Derby heat looks easy for Big Mike - on paper!
Just one of the top eight in the betting will be in action tonight’s session — last year’s runner-up Tyrur Big Mike who races with a fitness warning from owner PJ Fahy.
Odds-on for what looks a relatively easy heat, Big Mike looks sure to win but any fitness worry would leave him vulnerable to the likes of Soviet Marco, Lemon Velvet and Rafas Wee Pet.
One who has escaped under the bookmakers’ radar is Razldazl Bugatti, a member of the very strong Dolores Ruth team.
Bugatti has explosive early pace and is now staying stronger. He has had only seven races and I expect him to lead all the way this evening in heat 2. Helen Cashin’s Smooth Daddy is a lively rival and I would expect this pair to dominate.
Paul Hennessy had a dreadful start to the classic with a number of his dogs carried from the track but it came together on the third night when he recorded a treble. Two of those winners will be in action this evening and Colorful Champ looks the likely winner of the concluding heat where Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Reilly could also run a big race at a nice price.
There will be just four starters in Heat 5 following the withdrawal of Paddy The Pricer and Tyrur Sycamore and this should be a straight battle between Kingo and Melodys Royal. The latter should strike off in front and Pa Fitzgerald’s dog can go on to victory.
Another Kerry trainer with a fancied runner tonight is Mossie O’Connor and his Deerfield Sings may be worth another chance in Heat 4. He needs to get away smartly but if he does he certainly has the gears to collect. Droopys Greg and the Hennessy pair of Hello Ringo and Barefoot Admiral rate the dangers.
Royal Patrol may win a tricky looking Heat 2 while Shaneboy Fantasy could have found his ideal opportunity in Heat 6. The remaining Heat 7 can be best left to Seamus Cahill’s Droopys Oscar.
The Derby action can be followed on Inter Track and through live streaming on www.igb.ie.
There is no racing at Tralee tonight but the track’s bar and tote facilities will be open for patrons wishing to enjoy the Derby action.
The Greyhound View programme returned to the screens on TG4 last night and will be shown on Setanta Ireland today at 5.30 pm. But the programme will also be accessible worldwide each Thursday morning by accessing Talking Dogs (www.igb.ie) and using the link to the TG4 Player.
The other big meeting this week is at Dundalk on Sunday evening when the final of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup will head a top class twelve race card. A tremendous contest is in store but the one to beat is surely our ante post selection Cracking Man.
Trained by Graham Holland, this son of Skywalker Ace and Centenarys Jo has developed into a real champion and has won ten of his twelve career starts. He overcame some traffic problems to win the semi-final in 21.39 but had earlier scored in 21.13 and 21.16.
A trap four draw looks ideal, particularly with his main rival Yes Boss on his outside in five. An even bigger danger could be Tom Harte’s Shoemakers Lad in the two box while Gilford Driver could give leading vet Brian Jones and his brother Laurence a real tilt at glory.
The evens being quoted about Cracking Man appeals as real value and he can claim the €20,000 prize for owners Shaun Gresham and Graham Ashe to set him up for what will surely be a very strong challenge for the Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park.
Next classic up , by the way, is the Bookmakers’ Puppy Derby at Harold’s Cross and details of the event have just been confirmed. Catering for 72 dogs whelped in October ‘09 or later, the Puppy Derby will have a winner’s prize of €25,000 with the runner-up taking home €8,000, the third €4,000 and the unplaced finalists €2,000 each. In addition, all heat winners will receive €125 each.
The entire first round of 12 heats will be run on the traditional date of Friday, September 9th, which is of course the eve of the Irish Derby final at Shelbourne.
It forms a terrific weekend in Dublin for greyhound followers and is traditionally the night of the year at the Cross.
The Hennerty Sales Laurels will start two weeks later on September 23rd and nominations at €100 are also being sold just now.
