Mighty Maldini poised for glory
When the classic kicked off in mid August the four greyhounds at the head of the betting were Droopys Maldini, Tyrur Ted, Westmead Hawk and Droopys Marco. Just over a month on three of the four remain, Tyrur Ted being the exception.
As a result the final is one of real quality and for owners Martin Wakefield and Laurence Blunt it could be the greatest night since they first became involved in greyhounds.
The pair are doubly represented for the second year running with litter brothers Droopy Maldini and Droopys Marco. Twelve months ago the litter brothers filled second and fourth positions behind Like A Shot. This time around they are older, more experienced, stronger and strongly fancied to play a major part in proceedings.
Standing in their way however is Westmead Hawk. The brilliant son of Sonic Flight is bidding to create history by becoming the first greyhound to win both the Irish and English Derbys in the same year.
His swashbuckling running style has made him a real hit throughout Ireland and England and tonight he is certain to attract floods of support from the masses of British supporters who have made their annual pilgrimage to Shelbourne Park.
Perhaps the greatest compliment that can be paid to Westmead Hawk is that the leaders will be looking over their shoulder to see how close he is. Perhaps the one certainty in tonight’s race is that Westmead Hawk will tail the field in the early stages, but such is the potency of his finishing kick that he can never be ruled out.
In contrast, many of his rivals this evening are dependant on an early advantage. One such greyhound is He Said So. Timmy O’Donovan’s charge has been in wonderful form throughout the stake and, from what should be an ideal draw on the fence, he is a very possible leader.
Billy Playback and Spiral Citrate complete the line-up and although available at big prices, it would be rash to completely rule out their chances. Billy Playback is a relatively lightly-raced greyhound, although he has shown big pace and determination through the preliminaries.
Spiral Citrate, a half brother to both Late Late Show and Valentia Citrate, has produced a number of power-packed displays in the previous rounds, although he certainly needs a little luck.
The betting suggests that Droopys Maldini will emerge triumphant. With a perfect blend of early speed, huge back straight pace and the power to stay further, the son of Droopys Kewell is a near perfect racing machine, yet he will need to be at his very best if he is to come out on top with the likes of his litter brother Droopys Marco, Westmead Hawk and He Said So in attendance.
Droopys Marco remains unbeaten in the stake, but he may find Maldini too good. He is certain to race close to the pace around the opening turns and could well chase his litter brother home. Westmead Hawk will be a clear second favourite, but if is difficult to see a greyhound coming from last down the back straight to win the Derby. In fact he may struggle to get a run when it most matters, at the third turn.
Of the others, He Said So makes most appeal but, as in the semi-finals, he may struggle to contain Droopys Maldini.
In short, the Frazer Black trained Droopys Maldini, once described by his owners as the “best dog since Lassie” can go one better than last year, in turn becoming the 74th Irish Derby winner. If doing so, there will be few more deserving winners.
On the undercard Group Rooster will contest the Derby consolation final. In what will only be his 11th career start, the hugely promising son of Top Honcho will be representing his new owner, none other than Kieran Fallon.
The deal was finalised yesterday between Fallon’s friend Pat Jones and Group Rooster’s owner Joe Kenny.
The dog will be handled by Kenny for tonight’s contest but will then be transferred to Noel Mullins. It is also likely that his name will be changed. Given Fallon’s year, perhaps they should consider Group Success!
* Racing will be shown live on Sky Sports (8pm - 9.55) and on RTE 2 from 8.50 to 9.55.
