RELATIVE CALM BEFORE THE STORM IN DUBLIN
Ian Fortune
For the final time, ahead of five weeks of incredible BOYLE Sports Derby action, Shelbourne Park will play host to a relatively low-key Saturday night card this evening.
It certainly does count as the calm before the storm, yet the racing is of a very high quality with many of those on show likely to take their chance in the Derby.
SUSIE FACING SOME STIFF OPPOSITION
The only final on the card is that of the Two Steps To Victory AAO Dolls 525/550 and it is suitably packed with quality.
Indeed, the likes of Maireads Susie, Silent Noelle and Bombay Special are amongst the fastest females in training, while The Other Mel, Bockos Sapphire and Droopys Mezza are also very talented.
Maireads Susie was fastest in the semi-finals, coming home clear of Bombay Special in 28.33 but it will be interesting to see how she handles the step back up to 550yds. It was this week some five years ago when her dam, Susie Sapphire took on the Derby trip for the first time and we know what she went on to achieve.
It’s a bit much to expect Maireads Susie to follow in the footsteps of her dam, who was one of the greatest ever, but she is certainly going the right away and comes into tonight’s contest in exceptional form.
She will need to be on her toes in the early yards as Silent Noelle and Bombay Special are likely appreciate the longer run to the turn. Bockos Sapphire will appreciate the extra twenty-five yards also, although may need even further to be see at her best, while The Other Mel must get off the front to score. Only a career best effort will suffice for Droopys Mezza.
It’s not easy to call the winner with any real confidence but Maireads Susie is drawn on the right side of her main rivals and is selected to get loose into the bend before going on to score.
A TOP CLASS BITCH CONTEST
There are many Derby entries in action throughout the card including in the fourth race, an open 550. Featuring top class females Good Katie, Razldazl Loreal, Ballydoyle Tina, Lennies Dream and Coosane Pickles, while promising youngster Ballymac Edith is also thrown in for good measure.
It’s a hot contest but slight preference is for Ballydoyle Tina despite her lack of racing in recent months. She makes her seasonal return and a recent 18.51 trial suggests she is ready to fly. She just gets the nod over Razldazl Loreal.
CAN THOMAS FIND THE GAPS?
Brother Thomas returns to 550yd action in the seventh race and it will be interesting to see if he has learned much from recent outings.
Undoubtedly exceptionally fast, he needs to get the GPS working correctly. If finding the gaps at the right time this evening, he can emerge a good winner atthe expense of Produce Stakes runner up Droopys Winsome amongst others.
HITMAN READY TO GUN DOWN RIVALS
There are also some hugely talented puppies on show later on the card.
Ballymac Hitman, Villaricos, Group Gunboat and Lennies Jamesmac clash in the penultimate race over 550yds and Ballymac Hitman is selected to emerge on top after a superb run in defeat last time.
CHIEF TO SHINE IN FINALE
Grouchos Chief is a fascinating runner in the final contest on the card.
He displayed all manner of ability in the early rounds of the Puppy Derby and could yet develop into a superstar. From an ideal draw on the fence, he is chosen to get loose early to hold off the more experienced Priceless Romeo.