The Irish calendar has been in full stride for a number of weeks and there is no slowdown this weekend with wonderful racing to look forward to at both Shelbourne Park at Waterford, while the Irish challenge for the upcoming English Derby is also beginning to take shape.
The past weekend’s racing was dominated by the final of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick which went to the Graham Holland trained Clonbrien Treaty. In victory, he again announced himself as a potential superstar and is to be targeted at the Shelbourne Champion 550, which is due to start next week, before taking in an Irish Derby campaign.
Given his youth and rapid progression, there is still far better to come from the brilliant son of Pestana and we look forward to seeing just how good he will turn out to be. One suspects, he will be making more headlines in the future.
The Time Greyhound Nutrition Select Stakes
Back to this weekend’s racing, Kilcohan Park, Waterford, plays host to their big night of the year with the final of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Select Stakes featuring many of the very fastest greyhounds in training.
Such is the wide-open nature of the race, Boylesports have introduced three co favourites, the brilliant The Other Kobe, beaten Derby favourite Callaway Pro Am and the Juvenile Derby champion Clona Duke.
Add in the consolation Laurels and Derby winner Cryptopunk, the 2022 Juvenile Classic winner Wi Can Dream and the high-class Kilgraney Sydney and it really is a tremendous contest. The draw has ensured a fascinating affair with none of the six guaranteed a clear passage into the turn. Were any of the six to get loose around the bend, they would be difficult to beat but so much can happen before that point in the contest. Clona Duke seems to be developing into the real deal and he just gets the nod as he seems more likely to find racing room than any of his rivals in the early yards. That may prove decisive, although Callaway Pro Am is a serious rival, as is The Other Kobe.
The RPGTV Open 600 semi finals
Meanwhile, Saturday’s Shelbourne Park card is headlined by the semi-finals of the RPGTV Open 600. One of the most popular events on the calendar, the betting is dominated by the sensationally fast Ballinabola Ed.
He came home three lengths clear in the opening round despite not being at his sparkling best. The bookmakers have taken notice, however, and he is now odds-on to win the event with two rounds to go.
It goes without saying he will also be long odds-on to win his semi-final despite the presence of some very useful rivals including Callaway Masters and Barefoot Supremo.
The wonderful Allforthebest can emerge as the one to beat in the opening heat. He may be just days off veteran status but retains all his ability and was mighty impressive in the opening round. He can come home in front at the expense of Storys Cashout and Toolmaker Wilde.
The Star Sports/ TRC English Derby
There will be plenty of eyes on proceedings at Towcester on Sunday afternoon as four of Graham Holland’s team have a spin around the Northamptonshire venue ahead of a potential crack at the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby.
These include the 2022 Kirby Memorial champion and recent Easter Cup winner Swords Rex. A brilliant performer that has shown his versatility at a number of tracks, he could yet turn into a serious Derby contender if taking to Towcester.
He is in action in the fourth of the Derby Trial stakes and will need to be on his toes in the early yards as a couple of his rivals have impressed around Towcester in recent weeks.
He is joined on Sunday by his kennel companions Jacktavern Bella, Romeo Hanzo and the brilliant Bockos Crystal.
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