GOLD COLLAR ACTION THE FEATURE AT SHELBOURNE
Ian Fortune
Friday’s card at Shelbourne Park is again packed with quality sweepstake action but the undoubted highlight are the semi-finals of the Gold Collar.
There were very tough conditions last weekend resulting in slow times and the track rated conservatively at .80 slow but there were still some fine displays.
UNCLE KEITH TO OVERPOWER RIVALS AGAIN
The headlines went to Uncle Keith as he displayed huge pace and power to recover from early hardship and he is selected to follow up in the second semi-final.
The Mark Robinson trained youngster debuted in a rapid 28.31 and has been racing in hot company since.
The step back to A1 certainly worked in his favour last week and he can again overpower those around him of avoiding bad traffic. Frenchfort Madam is perhaps the most likely pace-setter in a contest lacking real early speed and that should allow Uncle Keith turn much closer. He can power his way to the front in the second half of the contest to beat Baby Don’t Dally and Cashout Girl.
JACKTAVERN TO BREW UP A STORM
The opening heat features differing styles of racing.
Razlazl Kamaria and Jacktavern Storm are likely to head the betting with both capable of going up fast and dictating the pace. Daleroad Mya, Bogger Pro and Pennys Wildpoppy will be finishing strongly, while Kilcolgan John will hope to turn just behind the pace-setters.
Much will depend on how much fitter Razldazl Kamaria strips for his latest outing on return. If he finds a couple of lengths from halfway, he could mount a bold bid. Jacktavern Storm gets the vote, however.
Much like Uncle Keith, he appreciated the step down in grade last week, emerging a comfortable winner from the front. He is race fit and can again turn on the speed to contain Razldazl Kamaria.
PAUL THE PICK IN BITCH 525
The semis of the Adopt A Greyhound A2/A3 Bitch 525 can provide some exciting action on the undercard.
Pauls Pick was the fastest winner in the opening round, Storming home to stretch clear on the run in.
Conditions were certainly in favour of the strong running lady but she seems likely to have a big say again, even if the track is running on the quicker side. Of her rivals in the opening semi-final, Kazankina won in similar fashion last week, running on well to go some three lengths slower than Pauls Pick. She is the obvious threat, although the early paced Rosetta Stone is also respected.
MELON TO SHOW HER CLASS
Droopys Melon got loose in the early yards last week and emerged a comfortable winner.
She is a little inconsistent but remains the one to beat in the second heat. In a contest lacking early dash, she is the most likely pace-setter and can make all to contain the big-finishing Unassuming.
THREE FANCIES IN REGULARS A3
There are also three opening round heats of the Bernard Barry SPK Regulars A3/A4 525 and a couple stand out in their respective heats.
Thurlesbeg Pablo and Badminton Treaty will be short prices to win their respective heats and both can dominate from the early yards to come home clear. The second heat is more open but Unquestionable is chosen to open her account.