Early speed has long been seen as the greatest weapon a racing greyhound can possess and there is certainly an abundance of it on show in both the Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile Derby and the Bar One Racing Irish laurels. Both classics continue this weekend and the very sharpest greyhounds in training will be on show. Given the fact that the Juvenile Derby comes to a conclusion on Saturday at Shelbourne Park, it is the feature of the action over the coming days.
This year’s renewal has been nothing short of spectacular with so many brilliant performances through the prelims. We may have lost some huge names along the way but there is no doubting the quality on show in the final. The layers have installed Ballinakil Alf as favourite but, one suspects, there will be a different greyhound at the head of the betting come off time. Ballinakil Alf is undoubtedly a special greyhound with sensational early speed but he has been handed a tough draw with Short Grip potentially going to get in his way in the early yards.
The latter is a good starter and will likely edge off the fence. It’s a major concern for backers of Ballinakil Alf but he remains greatly respected. If he is to be knocked off top spot in the betting, Droopys Flytline is the dog to do it. He seems certain to come in for strong support after a masterful semi-final display when clocking a breathtaking 27.96. An impeccably well bred son of Laughil Blake and brilliant bitch Droopys Curio, Flytline is developing into a serious performer. Blessed with huge early speed, massive back down the back and the stamina to see out the trip strongly, he has all the attributes needed to go right to the very top.
Of course, this far from a two-dog affair. Flying bitches Droopys Zelda, Unmatched and the aforementioned Short Grip wouldn’t need too much to go their way but the biggest threat to the big two in the betting is Highview Splash. As with Droopys Flytline, he has all the attributes needed to become a star. A trap five draw is not ideal but after victories in 27.97 and 28.04 in the prelims, he is clearly a leading fancy. It really is a wonderful final and it can be viewed live on RPGTV.
Elsewhere on Saturday’s Shelbourne Park card, the opening round of the Yvonne Barry Bookmaker Open 600 should provide some quality fare. The star attraction is Derby third Bens Teddy, who should relish a return to 600yds. Meanwhile, the ‘Derby of the South’, the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels continues at Curraheen Park. The big names have largely avoided each other, which should allow many of those towards the top end of the ante-post market to be seen at their very best. Jacktavern Bolt, who happens to be a brother to the aforementioned Ballinakil Alf, is now favourite with the sponsors after recording his seventh win on the bounce last weekend as he dipped under the 28 second barrier.
He will again be expected to come out on top as will his main market rival in the outright betting, Carrick Aldo. The latter has looked at home around Curraheen Park and is expected to go very fast in the near future.
Of his rivals, Rathdown Molly is respected but Irish Sprint Cup champion Carrick Aldo can continue his winning ways for in-form trainer David Murray. The two remaining heats are ultra-competitive but slight preference is for Grouchos Vic and High Trend. Qualification is the aim, however, as those with a runner hop to make it all the way to the final on October 14th.
