Straightforward task for McGuigan

THE opening round of the Ladbrokes.com Derby will draw to a conclusion at Shelbourne Park this evening and, with twelve heats, there should be no shortage of clues as to the possible outcome of the world’s greatest greyhound competition.

Perhaps the most significant clue will come in Heat 24 where 2010 champion Tyrur McGuigan begins his defence. With only two races under his belt since September, punters are still very much in the dark as to whether or not McGuigan can recapture the form that saw him storm through last year’s Derby.

But he faces a relatively straightforward task tonight. If he can make one of his trademark fast starts, he could have matters well in hand by the second turn. Otherwise, Barefoot Admiral could make life difficult.

Tyrur Big Mike is another that will attract plenty of interest when he lines out in the final heat. Beaten into second by his litter brother in last year’s final, he too has yet to recapture the form he displayed twelve months ago. That said, he has shown signs of a revival in recent weeks.

He faces a far more competitive start to his Derby campaign than his comrade. With 2010 finalist Barefoot Bullet, Oaks runner-up Mozzletoff and the very talented Colourful Fox and Colourful Bolt in opposition, Big Mike will need to do things right in the early stages.

It will be interesting to see if both McGuigan and Big Mike can put down a marker or whether they will again struggle to produce their best.

Of course many are expecting some less exposed greyhounds to emerge in this year’s Derby. Airforce Roger and Coolykereen Imp did so during the week and others, including Varra Captain and Royal Patrol, could enter the Derby picture if making a winning start to their campaign this evening.

Royal Patrol takes on last year’s Puppy Derby champion Melodys Royal. In what could be an exciting clash, both in the betting ring and on the track, slight preference goes to ECC Timber Open 550 winner Royal Patrol.

If he can trap on terms he may contain Melodys Royal to the turn before going on to score.

There are a number of greyhounds that will start at short odds tonight, including last year’s consolation final winner Colorful Champ, who looks the part in Heat 16. Another likely to start a warm favourite is British raider Pennys Viking in Heat 22. If he can get away running he will take some stopping.

At Dundalk all eyes will be on brilliant youngster Cracking Man as he bids to continue his unbeaten passage through the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup. The Graham Holland-trained star faces a tough test in the opening semi-final, but should have too much ammunition for his rivals.

In the second heat Yes Boss and Kerrydale Lar can battle out the finish, with slight preference for the former.