Less than three and a half minutes of actual racing action remain in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby and, yet, it remains one of the most wide-open renewals of modern times. This year’s blue riband really has delivered with sensational displays, real drama and the usual number of shocks to keep each and every greyhound racing enthusiast fully engaged.
Saturday’s racing at Shelbourne Park will feature the quarter finals of the classic and, as you would expect, none of the twenty-four remaining participants can afford any mistakes with each of the four heats packed with quality.
To highlight the competitive nature of the action, only Coolavanny Hoffa will start odds-on in Heat 2. He suffered his first defeat of the competition last week, going down after a protracted battle with Callaway Pro Am but is expected to return to winning ways.
A 29.13 winner in the second round, he sent out a clear warning to his Derby rivals that he is amongst the fastest to grace Shelbourne Park. Of his rivals on Saturday, Vincenzo stands out as the obvious danger.
A strong running performer with massive pace to match his power, he is a worthy adversary for Coolavanny Hoffa but whether he can contain the favourite in the early stages is open to debate. It’s a question that could be answered very early.
Should Coolavanny Hoffa trap on terms, he can assert into the corner before going on to see off Vincenzo, while big finisher Hoodoo Brown can come through for third.
The opening heat is likely to provide a far more competitive contest. Ballymac Finn and Romeo Magico renew rivalry after a great tussle last weekend. On that occasion English Derby champion Romeo Magico emerged on top, showing massive pace down the back straight to get the better of his rival.
A week on, things may not be as straightforward. Ballymac Finn is better housed in red with Romeo Magico on his shoulder in two, while promising youngster Tullig Raven seems likely to edge in on them in the opening yards from trap three.
It could see things getting a little tight on the inside of the track. That could well suit the Race of Champions winner Bockos Budsit. The Graham Holland trained star has a favourable draw in the stripes of six and, if producing one of his trade-mark flying starts, he might get first run on those drawn on his inner. That could be enough to secure his victory over Romeo Magico and Ballymac Finn.
Born Warrior will be favourite to land Heat 3 for Jennifer O’Donnell but he needs to do everything right to atone for his latest defeat. Blessed with tremendous early dash, he does look the like pace-setter but he is most vulnerable from the third turn.
Maries Wedding is perhaps best equipped to turn closest and can emerge as a threat but the real danger may come in the form of Barefoot Supremo. The latter displayed incredible pace down the back straight to win his third-round heat in some style.
The Paul Hennessy trained star is housed on the rail and, should he turn close to the speed, would have too much ammunition for his rivals.
Reigning Dog of the Year Explosive Boy has the best of the draw in the final heat but he may need to make full use of it as he is facing a young pretender to his crown Callaway Pro Am. The latter is the last remaining greyhound in the competition that can boast an unbeaten record.
He has improved at a rapid rate over the past few weeks and, if producing another slick exit, he might have too much early dash for his rivals. If clearing Explosive Boy into the turn, Callaway Pro Am can move one step closer to potential Derby glory.
This is far from a two-dog affair, however. Crafty Kokoro is another worthy of respect. She came from an impossible position to win last week and will again attempt to come from out of the clouds.
It really is a wonderful Derby and the action reflects that view.
The entire thirteen-race card from Shelbourne Park, which also includes the quarter finals of the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate, is due to be screened live on RPGTV, channel 437 on the Sky platform. I really would recommend you tune in and witness some of the fastest canine on the planets strut their stuff.
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