Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews Finals Night at Hove this Saturday, with both the Regency and Sussex Cup reaching their conclusions. It promises to be a cracking night of racing.
Over at Shelbourne Park, we’re into the semi-finals of the red-hot Time Juvenile Derby, while the action also continues at Limerick in the St Leger, and the sprinters resume their quest for Irish Sprint Cup glory.
HOVE – Saturday Night
It should be a terrific night’s action at Hove, with both the Regency and the Sussex Cup up for decision.
Sussex Cup Final
The Sussex Cup is up first, and remarkably, superstar sire Droopys Sydney is responsible for all six finalists, each from different litters. It’s yet another testament to his dominance as the sire of a generation.
Proper Heiress has been installed as the 8/15 favourite, and there are certainly worse 8/15 shots around. He’s been exceptional in both previous rounds, and if he breaks well, he’ll be very tough to beat.
The ever-consistent Queen Shakira is also unbeaten in the competition but needs to find a bit on the clock to match the favourite. Slick Sentinel is well drawn out wide but will be relying on mistakes from Proper Heiress to get involved. Chelms Bear will be finishing fastest of all, but will need luck in running to land a blow.
Verdict: Proper Heiress is the confident choice to land the spoils, with the pacey, but sometimes frustrating, Chelms Bear set to chase him home.
Regency Final
The Regency follows the Sussex Cup and looks red-hot on paper. Crowd favourite Mongys Wild will be well fancied. His last-to-first running style has made him a real fan favourite, and he may need to do something similar again to claim victory.
As competitions progress, the calibre of opposition rises, and that’s certainly true here. Mongys is as short as 4/11 in places, and while he’s now won twelve straight, there’s little room for error.
Romeo Empire will surely set the early fractions, with Droopys Invent also expected to race prominently. Romeo Empire supporters will be hoping for trouble in behind, if he slips a few lengths clear, he’s in with a big shout and represents a viable betting option.
Garfiney Blaze, Art Riddle, and Mongys Wild are all strong stayers, and personally, I think Garfiney Blaze might get first run on the pace-setters. His 9/2 quote reflects that.
Bombay Nutty is another with a serious chance. He was a little unlucky behind Mongys Wild last week and could get a dream run early behind Droopys Invent. Currently 12/1, he makes plenty of appeal.
Verdict: A cracking final. Mongys Wild is the standout, but at the prices, Bombay Nutty could be the value each-way bet.
Time Juvenile Derby – Shelbourne Park
We’re into the semi-finals of the 2025 Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile Derby, and what a competition it’s been.
First Semi-Final
In the opening semi, Ballymac Stud looks the one to be with. He ran an absolute cracker last week, showing great determination to rally close home. It was a huge step up from his previous run and should give him a real confidence boost.
He had every chance to throw in the towel but didn’t, a very likeable effort.
That said, Rural Pest will be a big danger if he reproduces last week’s 28.15 run. Graham Holland’s runner will attract plenty of support.
Montana Shadow arrived with a big reputation but hasn’t yet produced his best. He’s capable of better but will need everything to go right.
Ballumac Lake is pacey but may struggle with the draw, and the same can be said for Droopys Faithful, especially with Ballymac Stud likely to edge middle on the run-up.
Unanimous Leo is the final runner. He’ll need a personal best from a tough draw to get involved.
Second Semi-Final
This heat arguably looks stronger on paper.
Despite not yet winning a round, I believe there’s still more to come from Toolmaker King. He’s finally got his box this Friday night and I expect a big run.
He’ll need to break well, though, as Solo And Go in trap two is lightning early and nearly made all last week before being caught late by kennelmate Ballymac Lake. The battle to the corner between them could be decisive.
Zenith Mikmaker is in the form of his life and will need a slick start to hold a prominent position. Ballymac Mint has a great draw out wide. She’s as fast as anything when she gets it right, though her trapping is sometimes her downfall. If she avoids early crowding, she has a major chance.
Ballymac Tibet stays further and will be running on well late, but will need things to fall into place. Finally, Getup The Boy is the youngest dog left in the competition. He’s been excellent so far and continues to improve. Friday is another big test, but he’s clearly a greyhound with a bright future.
Good luck to all connections with runners this weekend!
