Greyhound Tips: Joshuas Prince to take world of beating at Curraheen

Joshuas Prince gets the nap to take the fourth race at Curraheen, where the final of the Two Wheel Training A2 525 is the feature. As a January ’12 whelp with only six runs under his belt, he has clearly had his issues, but the few opportunities we have had to see him have indicated plenty of speed.

Sat, 16 Apr, 2016 - 01:00

Tommy Lyons

Last time out, he overcame an unsuitably wide draw to beat the useful Cardiff Bay, and everything about him suggests he can go much quicker.

If the Pat Kiely-trained veteran can avoid an early clash with Kilmoney Nipper, he’ll take a world of beating.

In the Two Wheel Training A2 525, Coolavanny Brian can follow up his semi-final success from what looks a favourable draw next to the rails. He can hold his position against the expected early challenge of Dims Boy, and that should set him on the road to victory.

Shelbourne hosts a top-class card, with four second-round heats of the Healthcare and Transport Services Puppy Oaks and the same number of first-round heats of the Gain 600.

Newlawn Simon could cause a minor upset in the opening heat of the 600. John Kiely’s dog is highly regarded, and showed top-class form beating Ballyhooly Henry in 30.82 over 575 yards at Curraheen Park in October.

A powerful tracker, who should really appreciate the step up to this trip, he looks ideally drawn along the inside, and can come home clear of Jo Jo Fantasy and Juvenile Derby winner Anopheles.

Notorious Ben can take the second heat for trainer Graham Holland. He has plenty of high-class form around Cork and Youghal, and his most recent start — his first start over 600 yards — suggested there could be more to come.

On that occasion he rode a hefty bump at the first bend before showing real pace to run Ballyhooly Henry to three lengths. If he can avoid early trouble this time, he will be hard to hold.

The aforementioned Balllyhooly Henry can take the final heat for Tom O’Neill. Ideally housed, next to the fence, he looks set to get first run on his rivals, and that should prove the key to this race. Vivaro Swift must be respected.

Graham Holland dominated the first-round heats of the Puppy Oaks and is likely to do so in round two. Ballinakil Clare was quickest in round one, posting 28.06, and will take a world of beating in the fourth heat, while kennel companion Rockburst Riva is the one to side with in the first heat. Sidarian Pearl was brilliant from a wide draw last time and can take the second heat.

Holland is not represented in the third heat, in which the exciting Airmount Tess trained by Ger Kiely, can build on last week’s easy victory.

Curraheen selections

Race 1:

Steragel Lee (Derries Castle)

Race 2:

Tinted Machine (Fiadh Beag)

Race 3:

Comeout Russell (Riverside Bolt)

Race 4:

Joshuas Prince (nap) (Bengour Spirit)

Race 5:

Tuckeys Victor (Charming Lady)