George and Jayfkay can extend Ruth’s domination

THERE is less than three and a half minutes of action remaining in the Ladbrokes.com Derby and tonight’s quarter finals at Shelbourne Park will account for two of those minutes.

Much has been made of Dolores Ruth’s domination of the event over the past three weeks with many believing it couldn’t last, but, if anything, she strengthened her position last weekend, despite losing one of her six-strong team.

Tonight her five remaining runners will play a major part in what should be one of the most enthralling nights on the greyhound calendar. Litter brothers Razldazl George and Razldazl Jayfkay remain at the head of the sponsor’s betting, but now Ruth can boast having the top three in the betting, with Makeshift next in after following a superb third-round victory.

It’s an incredible feat from the Rathangan based handler, but she can’t afford to take the foot off the pedal as each of her runners will need to be at their best this evening.

The highlight of tonight’s action is undoubtedly the third quarter-final where five of last weekend’s third round winners lock horns, including Makeshift and Razldazl George.

As with any race of this nature the early exchanges could play a major part in the outcome. Makeshift is the most likely leader from the inside trap, but if he fails to dictate he could find himself in trouble with Razldazl George, Rockchase Bullet and Pepsi Billy all possessing huge power and pace. On recent form Razldazl George must get the nod to continue his unbeaten passage through the Derby, but this could be far from an easy assignment for the outright favourite.

Dolores Ruth also has outstanding claims in the opening heat where Razldazl Bugatti seems certain to set a blistering gallop. Melodys Royal is clearly the main threat, but the latter will need to improve his starting if he is to turn close enough to trouble Bugatti.

Of their rivals, Ballymac Mitsy is one that looks well housed, but she will be eleven days in season. In short Razldazl Bugatti will take some catching and is selected to remain unbeaten in the competition at the expense of Melodys Royal

Defending champion Tyrur McGuigan is one of three greyhounds defending an unbeaten record in this year’s competition and he looks the part in Heat 2. Here the Oaks champion Droopys Twirl stands out as the main threat, but McGuigan looks irresistible from an ideal draw in of five. Expect Conor and PJ Fahy’s star tracker to make every inch.

One of the big clashes of the round comes in the final heat where Razldazl Jayfkay will be hoping to put last week’s defeat behind him. Tyrur Big Mike won’t make things easy, however. Both dogs can rocket to the turn, but Big Mike seems to have the best of the draw.

The latter isn’t the force of old and this could allow Jayfkay to come through to score. Of their rivals Krug Ninety Five and Shelbourne Geoff can battle it out for the third qualifying spot.