Panther taking next step
If you have no prearrangements for this evening then it’s a must that you make it to Shelbourne Park, or Curraheen Park or any other greyhound stadium from which you will be able to see the pictures from Shelbourne and, in particular, the first semi-final of the SIS Live Gold Cup.
For tonight is the night when the great canine hope of Irish Greyhound Racing — the unbeaten Milldean Panther — gets his mettle tested for the very first time.
John O’Flynn’s dog was a sensational pup, highlighted by all performances at Shelbourne, most notably a stunning trap-to-line 28.13 victory on Derby final night on what was his debut at the track, and, of course, his 525 yards track record of 28 seconds dead, set in a four-dog race.
He made a seamless transition to all-aged company a fortnight ago and the 550 yards trip really seems to suit him.
He made mistakes on his comeback in the opening round but impressed with his attitude and, of course, his pace.
Although he improved for last weekend’s second stage, the performance produced just a little food for thought for those who marked him down as unbeatable.
Off a smart break, he didn’t make the bend in front. While he showed his customary bravery to push through and lead around the turn, his performance on the run-up left questions.
A shrewd judge suggested the run was proof that he’s better over 525 yards than 550 because the shorter run to the turn does not expose that chink in his armour.
I have doubts about that. He’s so strong and so powerful over this trip, I suggest we’re looking at a dog that isn’t fully tuned but when he is, he’ll be capable of huge things — likely even to threaten College Causeway’s 550-yards track record.
But getting back to matters in hand, this is the night when we’ll find out for sure where he stands right now. Perhaps not in the pantheon of greyhound racing since time began, but certainly where he is now and where he might be in six months’ time.
Based on current form, he and Broadstrand Lad are the two best dogs in the country, but they’re at very different stages of their development.
Broadstrand Lad, as trainer Johnny Linehan will admit, hasn’t been easy to train but, nevertheless he’s got to the track 40 times, winning on 21 occasions.
He’s rapidly approaching his fifth year and, with time running out on his career, he’s sure to be as fully tuned as he can be each time he steps out on the track.
And he has been — and continues to be — a credit to connections. On top of his game and showing the type of form that makes one wonder how far he might have gone had he made it to the starting line in last year’s Derby, he is the benchmark by which Milldean Panther’s current level of brilliance can be measured. He’s conceivably well drawn tonight and if he can clear Mines A Pint on the run-up, we’ll be in for a real thriller.
Milldean Panther has a tendency to run his bends very tight. Could that spell danger if he cannot clear the inside runners to the turn? Yes, of course, but what goes hand-in-hand with the dog’s absolute ability is his absolute courage and determination to win.
Let’s not forget that it’s possible that he could turn in front, though last week may have instilled doubts in the minds of his supporters.
He posted a sizzling 1.98 early split over the standard trip and it’s equivalent would see him clear around the corner.It is neither prudent nor beneficial to get carried away with a greyhound but he is as exciting a prospect as has been in the game for a very long time and tonight is the night when he gets his first chance to stamp some real authority.
Broadstrand Lad heads the cast of hopefuls, bidding to burst his bubble. A clear run for all six runners is what we should hope for; the rest is in the lap of the dogs.
