It’s a big weekend for Irish greyhound racing with most of the best action televised live on Racing Post Greyhound Television due to the fact that there is very little racing in the UK. Of course, that is down to the fact that it’s Guy Fawkes weekend and fireworks and greyhounds don’t mix well.
The only fireworks on this side of the Irish Sea will come on the track. There will be huge interest in proceedings at Limerick as the willwego.com Irish Leger continues with the second round. One or two of the bigger names failed to fire in the opening round but it can be a very different scenario at Limerick on Saturday night.
One greyhound that was fortunate to qualify last week was the Easter Cup and 2022 Kirby memorial champ Swords Rex. He may have earned his place in the second round as one of the fastest fourth place finishers but he can leave that form behind him in the opening heat.
He faces no fewer than three opening round winners but should have too much ammunition for his rivals and nominated to comfortably see off Another Holiday and Sogna In Grande.
He is one of a number of potential winners for Ireland’s champion trainer Graham Holland. Nomadic Nova, Bockos Crystal and Clonbrien Treaty all appeal for Holland’s Golden based operation. So impressive was Clonbrien Treaty last week, he has been promoted to joint favouritism for outright success.
The Kirby Memorial champ seems to rally come alive at Limerick and he can see of the likes of Droopys Bro, Ballinabola Una and his kennel companion Gaytime Hugo to justify his big move in the betting.
Nomadic Nova is a rapid improver. He was a mighty impressive winner in poor conditions last week and is expected to take another step forward in Heat 5 where Deadly Jet and former English Derby runner-up Mr Chelm are the main dangers.
Derby runner-up Bockos Crystal and defending champ Bobsleigh Dream are chosen to win for the fairer sex, while others that appeal in their respective heats include Sober Glory, Clonroosk Sydney and Pennys Lynx.
There are two valuable finals up for decision at Shelbourne Park. The RPGTV Puppy Oaks is packed with real quality and much will depend on the opening exchanges. Scooby Countess is perfectly drawn on the fence and is on a seriously upward trajectory.
If she traps on terms, the Jennifer O’Donnell trained star could take some stopping. Obviously, Juvenile Derby runner-up Short Grip is seen as a serious threat and may well start favourite but she was a little behind her best in the semis and was only third to Scooby Countess. If she is to reverse that form, she needs to come through the bars.
The final of the Paddy Merriman Memorial is also a wide-open affair. Uncle Tom has been in superb form and can continue his winning ways if coming away racing from trap two. Of his rivals, Mustang Fever and the early paced Whyaye Bonnylad are seen as the greatest dangers.
Both the entire Limerick and Shelbourne Park cards can be viewed live on RPGTV from 7pm, sky channel 427.
Sunday’s action features racing from Mullingar and Lifford. The final of the RPGTV Fair Warrior Open 400 is the highlight of the action in the midlands. One of the great sprint races on the calendar, this year’s final is a vintage one.
Realistic claims can be made for at least four of the finalists but slight preference is for Pavilion Fire. A big finisher in each of the three rounds to date, he posted a sizzling 21.16 last week. A repeat of that form would be enough to see him claim the €4,000 prize.
Zippy Caning, Hawkfield Ava and So Its Rapid are all respected but Pavilion Fire can slip around the outside before taking charge in the closing yards.
The Lifford action on Sunday evening is a real bonus. There are seven finalsup for decision but the two feature races are both €5,000 invitations. Many of Ireland’s very fastest will be in action and it’s certainly worth tuning in.
