Well-drawn Cabra Noel can cruise into Puppy semi-finals

ISN’T IT amazing how the greyhound world has changed in a relatively short number of years?

In the far from distant past most of the tracks closed in December and didn’t reopen until after the National Meeting in February.

Then came the splendid developments and suddenly greyhound tracks were in demand from a socialising section and the calendar expanded into a 12 month one. Now we find that the weeks coming up to Christmas are the busiest of the year, both on the tracks and in the corporate entertainment sector.

This weekend is an example of just how the greyhound industry has developed with the quarter-finals of the Tote Gold Collar at Harold’s Cross tomorrow night, the same stage in the Kerry Group County Championship at Tralee and then on Saturday the quarter-finals of the hugely exciting Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake at Shelbourne.

The latter event continues to dominate the track scene, with Cabra Noel and Razldazl Will quoted at 7-2 joint favourites.

The Graham Holland trained Cabra Noel has again fared well with the draw and will wear the red jacket in Heat 4 where he will again have Swift Marathon among his opponents. Along with Express Champ, that trio should safely make it to the semis.

Razldazl Will is leaving himself with something to do in his races and he will again wear the striped jacket in Heat 3. His rivals are no mugs and he will need to sharpen up his performance to the bend.

Hanover Laddie is a potential leader in the opening heat but he has to get across from five and may experience difficulty – which makes Pat Buckley’s Paradise Martini an interesting prospect in the red. Take your pick in Heat 2 with Hillcroft Joe will bid to give Buckley another winner.

Paddy Power betting: 7-2 Cabra Noel, Razldazl Will; 10 Paradise Martini; 12 Hillcroft Joe, Swift Marathon; 14 Razldazl Houdini, Hanover Laddie; 16 Ballybough Hawke, Eabhas Fantasy, Highview Dusty; 20 Ballymac Barn, Coolavanny Shine, Express Champ, Ruthless Man, Swords Jacko; 25 Annual Cha, Fridays Carroll, Hather George; 33 Highview Beauty, Barefoot Guru, Fridays Scolari; 50 What A Gem; 66 Carbury Cheetah, Cornamaddy Glam.

There will be just three second round heats in the Tote Gold Collar with four qualifying for next week’s semi-finals. It will relieve the pressure somewhat on the handlers but the punters have a few cracking races to contend with.

Robert Gleeson’s Ardkill Star was most impressive last week when winning in 29.90 and he will again be opposed by Mountaylor Ace in the first heat, with fast heat winner Head Rock also in there. One has to fancy Ardkill to go in again.

James Robinson’s Uncle Eoin showed signs of a return to top form last week and he will be fancied to win a second heat where Coom Bullet is the obvious danger. The third heat, though, is the toughest of them all with the likes of Whatsupjack, Beaming Dilemma, Nikitas Scut, Pepsi Billy and Dundrum Sport in the line-up. Don’t be surprised if Beaming pops out in front and defies catching.

Down in Tralee this evening the second round of the Kingdom Derby, sponsored by Gain and Greyhound & Petworld, promises some tremendous excitement. First round star Leeview Jet will be fancied to produce another big run for Graham Holland in Heat 2 and his early priority will be clearing kennel companion Cambushmore, Dims His Eyes and Headleys Fantasy to the bend.

Mary Walsh has a real gem in Newlawn Tock and he will be red hot in the first heat. He made it 13 from sixteen last week and can repeat his success over Boxer Princess.

Pat O’Connor’s Saleen Islandtwo could be the one in Heat 3 while Brian King’s Shelbourne Geoff has the draw to assist in the final heat.