Ian Fortune
2022 is now underway, it may be a strange start to the year with earlier starts due to the current government restrictions but there is so much to look forward to in the coming months.
The start of the 2022 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby may be eight and a half months away but a glance through the betting highlights the quality of the current crop of racers on these shores.
The 2021 renewal was, of course, won in sensational fashion by the incredible Susie Sapphire and it’s no shock to see the Owen McKenna trained superstar amongst the favourites for outright glory. At 25-1 she disputes favouritism alongside Twoinarow and the Graham Holland trained duo of Part Blake and Russian Glory.
It’s certainly an impressive quartet. There are a number of stars on the 33-1 mark including the Juvenile Derby champ Droopys Gloss, Leger winner Ballymac Merlin, Feora Chris, Colavanny Calvn, Bockos Leah, Bockos Vieira, Coolavanny Duke, Jackslittlething, Scooby Prince, Ballymac Ariel and last year’s Derby favourite Explosive Boy.
Scooby Duchess and Billys Diva are amongst the fastest females in training and all three are available at 40-1 where they are joined by the brilliantly quick Serene Ace. It’s 50-1 bar those few. When you consider the likes of Singalong Sally, Skywalker Cilla, Crokers Spirit, All About Ted and Crafty Kokoro haven’t got a mention yet, it just highlights the incredible strength in depth.
Of course, with so many flying machines set to hit the track or the first time in the coming weeks and months in the many unraced stakes in the opening half of the year, the Derby market could have a very different look to it come the start of August.
It’s worth pointing out that six of the last ten Derby winners debuted in the same year as their Derby success. They were Susie Sapphire (2021), Lenson Bocko (2019), Ballyanne Sim (2018), Ballymac Matt (2015), Laughil Blake (2014) and Skywalker Puma in 2012.
2022 BOYLESPORTS IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY
Boylesports bet:
25 Twoinarow
25 Part Blake
25 Susie Sapphire
25 Russian Glory
33 Droopy Gloss
33 Ballymac Merlin
33 Scooby Prince
33 Feora Chris
33 Coolavanny Calvn
33 Bockos Leah
33 Bockos Vieira
33 Coolavanny Duke
33 Jackslittlething
33 Explosive Boy
33 Ballymac Ariel
40 Serene Ace
40 Billys Diva
40 Scooby Duchess
50 Ballymac Fairone
50 Droopy Optimum
50 Crafty Kokoro
50 Grangeview Mac
50 Monraud Thunder
50 Singalong Sally
50 All About Ted
66 Bar