With another busy weekend of greyhound racing action ahead, it seems safe to expect some brilliant performances. Certainly, there will be plenty of attention on proceedings at Shelbourne Park and Clonmel with both venues welcoming some very talented trackers.
Those in action in the semi-finals of the RCETS Gold Cup at Shelbourne Park are of the established variety with each of the twelve remaining greyhounds capable of mixing it in the very best company. Both heats look absolutely fascinating with a real abundance of early speed on show. Of course, only one greyhound can lead the field around the bend and the battle for early supremacy should provide a real spectacle.
The opening heat is perhaps the weaker although it remains a contest with countless possibilities. So much will depend on the first three strides with all six competitors known as front runners. Droopys Good and Serene Ace will head the market but neither can afford any mistakes.
Droopys Good is the only greyhound that can boast an unbeaten record in the competition and will bid to maintain his record from a favourable draw in trap two. He missed the start last week but displayed fine early dash to lead from the corner.
He simply can’t afford a similar start this evening as Serene Ace, Zoom and Rahale Podge rarely fluff their lines early. Droopys Good is pretty professional himself, however, and it’s for that reason that he is selected to lead the field up on the inside of the track before increasing his lead by the time they enter the back straight. If doing so, he can lead home Serene Ace.
The second heat is a top-class affair. In fact, it would be fitting of the final itself but, sadly, only three can progress. In terms of the ante-post betting, Good Cody is favourite to land the trophy next week but he will have to overcome a tough test on Saturday.
A stripes draw shouldn’t be a problem but, as with the favourites in the opening heat, he needs to hit the ground running as many of his five rivals can really scorch into the corner. Knight Tornado is clearly the best drawn greyhound in the race and, were he to make a fast start, he could be a tough nut to crack from his rails pitch.
Skywalker Angie races from two and will have plenty of support after setting the standard in the second round with a blistering 28.25 return. She doesn’t always back up her big runs but must be respected. Her kennel mate Skywalker Barry has long ben amongst the best in training and is drawn in three.
He too will need to be at his best, while Ballymac Kingdom in four is unlikely to threaten early. A dual classic winner, he will finish with a wet sail and could potentially make the frame with any traffic up front likely to suit. Vanderbilt completes a really wonderful field and, while he will be a big price, is in tremendous form.
It really is a race to look forward to and picking a winner is no easy task but on the strength of his latest run, when really digging deep to pick up Serene Ace, Good Cody is selected to continue his winning ways at the expense of Knight Tornado.
Clonmel is bracing itself for the biggest week of their year and Sunday’s action features the semi-finals of the Rural Kennels ON2/ON3. There are some really exciting youngsters on show including Postman Cat, who set a strong standard in the quarter finals.
A half brother to last year’s Derby champion Susie Sapphire, he looks an exceptional prospect and is chosen to come home in front in the opening heat. Droopy Nice One and Newinn Homer could offer the most resistance.
Swords Rex and Priceless King can battle out the finish in the second heat with the nod going to the former. The remainder of the card is made up of sweepstake action. The finals of all the various competitions will be part of a festival of racing next weekend, which runs in conjunction with the National Coursing Meeting.
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