EXPECT MORE FIREWORKS IN DERBY
Ian Fortune
There were some brilliant displays both in victory and defeat as the Boylesports Derby kicked off on Friday evening and it seems safe to expect more of the same at Shelbourne Park this evening as the opening round draws to a conclusion, leaving us with the final ninety-six.
A heat by heat guide to tonight’s session:
TIME FOR A HOLIDAY
Another Holiday and Papa Di Oro are set for a battle into the turn in Heat 14, although this is far from a two-dog affair as both Hanover Phantom and Mcneill can boast a hug engine.
Hanover Phantom was last seen running-up the Corn Cuchulainn and will certainly finish well, while Mcneill is another massive finisher.
They will playing catch-up as Another Holiday and Papa Di Oro are both blessed with huge early speed. Papa Di Oro captured the Tipperary Cup last time and will have plenty of support but slight preference is for Another Holiday.
He recently returned from a layoff but ran encouragingly in defeat and has since posted 28.27 in a solo trial. If he can get loose early, he would likely build his advantage into the third turn. That could prove decisive. Mcneill is selected to emerge from the pack for second, while Papa Di Oro can qualify in third.
DISCO TIME
Romeo Hotshot has been installed favourite to win Heat 15 but faces a talented rival in the form of Disco Pants.
The duo race on the inside of the track and could potentially have a good battle into the bend.
Neon Lights won well at Dundalk last time but that was over further and he needs to come away racing to threaten. The same can be said for the outside duo Carrigmore Logan and Lotto Six One, while Kilcolgan Zeus returns from a layoff and needs to be at his best from trap three.
In may well come down to the pair on the inside of the track. Romeo Atomic recently won in 28.31 around Shelbourne and a repeat of that form would see him go close but Disco Pants is very capable of his night. After a short layoff, he should be fresh and well and is chosen to come out on top.
REX TO ROAR
The advance markets would suggest that Heat 16 is one of the most open of the entire round.
Realistic claims can be made for every runner in the contest but much will depend on what gets lose in the opening yards.
Threesixfive has an ideal draw on the fence but needs to be at her very sharpest. If failing to turn in front, she could be facing an uphill battle. Ower Mystery is very talented and has fine pace throughout and will attract support, as might Clonbrien Ollie, who seems to be hugely progressive.
But the nod goes to Ballyhimkin Rex. It’s worth remembering he captured the Champion 550 at Shelbourne Park earlier in the summer, seeing off a top-class field in the process. He has fine pace and power and seems to be overpriced. He is chosen to lead home Clonbrien Ollie, who’s latest 29.63 trial is eye-catching.
JO JO TO TURN ON TURBO
Heat 17 features a real clash of styles with the big two in the market expected to have a big say in the outcome.
Sober Glory is a real powerhouse with big pace down the back straight and an abundance of power.
He will certainly be finishing fast but slight preference is for Cree Jo Jo. The recent Treaty Cup winner over two bends around Limerick, breaking the track record in the process, he has stunning early speed and was so impressive in his latest outing over 525yds.
He takes a step into the unknown this evening but should have enough in his locker to see out the 550yd trip. If doing so, he could take some stopping. Others worthy of a mention in this contest include the flying starter Hello Mom and the strong running Tommys Hewick but it is difficult to see past the big two. Cree Jo Jo gets the nod to lead throughout.
SCAGLIETTI TO MOVE THROUGH GEARS
There’s an argument to make that Scaglietti was unlucky in both the Kirby Memorial and Champion Stakes deciders.
A dog with superb pace, he may just lack a yard to the turn in the very best company but he looks the part in Heat 18.
Should he make another fast start, it’s unlikely he will be picked up from one of his rivals into the turn and that would allow him dominate from the head of affairs. The wonderful Droopy Nice One is the obvious threat. A finalist in the Derby last year, she tends to steer a wide path which should leave her rival with room to race. She remains a potent force but may have to settle for a minor role behind Scaglietti. Of the remainder, Sunshine Dream is versatile and could make the frame.
LARIAT TO GET LOOSE
The big three in Heat 18 are Beepers Lariat, Stonepark Syd and Ballymac Johnjo. Each of them are more than capable on their night but there are inconsistencies with all three.
Beepers Lariat is very consistent in terms of his level of performance but he is a little inconsistent at the start.
There is no doubt he is capable of performing at the highest level and has done so, going very well in the early round of the English Derby and running well through the Champion Plate. With one of his better starts tonight, he could get first run on his rivals and that is why he is selected to begin his Derby challenge with a victory.
Stonepark Syd displayed all manner of pace in victory in his penultimate start only to disappoint in his most recent outing. He is seen as a big threat but needs to come away on terms. Ballymac Johnjo tends to run very wide but will finish faster than any. He would be ready to pick up the pieces were the aforementioned duo to make any mistakes.
SWORDS TOO SHARP
Swords Rex may have tied up in his most recent trial but the Easter Cup champion and beaten English Derby favourite can certainly be forgiven for that.
After an incredible Towcester campaign he would have been given plenty of time to fully recover and he remains the one to beat in Heat 20.
A natural trapper with stunning pace to the third turn, he seems certain to go to the front. He may come back to his rivals in the latter stages but does seem certain to come on for his latest spin. This is far from an easy task, however. Flying females Undisputed and Droopys Onestop are obvious dangers, while Daleroad Duke made a big impression in his Shelbourne debut last time. All three may need Swords Rex to do them a favour but it would be no surprise if any of the trio were to come home in front.
