Night of Stars promises to deliver in spades
It’s a terrific idea and grander notion that the best greyhounds will all assemble in one stadium for one evening of action, but this renewal is the best yet, highlighted by the field for the 550.
With one race over each of the eight distances, five of which are over four bends, there was plenty of scope for greyhounds to avoid each other, but, for the most part, that hasn’t been the case.
Derby champion Laughil Blake is entitled to be a short-priced favourite to land the €10,000 winner’s prize in the 550, but his rivals include fellow Derby finalist Emers Superstar, National Puppy Stake and Race of Champions winner Sidarian Blaze, Leger winner Paradise Silva, Dundalk International champ Metro Jack and Laurels winner Vimmerby.
One presumes Vimmerby’s connections had the option to run in the 525 (automatic qualification for his Laurels victory), which looks a marginally easier race, but they have chosen this race for their runner, who was knocked over in the Select Stakes final at Waterford on his most recent start. That’s a very interesting move and his presence helps make it an even better race as he has the early pace to force Laughil Blake to pull out all the stops. This contest is the essence of what the Night of Stars should be.
Limerick 550 yards track record holder Droopys Nidge would have been a really intriguing addition to that field but it’s interesting that he and English Derby finalist and former Tralee 525 track record holder Mind The Net will make the step up to 575 yards for the first time.
In doing so, their rivals will include Greenwell Hulk, who set new figures on his only outing over course and distance, and Exocet, who won this race in 2013. Droopys Nidge has long looked as though a full-length run-up could bring out the very best in him and, being fresh for this race, there could be fireworks. In terms of quality, this race doesn’t fall far below the standard of the 550.
There is plenty of Cork interest, including the Mick O’Driscoll-owned Laurels third Nellies Flyer taking on her own sex in the bitches’ 525. Barring an unfortunate tumble she’s been in top form since the Laurels final and in this race she’ll renew rivalry with fellow finalist Champagne Jackie.
Business Scholar, owned by Pat Pyne and Pat Myers, Kilworth, won the Southern Sprint late last month and takes his chance in the sprint. It’s a terrific race, as one would expect, but it’s safe to asses this fellow is even better than he showed at Youghal, and recent trials at Shelbourne give credence to that notion.
There are four British-trained challengers, three of which will contest the long-distance races. Borna Champ, who was runner-up in the Corn Cuchulainn, represents John Mullins in the 750, while TV Trophy winner King Kane (Diane Henry) and Fizzypop Magic (June Harvey) will contest the 850. The Paul Young-trained Droopys Ward, who ran-up the English Derby and was a semi-finalist in the Irish Derby, will take his chance in the 600.
It would be great to see a few more challengers making their way across the Irish Sea, though there’ll certainly no shortage in the number of visitors as the list of addresses for owners spreads far beyond this island.
Bookings from abroad are significant, and this night is proving a great pre-Christmas attraction. In total, there is €92,000 in prize money to be won in the eight Night of Stars races, while the quarter-finals of the National Puppy Stake make up the 12-race programme.
Hopefully the firms won’t wait too long before pricing up all races. For what it’s worth, I’m very keen to see what odds Droopys Odyssey will be offered at in the 850. From an ideal draw and unexposed over staying distances, he could be the value bet of the night, though everything points to Ballymac Bonnie as the one to beat.
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Saturday’s meeting at Curraheen is a benefit for Macra na Feirme, with an A2 525 final as the feature race on the 10-race programme. A week later the 2014 Macroom Motor Services Open 750, with a winner’s prize of €3,500, is due to get underway, and that Saturday night will also serve as a benefit for Ballincollig GAA.
Youghal track is continuing its winter run on Monday nights, with 11-race programmes. The slightly shorter break between the races is working very well, and this week betting was brisk, even if the figures weren’t huge. In theory it’s more difficult for bookmakers to make money, but the cards are being graded very tightly and overrounds of 130% and lower, which, to the credit of the layers, are being achieved consistently, are providing great value for punters.
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