The future and present will be on show this weekend with the racing action at Tralee and Shelbourne Park unmissable. The present is represented by six wonderful trackers in the final of the Tote Gold Cup at Shelbourne Park, while the next generation of stars will again light up Tralee in the second round of the Juvenile Classic.
Tote Gold Cup
The Tote Gold Cup was first introduced to the Irish greyhound racing calendar latte last century and in the subsequent quarter century, some real star names have captured the early season showpiece. That will again be the case at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night as a tremendous field lines out in final chasing the €16,000 winner’s purse.
The likes of Ballymac Finn, Another Holiday and Boylesports Coco are certainly amongst the very fastest in training and the trio top the betting. The draw will no doubt have a huge say in the outcome and Boylesports Coco is perhaps best suited by her position on the track. Drawn in two, she has the early speed to hold her position into the turn and could potentially turn in front.
Another Holiday is blessed with huge ability but has been a little flat in recent weeks. If he were to return to the form he displayed at the end of 2023 he too would have outstanding claims. However, he really will need to be at his best.
Ballymac Finn would prefer to be prefer to be drawn on the other side of Boylesports Coco but must always enter calculations. The 2022 Derby runner-up is real star and has exceptional pace throughout, although he has been held by Boylesports Coco in each of their last two meetings. If he is to reverse recent form, a flying start is essential as Boylesports Coco will go up fast and does tend to take a step to her right. That could potentially see Ballymac Finn find himself short of room.
Deadly Style is another that will attract support. He lowered the colours of his kennel companion. Another Holiday in the semis and would be aided by any traffic in the middle of the track but he may need things to go his way. The same can certainly be said for Lotto Other News and Neon Nite. Both have been running well but this is easily the toughest test of their career. A tentative nod goes to the Dolres Ruth trained Boylesports Coco.
The good news is, you can watch all the action from Shelbourne live on GTV, Sky channel 427 from, 7pm.
Juvenile Classic
Last week we highlighted the significance of the Juvenile Classic at Tralee and its importance on the Irish calendar. Certainly, the opening round didn’t disappoint, providing the springboard for a few potential superstars.
Coolavanny Otto stole many of the headlines with a truly exceptional performance as he posted a
scarcely believable 28.04 on debut. If he continues on that vein, he will no doubt be amongst Ireland’s very fastest in the future.
Another to go fast was Da Bold Falcon. He had already had a big reputation ahead of his debut having come in for strong support for both the Irish and English Derby. Remarkably, he wasn’t even favourite for last week’s assignment but emerged a facile winner in 28.13.
Many others impressed both in victory and defeat and it seems safe to assume there will be many improved displays from those that didn’t take the headlines last week. Both Da Bold Falcon and Coolavany Otto will be expected to win their respective quarter finals this evening but neither can afford any mistakes.
Da Bol Falcon lines out in the opening heat and faces some very promising types including Silverhill Adam, Kilcolgan Mick, Kerogue Lady and Baby Bocko.
Coolavanny Otto takes his chance in the final heat and is clearly the one to beat but it seems safe to assume the likes of Ower Cracker and Ballymac Rebel will step up on their debut efforts.
