Former track record holder Quietly to prove too sharp for Curraheen Park rivals

Former track record holder Quietly can emerge victorious from tonight’s final of the Greyhound and Pet World Supersprint at Curraheen Park, which is, unquestionably, one the best two-bend races ever run at this track.

Sat, 12 Mar, 2016 - 00:00

Tommy Lyons

Ian Reilly’s dog set new figures with a stunning effort from trap one in the opening round and, back in that box tonight, is expected to prove too sharp for his rivals.

The 2014 Puppy Derby winner was beaten in the second round, in which his kennel companion and fellow finalist Hee Haws Sheriff broke the clock with his 17.24 victory, but he bounced right back to his best in the semi-finals, proving three lengths and more too good for a high-class field.

With so little to separate the runners the advantage of the inside can make the difference and he is preferred to his kennel mate.

Although Hee Haws Sheriff was beaten in the semi-finals, it would be foolish to write him off. He was sensational in that record-breaking run, and would really put it up to the selection if breaking on terms.

Elsewhere on the card, Faoides Ferry can take the Kasko Dog Food A3/A4 550 for Mort Cronin.

Relatively lightly raced, he impressed on more than one occasion before the turn of the year, and ran better than his placings suggest in his last two outings. Down in class now, he has a chance to turn very close to the pace, and should prove too strong for his rivals, who are headed by Arclight Bolt.

At Shelbourne, Slippery Fred can land the second semi-final of the Ladbrokes Easter Cup.

Winner of the Gold Cup just weeks ago, he was runner-up in this competition in 2015 and has bounced back to that level of form recently.

Most impressive when beating Jaytee Jet in the first round, and when racing home clear of Lenson Sanchez in the second, he has drawn the inside box and can use it to get first run on his rivals.

Larry Dunne’s dog stays strongly, and will take beating.

Ballydoyle Honey has also been in great form, but her draw is not as favourable as in previous weeks.

In a race with plenty of early pace, she will have to be on her toes to negotiate a clear path to the first bend.

If she can do that, she will go close, but it’s certainly her toughest task to date in this competition.

Race 1: Kilbarry Flyer (Satin Eva)

Race 2: Idir An Bheirt (Skywalker Malard)

Race 3: Fiadh Beag (Super Big Mac)

Race 4: Curragh Max (Test Me)

Race 5: Faoides Ferry (nap) (Arclight Bolt)

Race 6: Lasses Charm (Rockforest Jill)

Race 7: Quietly (Hee Haws Sheriff)

Race 8: Sister Kelly (Lizzys Cocktail)