It’s been a pretty frenetic week in greyhound racing with so many notable displays including the wonderful success of Trinity Junior in the Boylesports Champion Stakes at Shelbourne Park last weekend.
So often a bridesmaid, the talented tracker displayed huge pace and determination to see off a top- class field to confirm his standing as one of Ireland’s best.
Fast forward a few days and the Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International produced the race of the year at Dundalk on Wednesday. This was a truly remarkable contest with UK raider Brookside Richie slipping the field only to be picked up late by Raha Mofo and Ballinabola Ed.
In an incredible finish, Raha Mofo, who had plenty of luck at the opening turn to move third, charged at the leaders to just get the better of Ballinabola Ed. The judge was called into action, declaring the Bitch of the Year the winner by a short head. We can now look forward to the duo challenging for Derby honours in the coming weeks.
Before then, however, we have more classic action to look forward to this weekend with the RPGTV Corn Cuchulainn coming to a conclusion at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.
The staying division seemed pretty thin ahead of the six-bend competition but that has changed in the subsequent weeks. As a result, we are looking forward to a vintage decider to the famous competition.
Both Garfiney Blaze and Kinturk Road go into the contest unbeaten over the extended trip and they will dominate the head of the market but this is far rom a two-dog affair. Certainly, Haka Carlo, his litter sister Ballymac Katie and the progressive Newport Pier will have their supporters.
The draw does favour Garfiney Blaze, however. Representing Graham Holland’s all-conquering Riverside Kennels, the powerful son of Ballymac Anton is perfectly housed on the fence and will take the world of beating if forcing his way to the front in the early yards.
Kinturk Road is an obvious danger, especially if reproducing her stunning semi-final run when posting 41.02. It is imperative she clears her market rival in the early yards and that is easier said than done.
Haka Carlo is the value alternative despite a wide draw. He is capable of a fast start and is respected but the vote remains with his litter brother Garfiney Blaze to hand Graham Holland a first Corn Cuchulainn success.
There’s €5,000 on offer to the winner of the Shelley Fennelly Memorial at Curraheen Park on Saturday night and all eyes will be on Up The Style. She recorded a sensational 27.94 in the semi-finals and is clearly amongst the very fastest females in training.
If repeating last weekend’s effort, she will be difficult to stop although Bredas Wood, Ballymac Run, Scooby Duchess and Goldcash Ice are all capable of a massive run. Up The Style really does look the part, however. She has wonderful early speed and incredible pace throughout and can continue her winning ways for trainer Robert Gleeson and owners Alan and Pat Dobbs.
Thurles will host their biggest night of the year on Saturday as the Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup comes to a conclusion. Billy and John Dunne’s Ballyhimkin Rex has already tasted big race success this year when emerging a good winner of the Champion 550 at Shelbourne Park.
The son of Ballyhimkin Jet will be expected to have a big say in the outcome after a wonderful 28.64 return in the semis. The same can be said for Cabra Kronk. Paddy Scally’s charge remains unbeaten in the competition and s drawn on the right side of his rival. Papa Di Oro is also worthy of respect.
Meanwhile, the sprinters will be out in force at Dundalk on Saturday night as the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup gets underway. This has the potential to be a vintage renewal and it’s no surprise to see the sponsors introduce Flashing Willow as their ante-post favourite at 8-1. Just behind him in the betting are the exciting youngster Get It Right, Rathdown Molly, Wednesday’s impressive scorer Road Exile and Galloping Sydney. It is somewhat surprising to see Sprinter of the Year Gizmo Cash a little bigger in the market than some of those mentioned.
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