Sunderland comes in for its share of criticism, it's sharp four bends and tightish first turn are not everyone's cup of tea. But champions can run anywhere, and there were a host of champion performances at its Festival finale last week
Ardkill Tunoco, Glenroe Ginger and Hurleys Hero are among the top performers in their sphere and each ran the Sunderland track brilliantly on Thursday, making up for arguably unlucky efforts in the semi-finals of their respective competitions.
Let's start with Hurleys Hero, who has been the subject of a reputed Champagne Club bid after winning the six-bend race in a quicker time than Grand Prix victor (and kennelmate Crown Rover) did in claiming the £20k prize.
He is quick as anything around, but those willing to take him on might take heart from the Grand Prix semis when he didn't lead. Nevertheless, it will be a brave man who takes him on.
Likewise Glenroe Ginger, for whom short four-bend trips look perfect now, showed great pace throughout the 450m and the longer the run to the turn the better for Barrie Draper's dog.
As for Ardkill Tunoco, he would have to be in the front rank of true four-bend performers and a Category One event could just be his for the taking.
Julie Bateson's dog would also do himself justice across the water (Irish Derby) again were he to travel, although that short run to the bend at Shelbourne might be a concern.
So to the dogs who can pay the summer exes . . .
Let's start with the a small word for Ballydaniel Adam. Okay, he raced in a seniors race and is hardly one to be expected to rack up a sequence, but he showed himself to be in good form with a commendable effort over a distance probably too sharp for him. A return to Sheffield could reap dividends?
The sprint turned into a messy affair at the turn, but Droopys Bocelli is a must for the notebook and, with another two or three races under his belt, might be vying for the country's best sprinter title soon. Lack of sharpness just took its toll into the turn, and Jimmy Lollie took admirable advantage, but trapping ability as shown again by Bocelli will serve him well.
Glenroe Ginger and Centaur Allstar rightly took the plaudits in the four-bend dash, but in behind Rathluich Black ran a stormer. And remember Jimmy Wright's dog has a recent verdict over Officer Donagh, so can run.
Aughacasla Adam was no match for Hurleys Hero, but almost caught Pond Gallileo for second in the six-bend supporting event and goes into the notebook as one who might even relish more of a test.
Bubbly Eagle confirmed his status as the country's best marathon performer in winning the eight-bend contest, which admittedly was run to suit him. Connections will rue his reverse in the TV Trophy, but he can prove that to be a one-off in the coming weeks, although 900m-plus might still bring in Vatican Iona!
Others to note from Sunderland are Droopys Kez, who showed good all-round speed behind Ardkill Tunoco and will be winning again soon, and Mario Gomez, who was a tough unlucky not to turn in front in the Classic final after pacing up well.
Across the water the big race of the weekend is the final of the Champion Stakes at Shelbourne Park.
Taking a look at the three semi-finals, the improver - and the Lord's selection - is Fatboyz Nodrog. He hardly trapped well but motored to the turn and took a middle course from two. What trap does he have into the final? Answer: Trap four. Get on!