The Matchbook Betting Exchange Irish St Leger decider will, on Saturday night, offer six classic winning trainers the opportunity to add another to their career tally.
There is very little in the sport that the likes of Pat Buckley, Pat Guilfoyle, Dolores Ruth, Rachel Wheeler, Peter Cronin and, certainly, Graham Holland haven’t achieved. Their respective charges all deserve their place in the €30,000 to the winner decider and all six will be hoping for a little luck.
Favourite to come home in front is Bobsleigh Dream for Pat Buckley, who has twice won the Leger in the past. His latest success came in 2014 with Paradise Silva coming home clear. He was a very different type of greyhound to Bobsleigh Dream, who is noted for her immense power.
The daughter of Droopys Sydney has long been amongst Ireland’s fastest but this will be the first time she has found herself favourite to land a classic. Few would argue against her claims, however. Despite a tough draw in the semis, she powered her way to the front after halfway before coming home clear.
A week on, she has been handed a far more favourable draw on the fence and is no bigger than 6-4 as a result. Should she turn close to the pace, on current form, she would be very difficult to contain, even allowing for the brilliance of her five rivals.
Amongst them is the English Derby champion Romeo Magico. He had a little dip in form earlier in the competition but gave signs of a return to his brilliant best in defeat seven days ahead of Saturday’s decider. Despite taking a bump on the turn, he ran a huge race to finish second to Annagh Bailey.
A trap four draw isn’t ideal, given the fact the early paced Trinity Junior is on his immediate inner but he did win the English Derby from the same box. Not always the fastest starter, his claims depend on whether he can trap on terms.
If doing so, he has both the early speed and the pace down the back straight to match any in training. He is clearly a leading fancy but really does need a good start.
Both Wi Can Dream and Trinity Junior are capable of going up fast. Neither can be ruled out but one suspects, they may need to get loosen their own at the head of affairs in the early stages to score.
Mustang Jet must also be respected from a wide draw. He has recently got over the “cough” and has the best of the draw. He too must be at hi sharpest in the early yards but Dolores Ruth is something of an expert at having her stars peak on the night that counts.
Annagh Bailey completes the line-up and his semi-final run is evidence of his abundant ability. The draw is his biggest concern with the Rachel Wheeler trained star in need of a career best start to turn close enough.
It’s a wonderful final and a fitting way to end the classic year in Ireland. Bobsleigh Dream and Romeo Magico are chosen to lead home a stellar field but this has the potential to throw up a less expected result. The action can all be viewed live on RPGTV from 7pm on Saturday night. Trust me, it will be worthwhile tuning in.
Meanwhile, party season is in full flow in Dublin. Huge crowds have flocked to Shelbourne over the past two weekends and it will be a similar scenario this weekend. Those that journey to HQ on Friday will be treated to some superb racing with the second round of the Dublin Cup the feature, while Saturday’s racing is headlined by the opening round of the Christmas Oaks.
