Bitterly cold conditions saw the cancellation of many meetings in Ireland over the past week but there was still plenty to get excited about. The competition that attracted the most attention was the Rural Kennels Open Unraced at Clonmel and a number of potential stars got their career off to a flying start in the opening round.
The star in terms of the clock was Romeo Taylor, posting a rapid 28.88, on a track that was rated .40 slow. Showing massive early speed, he certainly gives the impression he will be better suited by warmer conditions and could be anything in the future.
That’s not to say he will have things easy in Heat 5 where he must face fellow impressive opening round scorers Ballymac Danica and Durango Kid. However, the draw and the manner of his debut success would suggest that Romeo Taylor is the one to beat again.
Three opening round winners also clash in Heat 4. Michael O’Donovan happens to be responsible for two of them, Serene Highway and Stonepark King, while they are joined by Maireads Prince. Stonepark King went a little faster than his two rivals last week and he can confirm that form.
The four remaining heats aren’t quite as stacked but there are still many promising sorts in action. Faypoint Maureen should really appreciate a rails draw in the opening heat where she is amongst the leading fancies along with Savana Alfredo and Swords Hero.
Carrick Keano faces a very tough draw in Heat 2 but displayed all sorts of pace and promise both in qualifying and his debut defeat. With a clear passage he could go fast and is chosen to lead home Glendale Zozo.
Carefree Copmet and Romeo Steel can battle out the finish to Heat 3, while Dakota Law impressed in the opening round when storming home, suggesting he could be hard to beat in the final heat.
No matter the results, the very nature of the event means that there will be a number of greatly improved displays in Saturday’s second round.
Certainly, the early signs would suggest this year’s renewal of the valuable unraced competition is as strong as any before and many classic contenders will emerge in the coming weeks.
The valuable Dublin Cup continues at Shelbourne Park this evening and it looks very competitive. Newline Fortune is the most likely winner of the opening heat and is chosen to make every inch, while the same can be said for the in-form La Barbaro in the final heat. Both greyhounds can justify their short odds.
The two remaining heats are extremely open. Headinthewindow is improving with each outing and will have plenty of support but the same can be said for Gallant Queen. Both dipped under 28.780 last week and are seen as big players. The presence of Sunshine Harbour in trap three is a possible banana skin. He has fine early dash and could turn in front, although he failed to get home last week. A tentative vote goes to Gallant Queen.
Miami Prince is two from two in the competition and he will be a warm favourite to continue his superb run of form in Heat 3. A powerful galloper with fine pace from the second turn, he will be hard to stop if avoiding traffic problems.
