ENCOURAGINGLY the number of entries have jumped from 14 at the opening meeting to 22 tomorrow.

One first timer and two previous winners will contest the lowest grade pace. The debutant Ski From The Top will not have to improve a lot from his 2.06.8 qualifying run to be competitive.

However, Springhill Zep will come on for the run last week and can make it two from two.

In the higher grade pace on the card, young John Roche, nephew of Billy makes his seasonal debut with One Cool Touch. The pair gelled well last season and could upset likely favourite Meadowbranch Dynasty with long time Roche arch rival John Richardson.

Eight grade F trotters are entered at time of writing. Assuming race framer James Leavis puts them in together it makes for a nice contest.

Vallaint de Gueham is difficult to oppose after last week’s win in the same grade. The Kane cousins each pull out a runner on the comeback trail. Eclair du Limon (Sean Kane) and Epilobe de Bailly (Patrick Kane jnr) did not achieve much last year but a winter in these stables can work wonders.

Of the higher grade trotters on show Carre Chic ran well behind stable mate Colombia d’ Oysse seven days ago.

The Quills from Kenmare have proven over the years that they can get one ready first time out so Fina Mix and Destin du Larre will know their job.

Full results from meeting one and the actual card can be viewed at www.irishharnessracing.com.

Portmarnock Raceway is at the end of Chapel Road off the R107 (Malahide Road). Racing will provisionally start at 3pm

CONGRATULATIONS also go to Limerick man James O’Donnell who drove his first ever winner at the Freehold Raceway on Friday, March 25th. James won a $5,000 pace aboard Society Jill in a time of 1.58.3.