THE Irish harness racing community is at fever pitch in the lead-up to this weekend’s €100,000 Red John Memorial two-day meeting in Lyre, Co Cork.

The main sponsor is, as usual, Bill Donovan of the USA. A video preview with voiceover can be viewed on the IHRA website and Facebook page, while visiting UK trainer Alexis Laidler generously gave an interview despite juggling a 20-horse stable.

Alexis and husband William (known to all as Rocker) are bringing five runners, all of which will be in the first three in the betting in their respective races.

The Laidlers will endure a 16-hour journey from Durham. That is dedication.

King Wills Arrival has fallen down the grades and can win the Grade E pace. Urbano des Selles will go close in the G to F trot. Merrington Moving Up should reward the Laidlers for their long trek in heat one of the pace. Cartouche Jemiska will go close in her heat of the Maven Trot.

Pacing heat

The other pacing heat can go to Master Plan, a course specialist. Rhyds Panache is now off a winnable mark while Caenwood Tribute looks the type to slug it out on a grass track.

Pure Clear should have the winning of the grade G on Sunday, and Bits And Pieces will be short in the G1 grade.

Brooklyn Trixie has the prefect gait for one and a half miles round a field. Churchview Frankel is the best hope of a home win in the three year old race. Oakwood Coral would be a popular winner for Paul Johnson of England, who has sponsored previously in Ireland.