked as outsider of the quintet.

• RESERVE
• COALFORD JAMES (0333)
• 1999 dbg Music King (USA)/Clairichatross
• This one is worthy of consideration. He usually sets a good pace, and can turn very well. His three placings were in top company and he can be expected, at the very least, to fill the frame.

Verdict: Frisco Titan. Danger: Dream's Place

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