SUPERB CARD ON OFFER AT SHELBOURNE PARK
Ian Fortune
Just a week after the epic conclusion of the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby, there is a high-quality card on offer at Shelbourne Park this evening, albeit there is no sweepstake action on offer. Instead, there are a number of valuable one-off races, most of which carry a winner’s purse of €1,000.
STAR WAITING TO SHINE
It’s fitting that the action will end with a tremendous 600yd contest. Derby semi-finalist Waitingforastar is a fascinating runner in this contest. Amongst the Derby favourites ahead of his elimination, he has all the qualities needed to be a superstar over tonight’s trip.
The one weakness in his armoury is his trapping, although he does have speed into the bend, massive pace down the back straight and real strength. Should he find racing room into the turn, it’s conceivable he could go very fast.
His talented rivals include the strong running females Bockos Sapphire and Coosane Pickles but Priceless Romeo is seen as the greatest threat.
FEATHER CAN REMAIN UNBEATEN
There is real quality on show in the ninth race on the card, an open 525. Gallant Captain and Droopys Unreal represent the dogs but the winner is perhaps more likely to come from the female contingent.
Lone Calling ran well in the early rounds of the Derby and will have support but the remaining three bitches in the line-up are very exciting. Newinn Uganda is a potential star and can play a big part from a wide draw, while Connemara Lady ran a big race in defeat last time and has an ideal draw on the fence.
But the vote goes to Droopys Feather. The Robert Gleeson trained bitch is on target to becoming a superstar and should she get loose in the early yards, could bring her unbeaten record to four from four.
SANCTUARY WELL HOUSED
Karol Ramsbottom has strong claims in both the Open 525 and Open 550. His Slick Sanctuary is perfectly drawn on the fence in the seventh race, the Droopys Stud, Track Bookmakers & John Mitchell Bookmaker Open 525.
A talented son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire, he goes up fast and maintains a superb gallop throughout. He faces some talented trackers including the early paced Boltaway Wink and Toolmaker King, while Fahrenheit Jess is very exciting, albeit this is a tough test in what is only her third career outing.
BARRY TO GET FIRST RUN ON SHELBY
The Karol Ramsbottom trained Sober Barry has obvious claims in Race 8, the FFK Kennels Open 550. Blessed with tremendous early speed, Sober Barry is the most likely pace-setter up the middle of the track but he will need to dictate the pace as Roaming Shelby is a serious threat.
Indeed, were the latter drawn closer to the fence, rather than in the stripes, he would potentially start favourite but he may struggle to get first run this evening. Mona Le Monbeg has been running over further but is certain to finish fast and can fill the frame.
MIGHTY MIST TO FOLLOW UP
After his superb victory on Derby final night, Vernon Mist is chosen to follow up in the BOYLE Sports open sprint.
In what looks an easier assignment than last weekend, the Gerry Holian trained son of Ballymac Cashout can get first run on his rivals from a favourable draw on the rail. He is chosen to lead home Amidus Hulk and Callaway Danny.