DIAMOND DERBY FAVOURITE BUT SUPPORT FOR OTHERS
Ian Fortune
It is no shock to see the name of Bockos Diamond top the market for the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby with the sensational tracker just 9-2 with the sponsors to defend his title.
Indeed, Damien Lonergan, the man tasked with forming the market for Boylesports, yesterday admitted “I get a shiver down my spine anytime I hear his name”. Bockos Diamond was the only greyhound that punters wanted to know about last year but business has been relatively brisk ahead of this year’s classic.
Callaway Knegare is clear second favourite. Third in last year’s renewal, he remains one of Ireland’s fastest but is as short as 10-1 due to sizeable liabilities. Fresh from his brilliant run to capture the TIME Dundalk International, Cheap Sandwiches is next in at 12-1, meaning the top three in the betting were first, second and third in last year’s Derby.
Both Lennies Desire and Faypoint Ranger are on the 16-1 mark with both attracting support. Lonergan stated that there was money for Lennies Desire after his record-breaking run at Towcester, while Faypoint Ranger also attracted plenty of support during his Kirby Memorial march.
Droopys Kathleen is another loser in the book and is just 16-1. But Lonergan feels “it’s worrying for her supporters that she has yet to reappear”.
Magical Major is another to attract money. He was added to the market at 50-1 before he even debuted. Lonergan admitted that was pretty short for an unraced greyhound but gave his reasoning, saying “his trials were off the charts”. He is now available at 20-1.
Rolo Tokyo recently came in for support after some stunning displays in the Carroll Memorial at Dundalk. A few were quick on the draw at big prices and he is now just 20-1, while others to backed to win the blue riband are ‘Mr consistency’ Seven Beach, who Lonergan reports has been nibbled all year and Montana Shadow, who was backed for the Derby after changing hands.
Each of those mentioned, other than Bockos Diamond, are losers in the book for Boylesports with Damien reporting that the turnover has been healthy with a widespread of cash. However, he is expecting things to heat up soon, suggesting there will be plenty of massive runs in the near future. “I’m expecting a lot of sizzling trials over the next few weeks. The Juvenile Derby looks top class on paper and you’d think it will have a bearing on the ante-post book.”
Like many, Lonergan believes Bockos Diamond is the one to beat again, “We got burnt with Bockos last year and I get a shiver down my spine anytime I hear his name. He ran well at Towcester but Shelbourne is his track and you will see a different animal there. He will return fresh and ready for action”
Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby
Boylesports bet:
9-2 Bockos Diamond
10 Callaway Knegare
12 Cheap Sandwiches
16 Lennies Desire
16 Faypoint Ranger
16 Droopys Kathleen
20 Bombay Pat
20 De Lahdedah
20 Ballinabola Joe
20 Droopys Painting
20 Ballymac Stud
20 Rolo Tokyo
20 Magical Major
20 Seven Beach
25 Magical Luka
25 Droopys Patriot
25 Sole Mio
33 Left Corner Back
33 Ballymac Tibet
33 Bubbly Charger
33 Maireads Diamond
33 Sallagh Curly
33 Hopes Teddy
33 Montana Shadow
33 Carrick Scholsey
33 Toolmaker King
33 Glengar Silent
40 Unanimous Leo
40 Born Braver
40 Epic Ace
40 Razldazl Edward
40 Ballymac Danica
40 The Other Wild
40 Toolmaker Josepe
40 Carrigmore Freya
40 Callaway Five
50 Untold Sterling
50 Ballymac Rapid
50 Cheque For Cash
50 Coosane Pickles
50 Untold Rufiyaa
50 Ballyhooly Bruno
50 Wicky Ned
50 Pain Barrier
50 Glengar Martha
50 Boylesports Bob
50 Droopys Deploy
66 Lemon Joey
66 Untold Dollar
66 Singalong Molly
66 Doctor Darcy
66 Jaytee Craze
66 Sunshine Sioux
66 Snazzy Boss
66 Kournikova
66 Hello Diego
66 Rural Pest
100 Fun Inthe Run
100 Lookandlep
100 Silent Kobbie
100 Tribal Syd
100 BoyleSports Blue
100 Hot Wood
100 Happy Jet
100 Faypoint Harvey
100 Miami King
100 A Lucky Julie
100 March On Freddie
100 Dashing Toro
100 Ballymac Briar
150 Prince Naseem
200 Kereight Pimple