SARAH KINSELLA: The 2016 Irish Greyhound Derby is underway at Shelbourne Park. SARAH KINSELLA is back for BETDAQ TIPS reporting on the heats and gossip from the track with her Irish Greyhound Derby DIARY.
I will never forget walking into Cheltenham racecourse this year for my first festival experience, I’ve wanted to go since I was a nipper, so when the opportunity arose for me to go I grabbed it with both hands and I don’t think I will ever miss another one again. I had the time of my life. The last time I was 100% confident in putting my hard earned money on a bet was when Accordello won the Ladbrokes 600 in 2009.
The feeling came back on Gold Cup day, the confidence was through the roof and I could not see Don Cossack getting beat, regardless of Cue Card falling. I was lucky enough to get a stable tour last November in Gordon Elliott’s yard and a selfie with Don was defo the best part. He had been trained to win that race and it was one of the best moments of my life seeing him cross the winning post in first place at a beautiful price of 3/1. He was as sure a winner as I was as sure to get drunk on Moet that night!! Thanks for the memories Don.
Now last night was a different story altogether. Clares Rocket was a sure thing, right? Folk were having €400 on to win €100, complete madness. The last time I seen betting like that on a sure thing was when Douvan won the Arkle this year at a price of 1/4 but he is an exception I suppose, a different gravy. Even if you gave me the €400 to back Clares Rocket last night I wouldn’t do it. Trade Freddie was on the inside of Rocket in trap 3 and is a wide seed, Sonic was in trap 2 and is a middle seed so a bit of carnage had to be anticipated no?
Regardless, I didn’t actually have a bet on the race but I was disappointed to not see him win once he got in chase after Freddie. He still ran a cracker and thank god he came home safe. But I learnt a lesson. There is no such thing as a good thing. One good thing about the result was that it took the pressure off the bookies, especially with a 10/1 winner (that I tipped up in my fanview, gloating!) in the last race.
I actually didn’t do too badly. I tipped Slippery Thelma 10/1, Mucho Macho Man 2/1 and Lenson Rocky 4/1. Paid for the McDonalds on the way home anyway! Droopys Roddick was very impressive last night with a 3.37 split, he came out of them traps like a scalded cat! That split is not too far off Farloe Blitz who had a 3.29 but just couldn’t stay. Roddick has it all, starts, stays and is a real dude, I love everything about him. I remember talking about him on the panel down at the greyhound awards and I was so excited for his future.
What a serious CV he has accomplished and I cannot wait to see him run again next week. Jaytee Jet ran OK, he couldn’t pick up the Leger winner Skywalker Rory but I give Jet the benefit of the doubt and he will keep improving with each run, you don’t lose class overnight. He will be back.
I walked into HQ last night with a spring in my step, the place was hopping and there was a significantly larger crowd there compared to Thursday night. The atmosphere was already building at seven o’clock as Kilkenny were playing Waterford in the All Ireland Hurling semi-finals. Paul Hennessy was definitely sticking his chest out after that win! Hon the cats, yee really do have nine lives! I sat down with Mickey O’Reilly who always makes me laugh, along with Jerry Melia who says to me:
“Any sign of ya getting married yet Sarah?”
“No Jerry, still waiting, what about yourself, have you a woman?”
“I have”
“And when are getting married Jerry”
“When I have time…!”
Ha ha ha, good man Jerry! You’re still young sure!! I also asked him if he was going to win the Derby and he said he was so you heard it here first!! Jerry Melia is going to win the 2016 Derby!
Never a dull moment in Shelbourne Park! I will update you all with my tips shortly. Has anyone seen the Derby winner yet? Follow me on twitter @SarahKinsella3 and send me your selections.
Keep dreaming big!
Sarah
£25 IN FREE BETS
