All set for cracking Laurels semi-finals
Such is the quality of both races that, irrespective of what happens at this stage, we are guaranteed a high class final line-up the following weekend.
The latest betting lists have Dream Walker and Rockchase Bullet as the 4-1 joint favourites and I suspect this situation is largely influenced by the semi-final trap draws rather than the current form of the main contenders.
The two fastest winners last weekend were Deerfield Music and Razldazl Rioga, but their reward is a pretty horrible draw in the second semi where they will occupy traps four and five respectively. Dream Walker is in the same heat but will wear the red jacket and that is obviously a big plus for Tom O’Neill’s Derby runner-up in such a difficult contest.
Remember, this race also includes quick starting Happy Hermit as well as big finishing duo St Louis Charlie and Vito Dawn. The big question is whether Dolores Ruth’s Razldazl Rioga can clear Deerfield Music in the early yards and whatever happens can decide if either or both dogs can qualify for the final.
The Ronnie Wuyts trained Rockchase Bullet will wear the blue jacket in Heat 2 which could actually be a good draw if, as anticipated, Leeview Jet goes up fast on the rail and the Bullet can chase him around the bends. But, despite a few excellent runs in the early rounds, Rockchase hasn’t been foot perfect in any round and appears to have having difficulty in handling the Curraheen circuit.
Deerfield Sings did us a good turn last week and is clearly in top form. He might not be helped by inside loving Beaming Dilemma being drawn on his outside in this heat but he has the strength to survive. Varra Captain faces a tough draw in five but Rival Reward is very well housed in six.
It really is a case of take your pick and my stab at the final six would see a final line-up comprising Leeview Jet, Rockview Chase, Deerfield Sings, Dream Walker, Deerfield Music and Razldazl Rioga — but I will be sticking Vito Dawn into my Trio bets and would be anything but surprised if she makes it to the final.
Saturday’s meeting will feature a Best Themed Couple event with a winner’s prize of Wilton Shopping Centre vouchers to the value of €1,500. The gates open at 6.45pm and the first race is off at 7.47pm. Admission is €10 per adult, €5 Student & OAP’s €20 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children).
After the hectic nature of recent weeks, there is a slight lull on the greyhound scene this week with the Laurels having the major scene to itself, with the semi-finals of the Mannion Builders Supplies Open 750 at Shelbourne the only other notable event in progress.
It has been a largely disappointing year on the staying front and I remain of the opinion that not nearly enough is being done to promote six and eight bend racing at our tracks. It is ridiculous that such an event as the National 750 (Mannion Builders) should only attract 24 greyhounds at a real push and one has to say the haphazard nature of the staying calendar is very much responsible. It should be remembered that staying races are very popular with the racegoers and generate strong betting revenue and they must be encouraged.
Top performer in the first round of the 750 on Saturday was Des Kiely’s Shaneboy Fantasy in his six bend debut. He returned a smart time of 41.59 and it will be most interesting to observe his repeat attempt in the first semi where he will meet a number of established big finishers.
The other new stars are Peter Cronin’s Peggys Style and Paul Hennessy’s Barefoot Machine and they renew rivalry in the second heat after a thrilling battle last week. Leap Of Faith will keep them on their toes in what is a most interesting contest.
The reappearance of super puppy Milldean Panther in a supporting open 525 will guarantee another big attendance at Shelbourne and another flying run looks a strong possibility.
There is a top class card on offer at Youghal tomorrow where the five first round heats of the Red Mills Southern Sprint will be backed up by the second round of the Ned Walsh Memorial. There are some cracking sprinters in action, headed by Irish Sprint Cup winner Shoemakers Lad and the other heat winners can be Ms Deltafire, Parchments Mal, Bombolini and Ambitious Vinnie.
