Preview to 2007 All-Ireland Road Trot

by Jackie Cowan

• CASEY B ('96, Blackwell Peter/Adora's Roberta), Patrick Hill
• Casey B has been second to The Blue Fox, Fidlin and Coalford Victory so far this term. He was fourth in the Grade A here last year and this course might not be the optimum for this die-hard competitor. Still, he can never be discounted and no matter what, he won't be far away.

• COALFORD JAMES ('99, Music King/Clairichatross) Tim O'Leary
• Coalford James was second behind Stoneriggs Wiseman on his road debut at Drimoleague. He followed that with a win in Grade B at Durrus. Since then, he has had three thirds, the most recent at Dunmanway. Turning has not been his strong point, but he impresses with how he rallies to fill the frame. He will be up against it, though, as there is absolutely no margin for error in an All-Ireland.

• COALFORD VICTORY ('96, Surfer Hanover/Saunders Venus), Donal Murphy
• Coalford Victory was installed evens favourite on Sunday evening, following his win in Grade A. He also won at Colomane but met his match in The Blue Fox at Drimoleague. His jockey is going for his third road All-Ireland, having won with Surprise Skipper in 1996 and Hello Fella ten years later. Not incidentally, he won the 2006 turf/track All Ireland harness with Tom's The Man. Hard to oppose.

• FIDLIN ('95, Sherman Almahurst/Just Kerry), Noreen McSweeney
• Fidlin is the reigning champion road horse. Last year, he was odds-on to win the blue riband at Ownahincha but was eclipsed by Hello Fella. Lightly campaigned, he won at Durrus and Castlehaven, and when looking out of it, rallied strongly at Goleen to take third. The senior horse in the race, he is bound to have lost a step. But he will have a huge advantage here, as his rider is at the top of her game at the moment.

• HILLTOP TUCK ('00, Master Scoot/Wrekin Roberta), Deirdre Goggin.
• Hilltop Tuck has an impressive record in his road career so far. Second in Grade B on his road debut at Durrus; third in same at Colomane and a win in same at Castlehaven. His shock defeat of The Blue Fox at Goleen franked his claim to serious consideration here. The Old Chapel course should suit and many see him as the main threat to the two hotpots.

• JUST FLASH ('98, Speed Of Light/Saunders Fullsway), Patrick O'Brien
• Just Flash has been unplaced in his last two outings. Before that,. he was second at Castlehaven and Skibbereen; in his other outings, he filled the frame. Third in the Grade A here last year, he showed that he can handle the course. His jockey is having a very good season and this pair should not be too far off.

• NEWTOWN COMMANDER ('96, Young Commander/Newtown Lorraine), Aaron Sweeney
• Newtown Commander has re-invented himself. He is now a great road horse, who just puts his head down (like his famous father) and gets to work. He also skims around the bales as effortlessly as Stoneriggs Rascal ever did. Having been placed all along, he won Grade A at Skibbereen. Then he went out and won the Grade B (he was still in that grade) at Goleen. His jockey won the 2003 All-Ireland with Hello Good Knight, and showed sound tactics in doing so. Similar well-thought tactics could gain the day for this pair.

• STONERIGGS WISEMAN (00, Today's Man/Stoneriggs Lady). John Sheehy
• Stoneriggs Wiseman easily won his three Grade B. He was then considered a serious contender for the All-Ireland. He obviously hated it at Goleen, where he ran in Grade A. Supporters were shocked at Dunmanway when, as second favourite, he could only finish fourth. Turning seems to be his Achilles' heel, as he is not lacking in speed. If he reverts to the horse that vanquished both Newtown Commander and Hilltop Tuck at Colomane, he would rattle them well.

• THE BLUE FOX ('96, Prince Lee Dancer/Cat Balou), Micheal Duggan.
• The Blue Fox made his road debut at Ballingurteen, where he dazzled in Grade A. At Drimoleague, he showed his bravery when battling back to deny Coalford Victory. Sidelined since St. Stephen's Day, he ran at Goleen, where he was overhauled close home Hilltop Tuck. He has twice won the saddle All-Ireland on turf. His speed and courage are not in doubt, but there could be a small question mark over his fitness. If this can be dispelled, then here is the All-Ireland winner..

Guide Prices: After the Open at Dunmanway, Angelo, Noel and Tim each quoted Coalford Victory at 1/1, with The Blue Fox at 6/4. Prices varied after that: Casey B, 7/1 to 10/1. Coalford James, 10/1 to 12/1; Fidlin, 4/1 to 6/1; Hilltop Tuck, 7/2 to 4/1. Just Flash, 10/1 to 20/1. Newtown Commander, 5/1 to 6/1; Stoneriggs Wiseman, 6/1 to 10/1. Travis: As of late last night, Travis was deemed a non-runner.