JONATHAN HOBBS: Looks forward to a terrific 48 hours of greyhound racing and previews the semi-finals of the Coral Champion Stakes at Romford together with the third round of the BoyleSports Irish Derby. Don’t miss his recommended BETDAQ backs and lays.
A FANTASTIC 48 hours for greyhound racing fans kicks off with the semi-finals of the Coral Champion Stakes at Romford on Friday – followed by the third round of the BoyleSports Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.
Top-class action either side of the Irish Sea, with places up for grabs in the next round – at Romford we’re talking places in next week’s £10,000-to-the-winner final which will be the showpiece on a gala night celebrating the opening of the new grandstand.
Starting with the RPGTV card from the newly revamped and refurbished London Road track, the first semi-final could see Ballymac Diego do us another favour after last week’s romp. He was fastest outright – and well backed also!
First semi (8.21)
Difficult to oppose Kevin Hutton’s Ballymac Diego after last week’s standard-setting run. He again gets the white jacket to help and, along with Aayamza Express next door, might have enough early and middle speed to not let the stronger types – Sheldan and Deep Pockets – a look-in. Decent breaks are required, however.
Play: Ballymac Diego
Lay: Sheldan
Second semi (8.38)
There are few more consistent greyhounds in training than Sporting Dave. The Seamus Cahill-trained runner recently ran-up in the Sussex Cup at Hove having won that famous event the previous year. His speed throughout is a joy and this looks the weakest of the three semis. If keeping Newinn Cracker in check on his outside, he could be away.
Play: Sporting Dave
Third semi (8.53)
Desperado Dan gamely came through well last week to strike in the heats – but might still be a lay tonight. He could break well but will edge towards the inner, and Antigua Vows could be there. In the meantime, Mark Wallis’s Chubbys Caviar should soon be handy and stayed on well after crowding last week. Her all-round pace wins the day?
Play: Chubbys Caviar
Lay: Desperado Dan
So to the third round of the BoyleSports Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park on Saturday where the best bets could prove to be young improver Lenson Bocko (8.12), electric early pacer Grangeview Ten (9.12), last year’s runner-up Magical Bale (9.42) and defending champion Ballyanne Sim (9.57).
The first three in each heat make next week’s quarter-finals.
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