LAHDEDAH TO OVERCOME DRAW IN JUVENILE

Ian Fortune

It’s been very clear over the past fortnight that Time Greyhound Nutrition made the right choice to sponsor this year’ Juvenile Derby as it has turned into one of the strongest renewals in modern times with so many potential stars remaining.

The quarter finals of the classic are the highlight at Shelbourne Park this evening and each of the four heats features a tremendous clash. Understandably, after his displays in the past two weeks, De Lahdedah is the clear favourite for outright glory but he has been handed a draw and assignment in Heat 3.

LAHDEDAH TO PREVAIL

Despite his tough draw in the stripes of six, De Lahdedah is difficult to oppose.

The fact that Scooby Pacemaker, himself an impressive winner last week, is expected to cut inwards from trap five could work in favour of the De Lahdedah.

Deadly Jet has the best of the draw on the fence and is clearly going the right way. A half-brother to former Derby champion Susie Sapphire, he displayed fine early zip to dominate seven days ago in 28.28. He must to repeat that level of form. Unmatched is also capableof going fast from trap two, although an early lead is a necessity.

Singalong Dolly is going the right way and is respected but she needs luck, as will the rank outsider Follom Fleet. There is a strong chance De Lahdedah will make light work of the draw but that would require a slick exit. With seven lengths in hand on his rivals on last week’s clock, De Lahdedah is selected to race prominently before taking charge in the second half. Deadly Jet has the draw to emerge the main threat.

HIGHVIEW TO MAKE A SPLASH

Highview Splash broke the magical 28 second barrier at Shelbourne Park last weekend, looking a potential superstar in the process.

He displayed massive pace throughout, going up fast before maintaining a relentless gallop to the line.

He is facing a tougher test this evening with the flying litter comrades Droopys Flytline and Droopys Mandolin on his flanks. Both have huge early speed and are sure to make life uncomfortable for Highview Splash, while Ela Maestro and Miami King have also shown enough to suggest they could also get involved.

It really is a tremendous contest and so much will come down to the opening exchanges. Droopys Flytline is drawn on the right side of Highview Splash but the vote remains with the latter. His latest victory was so taking, he simply has to get the nod over the litter comrades. 

GRIP TO WIN A FAMILY BATTLE

Litter comrades will also have a huge say in Heat 2 with Short Grip and Grouchos Duke the big two in the market.

The pair are very similar in their style with early speed their greatest weapon. Short Grip will likely edge off an inside line in the early yards but is on the right side of all her rivals.

If he comes away racing, there is a strong chance she will contain her brother, Grouchos Duke, into the turn. That could make the difference with the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Mystical Luna capable of going very fast. She posted 28.35 last weekend but that would have been almost two lengths faster but for a late bump from Ballinakil Alf.

Scooby The Duke can also go up fast and is progressing nicely but he will need to get loose at the head of affairs. Miami Prince has also been showing plenty of pace but he needs to show more urgency in the early yards. Highview Treat and Point of Rescue need to come through the bars and produce a career best effort.

Short Grip remains the selection to lead home Grouchos Duke with Scooby The Duke chosen to fill the frame.   

CAN ALF BURN OFF RIVALS?

Connections of Ballinakil Alf will be hoping the rain subsides in Dublin with slow conditions unlikely to suit the speedster. He has been so impressive in recent outings, winning five of his six starts.

In fact, his only defeat came in the opening round of the Juvenile Derby when picked up by De Lahdedah.

That form has been more than franked and Ballinakil Alf again looks likely to set a blistering pace. He is vulnerable in the closing yards, however, and the likes of Jetstream Breeze, Stonepark Syd, Glengar Elvis, Droopys Zelda and Ballymac Marcia will all be hoping to turn close enough to capitalize in the closing yards.

All five are stronger than the likely hot favourite but staying in touch to the third turn is easier said than done. Ballinakil Alf has special early dash and he is selected to open a decisive lead before holding off the advancing Stonepark Syd and Glengar Elvis.

DUAL DISTANCE FINAL A REAL CONUNDRUM

Elsewhere on the Shelbourne Card there are some wonderful races to sink your teeth into, although the feature in terms of monetary value is the final of the Time Greyhound 20 Dual Distance.

This is a wide-open contest with the draw likely to play a big part.

Fastest semi-final winner Kapuka Warrior hasn’t exactly been rewarded for his efforts with the inside seed drawing trap six. He remains a big player but needs to be electric in the early yards if he is to overcome the draw.

The other semi-final winner Droopys Ailsa also faces a tough draw in five. She has to worry about those on her inner and Kapuka Warrior, potentially cutting in on her. Millroad Bolger has a great draw on the fence and is a player, as is the early paced Cheque For Sir in trap two, while the remaining duo of Jaytee Craze and Fernandes also have plenty of pace and can’t be dismissed.

Kapuka Warrior got the vote on top of the card but this real could go to any of the six.