MORE BRILLIANCE EXPECTED FROM JUVENILES
Ian Fortune
The opening round of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile Derby sent out a clear message to those paying attention that the current crop of youngsters is truly exceptional.
There were so many wonderful performances and it’s safe to expect more of the same at Shelbourne Park this evening.
LAHDEDAH HAS THE PERFECT DRAW
From the very first heat there are clashes to savour. In fact, the opening heat features two of the most exciting youngsters in training, De Lahdedah and Droopys Flytline.
With Down To Business a non-runner from trap two, De Lahdedah has the near perfect draw on the fence and that could make the difference.
Liam Dowling’s charge was simply outstanding in the opening round coming from what seemed an impossible position to score. If a little sharper from traps tonight, he could give the 28 second barrier quite the fright.
Droopys Flytline was also mighty impressive last week but needs to come through the bars and lead De Lahdedah early or he will find himself just playing for place money. It’s difficult to see past the front two but it is worth keeping an eye on The Other Donny for Derby winner handler Jennifer O’Donnell.
IS GROUCHO TOO SHARP?
Grouchos Duke will be a warm favourite for Heat 2 after a paw-perfect opening round display but he needs to be every bit as sharp at boxes if he is to justify his lofty position in the market.
Boylesports Bob fluffed his lines at traps in the opening round before qualifying in fourth.
Obviously, he needs a far better start but is incredibly fast and it would be brash to ignore his claims. Unmatched and Ballymac Seanie are also respected, although they need to produce their very best form with the draw very much in favour of Grouchos Duke.
The most likely outcome is Grouchos Duke will flash from traps and make every yard but Boylesports Bob is seen as a serious threat.
MANDOLIN TO AGAIN PLAY THE RIGHT TUNE
Droopys Mandolin remains unbeaten after five starts and he puts her record on the line in Heat 3 where she is likely to start favourite to add another victory to her tally.
Those on her flanks, Slaney Valley and Simons Cap, went up strongly last week meaning Droopys Mandolin needs to be at her sharpest.
Miami King is perhaps the biggest threat from an ideal draw in the stripes of six. He overcame a hefty bump on the turn last week to make all in a 28.58 success. With the ability to go faster, he is respected.
The lightly raced Singalong Dolly is also one to consider but Droopys Mandolin is clearly a very talented youngster and she remains the selection to come home on top at the expense of Miami King.
ALF JUST GETS NOD IN WONDERFUL CONTEST
Impressive opening round winners Short Grip, Stonepark Syd and Jetara line out in Heat 4 yet the vote goes elsewhere.
Ballinakil Alf has been in exceptional form of late and he will be fancied to atone for his latest defeat at the paws of De Lahdedah.
Blessed with immense early speed, the Graham Holland trained son of Pestana is the most likely pace-setter, although Jetara does have a great draw on the outside of the track. Of the pair, whichever gets to the front early is likely to come out on top.
Given the fact that Ballinakil Alf has the inside line on his rival, he is chosen to lead throughout to see off Jetara and Stonepark Syd, who will be moving faster than any from the second turn.
ELVIS TO BENEFIT FROM DUKE’S ABSENCE
The absence of Daleroad Duke has thrown the penultimate heat wide open.
Glengar Elvis has a great draw on the fence and is likely to play a part but Deadly Jet will also be favoured by the empty box.
Faypoint Sydney came in for support in the ante-post market during the week and is likely to step up on his opening round effort, while both Highview Treat and Coolemount Jake will need a career best effort to threaten.
A rails pitch could be decisive factor and for that reason, Glengar Elvis is chosen to double his career tally at the expense of Deadly Jet and Faypoint Sydney.
WIDE OPEN FINAL HEAT CAN GO TO ORCHID
None of the six runners in the final heat managed to come out on top in the opening round but a couple did catch the eye. Orchid Legacy was certainly amongst them.
A finalist in the Denis Linehan Solicitors Open Unraced at Cork earlier in the summer, he has shown huge pace on a couple of occasions and should be a big player.
Scooby Pacemaker is closely related to Derby champion The Other Kobe and has an ideal draw on the rail. Representing the Derby winning trainer, Jennifer O’Donnell, he too has shown real promise including in a 28.31 qualifying trial. With a fast start, he could step forward on his race form.
Ela Maestro found traffic last time but earlier won in 28.33, while the remaining trio are all open to improvement. Slight preference is for Orchid Legacy but Scooby Pacemaker and Ela Maestro are expected to have a say also.