A CLASH TO SAVOUR
Ballymac Finn v Clonbrien Treaty could be worth the admission alone.
The duo clash in Heat 21 and it’s perhaps fair to say both will want to step up on their most recent efforts. Ballymac Finn just simply wasn’t himself at Towcester but a return to Shelbourne could see him roaring back to form.
Certainly, a recent 18.44 spin for the 350yds is more than encouraging. He faces a truly outstanding rival in Clonbrien Treaty, however. The Kirby Memorial champion looked destined for greatness when coming home clear in the Limerick showpiece.
He has been inconsistent at the start, however. Should he sort his trapping issues, he would be a leading fancy for Derby glory. He remains an incredibly fast tracker but can’t afford to give some of the best in training a start. He gets the nod tonight but must come away on terms.
Ballymac Finn is the obvious danger and won’t be shy of support. Of the remainder, Ballyhimkin Leo has the pace to figure, Millridge Levi can go up fast and Barefoot Supremo is very strong and will surely finish fast.
DE LAHDEDAH TO SEND OUT A WARNING
After a stunning display in his latest outing, De Lahdedah has quickly moved towards the head of the Derby market.
His new found profile will be tested in Heat 22 but he is fully expected to come home in front.
Ideally housed on the fence, the Liam Dowling trained star can rocket to the bend and sees out every inch of the 550yd trip. If he were to produce another foot-perfect display, he would almost certainly get even closer to the top of the Derby market.
Clona Rocko and UK raider Brookside Richie are seen as the main dangers to the favourite. Brookside Richie ran a big race in the Dundalk International, has tremendous early speed and is proven at the highest level. He is entitled to plenty of respect.
Clona Rocko is seeking a fifth win on the bounce. He too has superb pace throughout and will appreciate the longer run to the turn. The remaining trio, Burgess Bolger, Cabra Kronk and Starson Rebel, are all talented but needs to raise their game to worry the confident selection, De Lahdedah.
BEACH CHOSEN TO SEE OFF PRO AM
The betting suggests that Heat 23 is a match between last year’s beaten Derby favourite Callaway Pro Am and the hugely fast Ryhope Beach.
It really is difficult to see past the duo although both have something to prove after recent efforts.
Callaway Pro Am was a little disappointing when last seen in the Champion Stakes but he can leave that form behind him. Capable of a fast start, he came alive at this time last year and has clearly been targeted at a Derby campaign.
He needs to be on his toes, however. Ryhope Beach has a massive engine. He is as fast as any greyhound in training but has been leaving himself with plenty of work to do. If he were to turn a little closer tonight, he could be very difficult to contain. He just gets the vote ahead of Callaway Pro Am but this one could go right down to the wire. Stefans Rock is seen as the best of the rest but needs to be at his very best to land a telling blow.
JETARA TO TAKE OFF
There is no shortage of talent on show in Heat 24. Boylesports Vic, former English Derby champ Romeo Magico, Easy Razzle and Jetara are all top class.
Throw in the very talented Romo Atomic and Ballinabola Una and it’s quit a contest.
So much will depend on the start but Jetara is chosen to improve for his Dublin debut and lead home his talented rivals. He displayed massive promise around Cork in the Denis Linehan Solicitors Unraced and might just have too much early speed for his rivals.
Romeo Magico retains all his ability and will fly down the back straight but ne needs to find his trapping boots. Boylesports Vic has the right draw but he too needs to be at his sharpest, while Easy Razzle is a little inconsistent at traps. She is every bit as fast as her rivals but can’t afford to give them a head start at trap rise. It’s a tremendous contest but slight preference is for Jetara and he is chosen to lead home Romeo Magico and Easy Razzle.
BOB AND BOBSLEIGH TO DO BATTLE
Heat 25 is another quality laden affair. Bobsleigh Dream has a CV to match any in training as a dual classic winner.
The 2022 Leger and this year’s Cesarewitch winner faces a tricky draw in four but she has the pace and power to overcome any obstacles.
If she gets a clear passage, she seems certain to go close. Her greatest rival comes in the form of Boylesports Bob. A hugely exciting tracker with a massive engine, he is goo enough to mount a serious Derby challenge despite his inexperience. Paul Hennessy certainly thinks plenty of his charge but on this occasion, Bobsleigh Dream gets the nod. Of their rivals. Bockos Crystal is only overlooked due to the fact that she is returning from seasonal rest. If she were at her best, she would make a bold bid. Ballymac Copper is clearly going the right way and has fine early dash but he will need to be at his very best.
MUSIC TO BRING CURTAIN DOWN
The opening round of the Derby will comes to a conclusion with Heat 26 and Music Glideaway is chosen to bring the curtain down on a memorable two nights of action.
The son of 2020 Derby champion Newinn Taylor really found his feet over 575yds in June and can be forgiven for his latest defeat in the Champion Plate semis.
He has tremendous speed and power and is ideally drawn on the outside of the track. Slow starter Docktechnik Diva is housed in five and could give the selection extra room to race. She will finish fast but may have too much on her plate at halfway.
Instead, Droopy Timing and Halo are nominated as the main dangers. Droopys Timing has fine early dash and reached the final of the Oaks. She seems certain to race prominently and is selected to chase home Music Glideaway, while Halo has been in good form and is well housed ion the fence. He can fill the frame.