A FITTING FINALE EXPECTED IN JUVENILE
Ian Fortune
A special line-up will provide a thrilling and fitting finale to the Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile Derby at Shelbourne Park this evening.
Each of the finalists have a very bright future but it’s no exaggeration to suggest that any of the six could go on to future classic glory.
As has been the trend in recent years, there are three bitches in the line-up and each of them will be amongst the favourites for Oaks glory in 2024. Johnny Linehan sends out both Droopy Zelda and Unmatched and neither can be ignored, although they are the two outsiders of the field.
ZELDA A FUTURE STAR
Droopys Zelda is coming forward with each run, highlighted by her semi-final displayed when flying into second at the third turn before chasing home Highview Splash.
It seems only a matter of time before she is regularly posting runs in the low 28 second mark.
She has real pace and is certainly one that Johnny Linehan will be looking to go to war with in the coming months. If she is to score this evening, she needs a flying start from trap three but there is no doubt she can make the frame.
UNMATCHED FACING A TRICKY DRAW
Unmatched has a very similar style. She too has fine pace throughout, is capable of a fast start and has posted some fast times around Shelbourne Park.
She is a little more exposed than her rivals as the most experienced runner in the line-up but remains open to improvement. If she is to cause a shock this evening, she needs to produce a career best effort from trap four.
GRIP TO PLAY A PART
That leads us to the other bitch in the line-up, Short Grip. Have no doubt, she can certainly play a big part in the decider for PJ Cocoman.
He has turned down many offers for his potential star and doesn’t regret it for a second.
After only ten career starts, she lines out in a classic decider with strong claims. The daughter of Grangeview Ten is a noted fast starter, is very strong and must be respected. Even if she doesn’t come out on top, she could also have a huge bearing on the outcome given her tendency to edge off the fence in the early yards.
Those involved in the brindle will be hoping she can come out in front and stay there. That is more that possible from the draw.
THE BIG THREE
Of course, the big three in the market are Ballinakil Alf, Droopys Flytline and Highview Splash.
All three are close to the finished article and the prospect of further improvement is a real concern for their future rivals.
Ballinakil Alf was introduced as favourite by the off-course firms earlier in the week but that seems wide of the mark. In fact, Droopys Flytline is now disputing favouritism and he seems likely to take over the mantle of favouritism this evening. Highview Splash will be third choice in the betting but he too will have huge support.
ALF HAS THE SPEED
Ballinakil Alf has breathtaking early speed and the back straight pace to match.
Yes, he is vulnerable from the third bend home but were he to hit the front in the opening strides, he could set a searing gallop from trap two.
His biggest problem is the presence of Short Grip on his inner. If he does make a fast start and edge off the fence, there is a strong possibility the pair will bump. As was highlighted in the semis, any halt in Ballinakil Alf’s momentum could prove costly.
Certainly, if the Graham Holland trained star is to claim a first classic victory he needs everything to go right in the opening yards and that means clearing Short Grip without a bump.
HIGHVIEW CAN MAKE A SPLASH
Highview Splash has been a revelation through the classic.
The son of Pat C Sabbath is from a family that knows Shelbourne Park more than any. For Gerry and Dolores Merriman, it would be a poignant success after the passing of Paddy Merriman in recent years.
How he would have loved to have had a Juvenile Derby finalist with outstanding claims. If he were to come home in front, he would be a hugely popular winner. And there is a strong chance he will do exactly that.
A good starter with massive engine, he has posted 27.97 and 28.04 in the prelims and is as fast as any greyhound in the line-up. A trap five draw is not ideal but were the inside dup to bump, he could potentially turn close to the pace. In such a scenario, he would emerge as a leading player.
FLYTLINE TO TAKE OFF
That leaves us with Droopys Flytline.
The son of Laughil Blake and Droopys Curio is bred to be special and recent evidence suggests he is exactly that. He has exceptional pace, wonderful track craft and, even at this early stage in his career, a winning habit.
Tonight will be just his ninth career outing and he is seeking an eighth win. He is also likely to be favourite to do so. It was clear from the early days, through the Denis Linehan Solicitors Unraced at Curraheen Park, that he was very talented but his progression through the Juvenile Derby has been nothing short of spectacular.
It all culminated with a sensational 27.96 return in the semi-finals. It was the type of display that couldn’t help remind the observer of his Derby winning sire. Importantly, that run came from the outside box, the same trap from where he races this evening.
A WORLD CLASS LINE-UP
It is a truly world class final line-up.
It’s inevitable there will be a brilliant winner but the vote goes to Droopys Flytline. If trapping on terms, he has the pace and the draw to clear those nearest to him. Ballinakil Alf is seen as a serious challenger but the presence of Short Grip is a major concern.
Highview Splash needs to come away racing from five but is capable of playing a starring role should things fall his way. Droopys Flytline remains the choice, however. Expect another special display from a special greyhound. The best of luck to all.
YVONNE BARRY BOOKMAKER OPEN 600
TEDDY TO FLY
Bens Teddy was last seen when finishing at speed in the final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby but he returns in the opening heart of the Yvonne Barry Bookmaker Open 600 this evening.
The Pat Buckley trained star has outstanding pace and power and will be a red-hot favourite to make a winning turn.
He faces some talented rivals including Romeo Hotshot, Mcneill and Lotto Six One but should have too much ammunition.
A WIDE OPEN AFFAIR
The second heat is a wide open affair with the layers likely to struggle to nominate a favourite.
Laughil Rocky is perhaps the most likely market leader but he won’t have things easy with Jetstream Breeze and Capuletto to contend with. Much will depend on which greyhound gets loose early but slight preference is for Laughil Rocky.
MUSIC CAN HIT RIGHT NOTES
Derby finalist Music Glideaway will be favourite for Heat 3 but he faces a tough test with so many fast greyhounds in opposition.
Romeo Hanzo, Barefoot Supreme, Neon Lights, Glengar Elvis and Optic Chico complete a top-class line-up.
Music Glideaway really does love the longer run to the bend and that could make the difference. If the Pat Guilfoyle trained star starts on terms, he will b very difficult to contain.
NICE ONE TO OBLIGE
Droopys Nice One, Gaytime Hugo and Ballinabola Una are the big three in the final heat.
The first named has her draw in the stripes and that could make the difference. If coming away on terms, she could get first run on Gaytime Hugo, who will finish fast. Ballinabola Una is also likely to come home well but she needs to show more urgency to the turn in this sort of company.