DERBY DRAMA EXPECTED AT SHELBOURNE PARK

Ian Fortune

The battle for a place in the final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby should provide real drama at Shelbourne Park this evening as the field is halved for the final time in this year’s classic.

Those venturing up the road to the famous Ringsend venue will a greyhound will be praying for a top three finish to keep their Derby dream alive.

Both semi-finals are truly outstanding but the second heat, in particular, is very special. Have no doubt, greyhound will showcase just how exciting it can be this evening with a place in the greatest race on Irish shores on the line.

JUNIOR MUST BE AT HIS SHARPEST

Trinity Junior has been installed a warm favourite for the opening semi-final but this is a contest fraught with danger.

Well Met and Seven Beach will likely go up fast from traps one and three, Music Glideaway finally got his trapping right last week and could also go up fast, while Threesixfive and Clonroosk Sydney will be finishing with real purpose.  

In reality, the outcome will most likely be decided into the turn with an early advantage expected to prove enough. Well Met, Seven Beach, Trinity Junior and, potentially, Music Glideaway can battle it out into the turn.

Well Met and Music Glideaway have the best of the draw and will have plenty of support but Trinity Junior might have the pace to clear the pair. That would mean avoiding Seven Beach and Clonroosk Sydney in the opening yards but that is very possible.  

Well Met will race up the fence to challenge and would be extremely hard to pass if managing to dictate but slight preference is for Trinity Junior to turn in front before going on to score. Those wishing to take on Trinity Junior and Well Met will likely look to the outside duo.   

Clonroosk Sydney will edge inwards from trap five and must avoid traffic but is certain to finish with a real flourish, although the value lies with Music Glideaway in six. The Pat Guilfoyle trained will have room to maneouvre and certainly has the engine to put it up to Trinity Junior and Well Met.

If Seven Beach is to return to winning ways, he must find a flying exit before turning in front. That is a big ask, while Threesixfive supporters will be hoping for traffic amongst the front ranks. She will finish fast and is most certainly capable of playing a part in a very competitive contest.

A CONTEST TO SAVOUR

To highlight just how special the second semi-final is, five of the top seven in the sponsor’s outright betting are crammed into the line-up.

To further highlight just how strong the field is, the one greyhound that isn’t in the top seven in the outright betting is the 2022 Oaks Champion, reigning Bitch of the Year and the Dundalk International winner Raha Mofo.

Any time a greyhound of such incredible ability is quoted at odds of 20-1, you can be certain it’s a very special contest. At the head of the market are the new Derby favourite De Lahdedah and the dog he usurped from the top of the betting, Coolavanny Hoffa.   

It’s a spectacular contest that also features the fastest quarter final winner The Other Kobe, the brilliant Bockos Crystal and the remarkably strong Bens Teddy. The Other Kobe was particularly brilliant last week, showing astounding early speed after a flying start to record a joint fastest of the Derby 29.15.

His reward for that run was a trap two draw on the outside of De Lahdedah. If he is to follow up, he needs to come away racing yet again, as clearing De Lahdedah into the turn is no easy task.

Bockos Crystal has been in great form and is likely to go up well but she may need a career best effort to even make the frame, let alone challenge. Bens Teddy will be finishing fast but a trap four draw could see him struggle to turn close enough to the pace.

The aforementioned Raha Mofo will also finish fast but she needs plenty to happen in her favour to land a telling blow. Perhaps a third placed finish is the best she can hope for.

It’s a spectacular race but the draw does favour the big two. De Lahdedah will wear his favourite red jacket, while Coolavanny Hoffa races in the stripes. That could and should swing things in their favour. The presence of the rails-seeking The Other Kobe on his right shoulder is a slight concern for followers of De Lahdedah and there is a scenario where the pair come into contact before the turn.

In contrast, Coolavanny Hoffa, if trapping on terms, should have far too much early speed for Raha Mofo and Bens Teddy on his immediate left and that could allow him the room he needs to get up to full stride.

Coolavanny Hoffa has suffered defeat in each of his last two outings but ran a far bigger race than most give him credit for last week and seems set to take off again very shortly. Have no doubt, if the Michael O’Donovan trained star does lead on the bend, which is very possible, there is no way he will be picked up.

De Lahdedah can emerge as the obvious threat, while the battle for the all-important third spot could go right to the wire.

TASTY ACTION EXPECTED IN PLATE

The starting prices of last weekend’s Michael Fortune Memorial Plate heat winners read 25-1, 10-1, 25-1 and 7-1.

With that in mind, it is perhaps best to proceed with caution ahead of tonight’s semi finals.

Certainly, both heats are every bit as competitive as the Derby action.

Pape Di Oro and Annagh Bailey renew rivalry in the opening heat with the former chosen to reverse last week’s form. He is the most likely pace-setter and will look to make every inch. Annagh Bailey is an obvious threat but it would also be brash to ignore the claims of the remaining quartet.

Ballymac Pete and Sogna In Grande can also challenge early, while Ballinabola Una and Neon Lights will finish at speed leaving the door open for a thrilling finish. The rapidly improving Ballinabola Una will finish with a wet sail and can sneak into the frame but the nod remains with Pape Di Oro ahead of Annagh Bailey.

CHICO TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

Optic Chico was beaten in each of his last three starts, never really looked like threatening in any but he remains the one to beat and has been installed a warm favourite with the layers.

If he manages to turn close, he would be difficult to contain.

Da Bold Freddie and Beepers Lariat are also greatly respected. Da Bold Freddie has returned to something close to his best in recent weeks and could set a strong gallop if getting across Beepers Lariat into the bend.

Press Unlock is perhaps best equipped of the remainder and could make the frame. Pied Piper and Blastoff Mac are not short of pace but need to do everything right from the draw. Optic Chico has been expensive to follow but is selected to come home in front of Da Bold Freddie.