Bugatti's brilliant early pace to seal final place

A massive crowd is expected to pour through the turnstiles of Shelbourne Park for tonight's semi-finals of the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby and punters will be hoping for kinder results than seven days ago.

Many of the big names went crashing out on "Black Saturday", but it remains a Derby of real quality despite the lopsided betting on tonight's semi-final heats.

As with each of the previous rounds, Dolores Ruth seems to hold the aces.

Razldazl George, outright favourite since his superb opening round effort, remains in the hot seat despite suffering his first defeat of the competition last weekend.

He renews rivalry with conqueror Rockchase Bullet, and their clash gets top billing. The off-course bookmakers favour George to exact revenge, but it might not be straightforward.

Rockchase Bullet may have been available at big prices in his last two starts, but he won both heats on merit. Blessed with fine early dash, big backstraight pace and enough stamina to see out 550yds, he is perhaps the most complete greyhound left in the Derby.

But this is far from a two-dog contest. Droopys Twirl is undoubtedly the fastest bitch in training and it's difficult to see her not getting involved. But she must avoid Rockview Head as he attempts to get to the fence from his trap six draw.

Rafas Wee Pet is well drawn. She lines out in the red jacket and will not move off the rails. Should there be any crowding amongst her rivals, she could find herself in the perfect position to strike. Leger finalist Hey Gringo has shown pace and determination to get this far but may need a little luck in running.

It's an intriguing contest, but Razldazl George may just get the better of Rockchase Bullet on this occasion. He is drawn to turn close and, if doing so, will be difficult to contain at the business end.

Razldazl Bugatti heads the betting in the second heat and he should set a blistering gallop. There will be many keen observers taking note of how the track is racing prior to this contest, however.

Should the track be running on the fast side, Razldazl Bugatti will prove popular in the betting, but there is a chance he could drift like a barge if the track is running on the slow side. Bugatti is not the strongest stayer, but it's difficult to oppose a greyhound that could be six lengths clear down the back.

Picking the main threat is no easy task. Krug Ninety Five, third in both the English and Irish Derby in 2010 , will be finishing fast. Dream Walker got the better of Razldazl Bugatti last week, but he isn't guaranteed to get a similar run this week, despite a perfect draw on the fence. The same can be said for another of last week's winners, Croom Star. Blessed with pace and power, he looks badly housed in trap three, with Coolykereen Imp expected to edge wide in the opening yards. That leads us to Piercestown Sand, who, despite quotes of 7-1, could make a bold bid.

Razldazl Bugatti is selected to race clear before containing the attention of Piercestown Sand.

Also tonight the final of the Gain Waterford Guineas takes place at Kilcohan Park and Mines A Pint is the likely winner, with Bombolini and Cabra Legend the dangers.