Ballymac enhances reputation

The late absence of reigning champ Laughil Blake was the only disappointment in the first round of the Boylesports.com Irish Greyhound Derby, from which Ballymac Matt emerged with reputation most enhanced following his scintillating 29.43 success on Thursday.

Liam Dowling’s dog has been promoted to 8-1 favourite following his romp, in which Dromscarra Ruby and Jaytee Jet were left toiling. Tougher tests lie ahead, but it was the perfect start.

English Derby finalist Farloe Blitz’s early pace was seen to best effect when posting 29.60 on the same night, and is now no bigger than 10-1.

Of the top eight in the betting following the first round, only Ballydoyle Honey suffered defeat. Though odds-on for her heat, defeat was not unexpected, as she was returning after an absence.

In a race in which her trainer, Graham Holland, was responsible for the first three home, she showed remarkable finishing speed to split 29.62 winner Calzaghe Clampet and Hovex Prince. Most firms were impressed enough to cut her to 12-1.

Laughil Duke attracted support, and those who ventured in at long odds will have been delighted with what they witnessed on Saturday. He led at the turn, and raced home clear of Scottish Derby finalist Save The Don, in 29.45.

There were numerous other notable performances, including those of Leave At Dawn (29.75), Urban Gossip (29.60), Fair Taxes (29.84), Amazing Dude (29.62), Riverside Pat (29.49), Ballyhooly Henry (29.94), Slippery Snowy (29.71), Sidarian Vega (29.83), Gyp Rosetti (29.63) and Rural Hawaii (29.65).

Damien Lonergan, of sponsors Boylesports said: “Thursday’s session was a bit of a disaster with nearly all of the favourites winning, but we got some money back on Saturday.

“One of the most pleasing aspects was the fact the turnover was on a par with last year. That’s very positive.

“In the long-odds book, Ballymac Matt is our worst result. He was popular prior to the competition, and again after that brilliant display in the first round.

“The loss of Laughil Blake was a major disappointment, but we refunded all ante-post bets on the reigning champ.

“Laughil Duke has been very popular, and halved in price following his victory. We cut him to 14-1, and demand was so great it couldn’t hold up — he’s now 12-1.

“But, Ballydoyle Honey is the one who really caught my eye. She made up a remarkable amount of ground, and can only get better as the competition progresses.

Second-round heats take place this Thursday and Saturday night, and prices will be available this evening.

Lonergan added: “A number of greyhounds, such as Ballymac Matt, Sidarian Vega and Farloe Blitz, have been handed favourable draws, and they’re likely to be short but, against that, there will be plenty of value for anyone willing to take them on.”