Liam Dowling has long been one of the biggest names in Irish greyhound racing but his achievements in more recent years have been next level with so many of his home bred stars going on to become classic winners.
The Eric Browne Memorial Kingdom Derby may not be a classic but is certainly amongst the most significant 525yd competitions of the year and Dowling clearly targeted the stake, which is run at his local track, the Kingdom stadium in Tralee.
He has had luck in the event in the past but, even by his standards, providing four of the six finalists is pretty incredible. His obvious tam captain is Ballymac Finn, who last September ran up the Derby at Shelbourne Park.
He has improved through the stake, winning his quarter and semi-finals in style, and is likely to take some stopping. Sunshine Dream, trained by Brendan Maunsell, actually posted the fastest time in the semi-finals but a wide draw is far from ideal for the versatile tracker.
Instead, another of the Dowling contingent, the Laurels runner-up Ballymac Whispa is nominated as the main danger to Ballymac Finn. In contrast to her kennelmate, Ballymac Whispa is not blessed with early speed but is a massive finisher.
The likelihood is that Ballymac Finn will lead Ballymac Whispa and Ballymac Bronze, both of whom are drawn on his inner, into the turn before setting sail for home. Sunshine Dream will attempt to turn close but that won’t be easy from the draw.
Ballymac Whispa can emerge as the main danger although she does need the gaps to arrive at the right time. It could make for an exciting finish but, one suspects, it will be one that will go the way of Liam Dowling. Ballymac Finn can contain Ballymac Whispa in a thriller.
The Gold Cup won’t start until next Saturday at Shelbourne Park but a new sponsor has been announced for the early season showpiece. Paddy Kehoe, who is known as a successful racehorse owner, has been involved in greyhound racing for a number of decades and he has stepped into back the grade one competition.
Many of Ireland’s very fastest will line up in the Gold Cup and the Derby champion Born Warrior is amongst them. He didn’t trial too well at Shelbourne last weekend but excuses can be made for the run and it is hoped he will have his first start since his Derby success in the opening round.
Ahead of the Gold Cup, Saturday’s card at Shelbourne features a few potential contenders although it’s largely a low-key night of action. One that certainly could emerge as a serious challenger for Gold Cup honours is Toolmaker Stan. The Robert Gleeson trained star was a particularly impressive winner of his latest start earlier this month and, should he see off his talented rivals this evening, will be amongst the favourites for Gold Cup glory.
The penultimate race is also packed with talent and a tentative nod goes to last year’s Champion Stakes winner One Time Only. If producing one of his famed slick exits, the Tommy O’Donovan trained star can come home clear.
Meanwhile, Clonmel will again be the focus of attention tomorrow night as the Rural Kennels Open Unraced continues. Some hugely exciting youngsters have emerged from the competition, although the undoubted star to this point in proceedings has been Droopys Racer.
The Michael Corr trained star set the standard in both rounds to date although he has been handed an extremely tough test in the second semi-final. If he is to continue his winning ways, he must make a fast start from trap four or the likes of Laughil Rocky, Tarsna Fern and La Conquistador will be ready to take advantage.
The exciting Hukum has yet to set the clock alight but gives the impression he will go very fast in the near future. The Adam Dunford trained star is chosen to come home in front in the opening heat at the expense of Hovex Tommy and Rural Taylor.
SEE ALSO: Club Of Mongahan Star Jack McCarron Set To Appeal Against Controversial Transfer
