SPONSORS INSTALL MONARCH A HOT FAVOURITE FOR DERBY GLORY

Ian Fortune

For the  third year running, there will be an odds-on favourite in the final of the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby with Bouncing Monarch a hot favourite with the sponsors to follow in the footsteps of Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches.

Damien Lonergan of BOYLE Sports was quick off the draw, sending on prices just moments after Saturday night’s final draw, and he has installed Bouncing Monarch a 4-6 chance to complete his unbeaten passage through the classic.

Originally, Wi Can James was alone in second in the market at 6-1, but things have changed in the subsequent hours. Sleight Of Hand was put in at 8-1 but, after a weight of support, he is now joint second favourite alongside Wi Can James at 6-1.

Bockos Gold was a big price in the lead up to his semi-final but came in for inspired support on the night before emerging on top. The same could be the case this week with the massive son of Coolavanny Hoffa an 8-1 chance. Don’t be surprised if those odds contract in the coming days.

Im Here is without doubt the best drawn runner in the line-up and the layers hands have been forced. With Bouncing Monarch such a short price to emerge on top, they have been forced to install Im Here at 10-1. That seems generous about a greyhound that is likely to have a clear passage in the early yards.

Despite running yet another superb race in the semi-finals, Hackney Dancer is the outsider of the field from four. At 16-1, he too is expected to attract support as he attempts to hand Michael O’Donovan a third Derby title.

BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby

BOYLE Sports bet:

6          Sleight Of Hand

4-6       Bouncing Monarch

6          Wi Can James

16        Hackney Dancer

8          Bockos Gold

10        Im Here

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ADMISSION FOR RACING IN SHELBOURNE PARK