Festival lives up to opening day tradition
In the Boylesports.com Derby the biggest upset was 14-1 shot Windgap Lar’s defeat by Wood Hyland, one of the reserves, who came from behind to pip him in a no-turn course.
A second major shock was Swanky Matt (12-1) having to give best to Killeagh Matt by a two and a half lengths margin. Other fancied contenders to bite the dust included the fancied Cuddly Man, who went under to Cuine Boy by two lengths, and Hunters Glory (unsighted) who went out to Bahamian Kid.
There was a big gamble on Offshore Eoin, backed from 8-1 early on down to 5-1 favourite. As a result Belated Birthday, who opened 7-1 favourite, drifted to 11-1 as Blueview Sam (9-1) also came in for support.
Belated Birthday and Ashmore Sambo look likely to advance to the last eight from the opening quarter while Prime Example looks the pick of those at the top of the second quarter. Blueview Dan won nicely yesterday and could join him in the last eight. Go Home Hare would have been a strong contender here but a 41 second hunt yesterday could hinder his chances of progressing.
In the third quarter Offshore Eoin was impressive yesterday and it will be a big surprise if he doesn’t make it from the top of this sector. Who will join him is up for grabs as Skellig Wish, another who was heavily supported in the betting ring all morning, is now the worst handicapped dog in the field on 46 seconds and his prospects of advancing now look remote. At the bottom of this sector Solid Monk looks the part.
Blue Sam should advance to the final day from the top of the fourth quarter where he can be joined by Here Comes Harry who was involved in a controversial course yesterday against Ashmore Master. Ashmore Master was announced as the winner of the buckle, but it transpired that the pair ran in the wrong collars so the judge changed his verdict.
Offshore Eoin gets the nod to take the honours.
The big upsets in the Greyhound & Pet World Oaks were Gaisce Mor (10-1) going under to Blazing Dilemma, Spring Hawk (14-1) failing to master Silent Carol, Oh Banba upsetting the odds on Troanas Joy (14-1) and Dale Roisin getting the better of Holy Lady (10-1).
The only major gamble was on Emmas Goldrush who was 16-1 early on but was down to 8-1 before the classic started.
In the top quarter this morning Fiery Sunset should come out of the top of this sector while Emmas Goldrush can join her from the bottom of the quarter.
In the second quarter Fives Treasure was the most impressive winner yesterday and will take some beating while Yorkville Stella can also make it to the last day.
Oilean Smile could be the solution to an open top of the third quarter while Rios Girl can survive at the bottom.
The top of the final quarter looks a battle between Come On Vivienne and Capetown Lucy who look likely to meet in the third round while it is hard to oppose Ravel Glory at the bottom.
Fives Treasure, so impressive yesterday, is clearly the percentage bet here.
