Despite having a far smaller team than the home contingent, Ireland’s raiding party are in pole position to claim yet another English Derby crown after a stunning opening-round performance. No fewer than eleven of the opening round scorers were trained on this side of the Irish Sea and sponsors Star Sports have now introduced the Irish at 1-4 to land the blue riband at Towcester on July 1st. A look at the top of the ante-post market will also highlight just how strong the Irish challenge is. The top four, and six of the top eight, in the betting, are trained on these shores.
When the dust finally settled after a marathon opening round which lasted three nights, Ireland were left with exactly a quarter of the remaining runners - some 24 of the 96. Sadly, in the subsequent days, Ireland’s team was reduced to 22 following the withdrawal of the Dolores Ruth trained pair of Tullig Raven and Mustang Jet. It is obviously a blow to lose the services of two talented greyhounds but neither were towards the head of the betting. Instead, it’s the Graham Holland trained duo of Swords Rex and Clona Duke that lead the Irish challenge.
The former is already a dual classic winner and has really taken to Towcester, while his youngster kennel mate also looks more than comfortable at the Northamptonshire venue, highlighted by his track record-breaking display in the opening round.
Just behind the big two in the betting is Liam Dowling’s Juvenile Classic winner Ballymac Marino. He too was foot perfect in the opening round and is clearly capable of going deep in the classic. They are just the top three in the betting but Ireland’s team is far deeper than the trio.
With the likes of Irish Derby runner-up Ballymac Finn, 2022 English Derby champion Romeo Magico, Gaytime Nemo, Romeo Hanzo, Ballymac Joey, Cryptopunk, Undulation and Beepers Lariat amongst others waiting in the wings to carry the baton for Ireland, it’s safe to say we’re in an exceptionally strong position. The second round will be spread over two nights, tonight and tomorrow night.
On this side of the water, the ladies take centre stage with the quarter-finals of the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks the feature at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night. There is little doubt this is a vintage renewal of the bitch classic and the defending champion Raha Mofo has jumped to the head of the betting after a sensational second-round effort.
The Murt Leahy trained star, who was recently named the 2022 Bitch of the Year, posted a stunning 27.96, becoming just the eighth bitch to break the magical 28-second barrier at Shelbourne Park.
As a reward for her efforts, the sensationally fast daughter of Droopys Sydney has been handed a favourable draw in the final heat. She has some talented rivals to account for but is clearly in the form of her career and will be strongly fancied to claim a place in next weekend’s semi-finals.
The main rivals to Raha Mofo in the outright betting have been spread through the remaining three heats. Quivers Magic and Bobsleigh Dream clash in the opening heat with the nod going to the latter to pick up her rival in the closing yards. Terezas Mendoza has yet to win a heat of the oaks but has an ideal draw on the fence in the second heat. A brilliant lady with huge pace, she may have too much ammunition for the likely pace-seter Boylesports Coco from halfway.
The third heat can go the way of Undisputed although she needs to do everything right with Crafty Shivoo and 2022 Derby finalist Droopys Nice On to contend with.
Should all the big guns go through, it could set up an incredible finish to this year’s Oaks.
