A GOLD RUSH IN DUBLIN

Ian Fortune

The very best and sharpest greyhounds in training will be on show at Shelbourne Park as the traditional curtain raiser, the Tote Gold Cup gets underway.

It’s a wonderful card and it seems safe to expect a few brilliant displays despite the fact that many of the stars on show are having their first outing of the year.

HOLIDAY TO PROVIDE SOME SUNSHINE

The layers believe that Another Holiday is the one to beat in the grade 1 competition.

The Michael O’Donovan trained star ended the year on a real high, winning his final three starts in red-hot company in sensational fashion.

Blessed with exceptional trapping ability and rare early speed, he looks the part in Heat 4 where Optic Chico is seen as the main threat. The latter flew in his latest outing, posting 28.23 in his first and only 525yd contest at Shelbourne.

He will need to repeat that display as Another Holiday seems certain to set a searing gallop up front. Of the remainder, the Pat Buckley trained duo of Unamimous Kai and De Gander Pen can battle it out for the third qualifying spot.   

FINN FACES A TOUGH TEST

Heat 2 is perhaps the most competitive of the six.

Ballymac Finn adds real star-power and is expected to make a bold bid but the 2022 Derby runner-up will need to be at his sharpest in the early yards with the speedy pair of Lotto Other News and Boylesports Coco on his flanks.

Road Exile is clearly in the form of his career. A 28.02 return in the final of the Kingdom Derby in late December suggests he is absolutely flying, while he has since posted a rapid 18.36 in a sprint trial at Limerick. If he hits the ground running, he could set a sizzling pace. Jetara is another with big claims on the outside of the track. Ballymac Finn remains the choice but Road Exile is seen as a serious rival. 

EDEL HAS THE DRAW

After a stunning run from off the pace in her latest outing, Droopys Edel will be a popular choice in Heat 3, although this is a tougher test that she has been facing with the exciting Superfast Gorden in opposition.

Throw in Deadly Style, the fast starting Hello Mom and the fast finishing Delightful Izzy and it is a high class contest.

Droopys Edel has the perfect draw, however. She is a tight railer and won’t have to worry about getting across from a trap one draw. If she starts on terms, she is likely to dispute the lead into the turn. Superfast Gorden is greatly respected but needs a fast start on his Dublin return.

ALDO TO SHOW HIS CLASS

Irish Sprint Cup winner Carrick Aldo will be favourite for Heat 5 but has to be at his sharpest.

The David Murray trained star won his latest start but wasn’t at his best. He can put that run behind him by dominating from the early yards.

Champion Plate winner Ballymac Walt is obviously greatly respected but he needs to get around Carrick Aldo into the turn which is not straightforward. The early paced Bobsleigh Syd has a favourable draw on the fence and could get involved, while Kerry Oaks winner Ballymac Wendy is up in grade but clearly going the right way. Scotty Scheffler and Disco Pants are both capable of a good run but both will need a flying start and a little luck.

DEVIL TO HEAT UP PROCEEDINGS

The most intriguing runner of the night is De Foxy Devil in the final heat.

He recently won a valuable A1 stake at Shelbourne but is unlikely to race in that grade again any time soon. The Marie Gilbert trained puppy looks hugely exciting and has the right profile to develop into a really top tracker.

The son of Broadstrand Bono was an emphatic winner of his latest start in 28.37 on a track rated .20 slow. A repeat of that sort of run would see him come home in front this evening. In terms of his racing style, he seems to have it all. Blessed with early speed, fine pace down the back and the stamina to see out the 525yds and further, he is very difficult to oppose.

Of his rivals, Rebel Ocean, who ran a fine race behind Carrick Aldo last time, is nominated as the main danger. Talented female Glengar Martha can also make the frame despite a tricky draw in five.        

A WIDE-OPEN OPENER

The opening heat is perhaps the only one that doesn’t have what you could describe as a real speed merchant.

The one possible exception is Arent We All. She has fine early dash when things click and is the most likely pace-setter. Octane Cora and Tommys Hewick can also race prominently but the inside trio are very strong and could get involved if there was any traffic amongst the front-runners.

Hukum, Fire Time and Jetstream Breeze are all respected in what looks a wide-open affair but slight preference is for Arent We All ahead of Tommy Hewick and Hukum.