As we enter the second half of the year. The Irish greyhound racing calendar also starts to kick into top gear. Obviously, there has been some exceptional racing in the first six months of the year, including an Irish winner of the English Derby, but things really do start to ramp up in the coming weeks.
The Champion Stakes will feature in the second half of this month which is a natural lead into the Boylesports Derby, which is due to commence on August 19th. The Derby will dominate the greyhound racing landscape through late August and most of September with the final scheduled for Saturday, September 24th.
The Derby is actually a little later than normal due to Garth Brooks finally appearing at Croke Park. The decision was made to put the Derby final back by a week, allowing those journeying to Dublin for the blue riband event the chance to get their hands on some accommodation.
With the Champion Stakes and Derby on the horizon, those who follow the sport are always on the hunt for clues and there have been plenty in recent weeks. There will be more of the same on offer at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night with the Shelbourne Champion 550 coming to a conclusion.
The race is packed with real quality, while there are very contrasting styles of racing on offer. The Other Kobe is favourite to emerge triumphant but has been beaten twice in the past fortnight by Vincenzo, who is again in opposition.
Both greyhounds are likely to go up strongly with Droopy Nice One also expected to race prominently. The remaining competitors are all big finishers and may need a little luck in running. The Other Kobe is favourite for a reason. Blessed with tremendous early dash and a good draw in two, the Jennifer O’Donnell trained star can justify his position in the market by making every inch. Vincenzo and Droopys Nice One can push him all the way to the line.
The stayers will also have their chance to shine on the Shelbourne Park card in the semi-finals of the staying classic, the Corn Cuchulainn. Magical Poppy jumped to the head of the betting after a sensational display last weekend when posting 41.02.
In doing so, she became the second fastest greyhound to cover the 750yd trip on Irish soil. A repeat of that run would certainly be good enough in the second heat but it might not be as simple as that. She takes on some really talented trackers and needs to be at her sharpest in the early yards once again.
If she does make any mistakes, however small, the likes of Crafty Kokoro and Generous Angel will be ready to pounce.
The opening heat is another tight contest. So much will depend on the opening exchanges. On the strength of a trap two draw, Droopys Soldier is given the nod but he does need to strike the front in the early yards.
Kilkenny will be hoping for a huge crowd on Sunday as the first annual John Mitchell Bookmaker and KGOBA Festival of Racing takes place. There is a wonderful card on offer and, should the rain stay away, it could be the perfect way to spend a Sunday evening.
The Dundalk International makes a welcome return to the calendar on Tuesday. The most valuable invitation race in this part of the world, a brilliant line-up will battle it out over the 550yds trip. Pat Guilfoyle has won the race twice before and will bid for a third success with both the reigning Dog of the Year Explosive Boy and Good Cody representing his Nenagh based outfit.
Pat Buckley has won the race on three different occasions in the past and he also sends out two runners in the form of Singalong Sally and Gaston Pecas. Liam Dowling sends out Ballymac Fairone, while Murt Leahy sends out the Oaks champion Raha Mofo to complete the field.
In a race of such quality, it could come down to fine margins and the draw might just allow Explosive Boy to ad to his already incredible tally. Good Cody
