Tasked with previewing the Borrisoleigh Coursing meeting for the bible this week, it took a short time for the entry of Cash Is King to fully register when preparing to study up for the Hitchin Post All Age Cup and when it did, I nearly choked on my coffee!
I had to immediately get on the phone to Brendan Maunsell to check that it was not a mistake and he confirmed that the 2018 Irish Produce Stakes hero will take to slips for his first public appearance in the field come St Stephen's day at the traditional Tipperary festive fixture.
As a confirmed fan of Cash Is King, I find it fascinating and although we have a runner in Trial Stake ourselves at the meeting, all massaging, rubbing, stretching and team talks will cease as Cash makes his way to slips.
It's a warm Cup to be making his debut in with previous winners this season in the shape of Shine A Diamond, Post Graduate and Cooga Ocean, along with Irish Purse runner-up Bagsy The Front, so, we will get clear indication of just where this track star can sit within a high class level in the field.
Indeed from the outset, Cash is likely to face a stiff test as his opening round opponent, Archgrove Magic, went to the semi-final of this event last season and although not seen since, is likely to set a fair standard for the classic winner.
Now, before any detractors deem it necessary to throw a slight on this venture, Brendan revealed that it is simply a change of tack following an indifferent run of form on the track and if nothing else, it may rejuvenate his brilliant tracker. I joked that this might be part of a master plan for a tilt at the Irish Cup and although Brendan did laugh, he didn't rule it out!
I find it both a brave and fascinating move on Brendan's part and being a hugely successful kennel in both codes of racing, it could be folly to rule out Cash Is King as a contender in Borrisoleigh.
This coursing venture does not stop there however and with an engagement in the Comerford Cakes Final at Shelbourne Park this coming Saturday, Redzer Ardfert has a date in the Derby Trial Stake at Borrisoleigh on Wednesday!
Should Redzer and our own runner survive day one of the Trial Stake, they would be due to meet in the quarter-final. Now, I find the whole venture exciting but I might not be wishing him too much good luck if that scenario was to unfold!
Some may call it mad, I find it fascinating and it may yet turn out to be genius. Mixing both codes revealed Ballymac Meena to be nothing short of a star last season and we may be set for similar now?!
Roll on Wednesday! I'll be selfie hunting again!
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| Cash Is King with yours truly following Produce Stakes victory |
