This could end up being a very significant weekend in Irish greyhound racing. Of course, there will be some tremendous action at Shelbourne Park in the semi-finals of the Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Gold Cup but most greyhound enthusiasts will be keeping an eye on the action at Tralee as the Greyhound and Petworld Juvenile Classic gets underway.
Since the competition was first introduced to the calendar in 2007, it has produced more stars than any other similar event. Year on year, it has grown in importance. Last year’s renewal providing a springboard for so many future champions including Wi Can Dream, Ballinabola Ed, Coolavanny Shado, Mustang Jet, Coolavanny Hoffa and Droopys Edison.
In the two previous years, the likes of Deerjet Sydney, Ballymac Wild, Knocknaboul Syd, Epic Hero, Priceless Jet, Singalong Sally, One Time Only, Romeo Magico, Good Cody and Ballymac Merlin were part of the graduating classes, highlighting just important the competition is.
Whether this year’s crop will turn out as good has to be seen but many of the top kennels in the country are represented, while there are also some exceptional pedigrees on show. It seems highly likely at least one or two future classic winners will come to the fore in the coming weeks ahead of the final on Saturday, March 11th.
Meanwhile, a number of Ireland’s very best will again take the stage at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night as the Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Gold Cup continues. Twelve will become six in the €16,000 to the winner competition with both semi-finals looking exceptionally competitive.
Understandably, there will be plenty of attention on the Derby champion Born Warrior when he lines out in the stripes in the second heat. The brilliant son of Ballymac Best has suffered defeat in each of his two previous outings in the stake but seems to be slowly returning to his very best.
That will be a concern for his rivals although the market may suggest that Galloping Sydney is the one to beat. The latter has been in razor-sharp form, dominating in each of his last two starts. In fact, he posted a rapid 28.26 last week and will be hard to beat.
Much will depend on whether he can hold Born Warrior into the bend. If doing so, he is likely to continue his winning ways. Throw in the very talented Stream Of Sydney, who will be finishing fastest, the rapidly progressive Cheque For Sir and the speedy duo of Ballycowen Liam and Disco Pants and it’s far from a two-dog affair, although there is little doubt Galloping Sydney and Born Warrior deserve to head the market.
The opening heat may not be as stacked in terms of quality but it is every bit as competitive. Both Rathdown Molly and Bogger Hunter were impressive quarter-final winners and are entitled to make a bold bid.
So too are the likes of Kilgraney Sydney, Cloneden Flash, Crafty Bonanza and Clona Blu. In fact, Kilgraney Sydney could well start favourite as he tends to trade at shorter prices than perhaps merited, especially when wearing the red jacket.
In what looks a wide-open affair, the vote just about goes to Bogger Hunter. He is exceptionally fast down the back straight and, if turning close, he could make a bold bid.
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