PUPPY DERBY TIME
Ian Fortune
Ireland’s best young trackers will be eyeing up classic glory at Shelbourne Park this evening with the TIME Greyhound Nutrition Puppy Derby coming to a conclusion.
There were rumours abound about the potential non-participation of Razldazl Loreal on Friday and sadly the rumours were confirmed this morning by the Shelbourne racing office.
An official reason has yet to be given but it goes without saying that it is a huge disappointment for Dolores Ruth and Richard Browne. In the absence of the talented bitch, trap two will be vacant, perhaps playing to the strengths of some of the stronger types in the classic decider.
Karol Ramsbottom is double handed in the contest with Slick Sanctuary and Kapuka Coley both holding outstanding claims, while Graham Holland, Liam Dowling and Peter Cronin are also represented in what should be a tremendous spectacle.
COLEY IN SUPERB FORM
Kapuka Coley set the standard in the semis, clocking a brilliant 28.04 and is likely to start favourite from five.
The son of Sober Glory is really developing into a top-class performer and has improved for every start through the classic.
One of the stars of the Champion Open Unraced at Kilkenny, he has all the qualities needed to be a classic contender. A good starter with fine pace throughout, he will look to turn right on the pace from a kind draw. If doing so, he seems certain to mount a bold challenge.
SANCTUARY HAS THE DRAW
His kennel companion Slick Sanctuary is arguably the best drawn greyhound in the contest on the fence with a vacant boxon his right.
In many ways, Keith Allsop’s star may have actually been better suited by a six-dog race with Razldazl Loreal likely to edge right from traps, potentially holding up one or two of his rivals.
He remains very well housed, however, and should he produce one of his better starts, could quickly find himself in a prominent position and a leading contender. Much like Fahrenheit Ace, Slick Sanctuary will need to turn in front to score as he isn’t quite as strong as some of his rivals but that is entirely possible.
CAN FAHRENHEIT SERVE ANOTHER ACE?
Fahrenheit Ace was a trap to line winner of his semi-final for Graham Holland, Lorraine O’Sullivan and Tony O’Connor.
A good winner of the Denis Linehan Solicitors open Unraced at Cork earlier in the summer, he has taken a step forward in his career.
He is now more consistent at traps and is capable of really flying into the bend as proven in his latest success. Posting a rapid 1.95 sectional, he is perhaps the most likely pace-setter from three. He is certainly suited by the vacant box in two and will likely have a big say in the contest.
SCHEFF WILL FINISH WITH PURPOSE
Ballymac Scheff is the strongest runner in the line-up.
With each round, it has become clear that Liam Dowling’s charge is perhaps not as sharp as many of those around him but none will finish faster. If he were to find a way to turn close to the pace from four, he could give the leaders plenty to think about in the closing yards.
The fact that both Slick Sanctuary and Fahrenheit Ace are likely to go up at speed on his inner, means he should have plenty of room to race in behind. If he does stay towards the inside of the track, there’s every chance he could find a way to turn on heels. That would certainly put him in the mix.
IM HERE HAS THE PACE
Im Here completes a very talented line-up.
The Peter Cronin/ Aidan Comerford combination has been responsible for some hugely talented greyhounds in the recent past and Im Here I clearly another. He isn’t fully polished but the size of his engine isn’t in doubt.
His semi-final run was clear evidence that there is a massive run on the way from the talented son of Coolavanny Hoffa. Although giving his rivals a head start, he arrived into the third turn with real purpose only to have the door closed on him. If finding a better start this evening, have no doubt he is fast enough to emerge on top.
A REALLY OPEN CONTEST
It is really disappointing that Razldazl Loreal has been ruled out but her absence has really opened up the contest.
Each of the five runners have outstanding claims and it should provide a fitting conclusion to what has been a really enjoyable renewal of the Puppy Derby.
Kapuka Coley is a tentative selection to follow up his brilliant semi-final display but he again needs to be paw-perfect. Slick Sanctuary and Fahrenheit Ace will likely to battle it out on the inside of the track, while Im Here will hope to turn close on the outside.
And no matter what greyhound turns in front, their backers will be glancing back to see how close Ballymac Scheff is as they hit the back straight. The best of luck to all involved.
CAN COLEY OVERCOME DRAW?
There’s an impressive €3,000 on offer to the winner of the Time Record Breaker Open Maiden 550 and nothing will come easy.
Carrick Coley set the standard in the semis but faces a tricky draw in five. If he doesn’t flash from traps, it’s possible Skywalker Bruno could take his ground in the early yards.
On the inside of the track, Croydon Avenger has a kind draw on the fence. He may need to trap a little faster than seven days ago but need only concentrate on going up as fast as he can from a draw that he desires.
Droopys Porter will look to get loose early, while Lennies Jamesmac is improving all the time. He is another that can go close if finding a slick exit. Coolemount Spy will finish faster than any.
FRANK LOOKS THE PART
Groucho Frank stands out as the one to beat in the final of the Time Greyhound 28 A0 Dual Distance. Run over the 575yd trip, the longer run to the turn should suit the Pat Buckley trained youngster and, after a superb semi-final effort, is likely to start a hot favourite.
The son of Grouchos Duke is selected to take charge into the bend before going on to land the spoils with relative ease.