Goldstar set to shine in Razldazl rematch
Of course their latest encounter - in last weekend’s opening round - didn’t exactly live up to it’s billing, with both failing to threaten at any stage of the contest won by Hanover Laddie. However, they qualified safely and the draw looks more favourable for both greyhounds in this evening’s final heat.
Their task has become somewhat easier with the defection of the off-colour Bubbly Phoenix, although impressive opening round winners Paradise Martini and Farloe Noah can’t be dismissed too lightly. It’s perhaps a race best watched, but if forced to choose a likely winner the draw may swing the vote in favour of Rattlin Goldstar.
Graham Holland will be hoping Cabra Noel can repeat his first-round effort. He has been given a great opportunity to continue his winning ways in Heat 2, where an ideal draw on the fence should allow him get the better of Swift Marathon.
Hanover Laddie was a surprise winner in the opening round and he can follow up that success in Heat 5. Razldazl Houdini looks the chief danger, but the selection looks a solid bet.
The three remaining heats are very competitive and could prove difficult to pick a winner. In the opening heat the superior early dash of Highview Dusty could be the difference, while his litter sister Highview Beauty also has strong claims in Heat 3. Slight preference goes to the strong-running Ballybough Hawke, however. In the final heat Express Champ gets the vote to follow up his superb opening round display.
Elsewhere on the Shelbourne card, Tyrur Big Mike makes a comeback after retirement in an Open 525 and the powerful son of Brett Lee will take some stopping in his first start since he was eliminated from the Irish Derby at the quarter final stage.
Drumbo Park can expect a big turnout on Sunday where the feature of the matinee meeting is the final of the Peter Meegan Memorial 550. Semi-final form suggests Rafas Wee Pet and Brae Boy will battle it out for the stg£5,000 prize, but it could pay to forgive Smooth Daddy his latest defeat.
