In many ways, tonight is perhaps the most significant night of the Irish greyhound year thus far with the opening round of the Juvenile Classic certain to attract massive interest from both sides of the Irish Sea.
The competition was first introduced in 2007 and it has turned into quite the springboard for future classic glory. Year on year, it has grown in importance with the last two renewals seeing the likes of Ballymac Marino, De Lahdedah, Ballymac Walt, Ryhope Beach, Wi Can Dream, Ballinabola Ed, Coolavanny Shado, Mustang Jet, Coolavanny Hoffa and Droopys Edison emerge as future stars.
In previous years, 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 has become. The question each year is whether each graduating class will turn out as those before but the early signs suggest this year’s classic could potentially be the best ever. There are six opening round heats in total and each are packed with unbelievably well-bred youngsters, many of which have shown real ability in qualifying.
Most of the biggest kennels in the country are also represented, leaving the impression a few stars will come to the fore in the coming weeks ahead of the final on March 8th.
Tote Gold Cup Semifinals
The Saturday action at Shelbourne Park is dominated by the semi-finals of the Tote Gold Cup, featuring many of the best trackers in Ireland.
The early season feature has again proven what a legacy stud dog Droopys Sydney is going to leave on the sport. The son of Duke Special had just one start as a racer but has become the most influential sire of modern times and perhaps ever. He was retired from stud duties last October but he continues to be responsible for an incredible number of winners. To highlight the fact, all six opening round winners of the Tote Gold Cup were sons or daughters of Droopys Sydney, while the same can be said for all four second round heats. It’s unheard of to have such domination but nothing surprises when it comes to the stud dog of our time.
As you can guess, both semi-finals of the Gold Cup are bursting with quality and it’s possible Droopys Sydney will again be responsible for the two winners. His daughter, Glengar Martha will be favourite to remain unbeaten in the competition.
She seems to be thriving and has developed into one of the best in training in recent weeks. She
produced a stunning 28.07 return last week, showing superb early speed after a fast start to dominate. The Pat Buckley trained bitch came home eight lengths clear of Another Holiday, who again seems to be the main danger. He has been a little flat in recent outings but is very special when firing on all cylinders. For that reason, it would be unwise to dismiss his claims, although Glengar Martha can’t be opposed on current form.
The second heat is a truly spectacular contest with all six of the runners capable of going fast.
Carrick Aldo, Ballymac Finn, Road Exile and Boylesports Coco are each brilliant in their own way and each would be a worthy winner. Much will depend on which gets first run into the turn but recent evidence would suggest that Carrick Aldo is the most likely winner. He set the standard last week, taking charge into the turn to post 28.05. A repeat of that run would almost certainly suffice but any mistakes, however small, could prove costly given the ability of those around him. Those making the journey to Shelbourne Park should savour what looks certain to b a real spectacle.
Saturday night racing in Thurles and Cork
Elsewhere, Cork and Thurles host top class racing on Saturday night. The second round of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Cork Cup is the highlight of the card at Curraheen Park, while the semi-finals of the Droopys Stu Champion Bitch Stake are worthy of your attention at Thurles.
