IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY PREVIEW: Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews the Quarter-Finals of the Irish Greyhound Derby on Saturday from Shelbourne Park.
Heat 1
- Priceless Romeo
- Lennies Dream
- Callaway Five
- Unanimous Leo
- Cheap Sandwiches
- Droopys Deploy
Verdict: Cheap Sandwiches will be a red-hot favourite to get back to winning ways this weekend. Last year’s runner-up was beaten by the impressive Proper Heiress in round three but looks well placed to return to form on Saturday night. He didn’t break well last week, and with no runner in five it was a slightly deceptive performance. A quicker start is expected, and he should enjoy a clear run to the corner.
Unanimous Leo can go up strongly but was no match for Cheap Sandwiches when they last clashed. Lennies Dream is capable of a flying start but will need it to get involved, while Callaway Five also has early pace but may be squeezed for room from this draw.
Droopys Deploy looks the most likely to trouble the favourite. He came from off the pace to win a messy contest last week, but his earlier run behind Magical Keith in round two was hugely impressive. Priceless Romeo, a fast finisher, can follow the pair home.
Heat 2
- Magical Mag
- Happy Jet
- Ballymac Stud
- Shanahee Boomer
- Blastoff Heff
- Tarsna Maasai
Verdict: It’s hard to look past Ballymac Stud in the second quarter-final. He has shown immense promise since his debut and, despite one or two substandard runs, has blossomed into a top performer. In round two he had to dig deep to qualify, but last week’s performance was his best yet as he showed fine early pace to make all in a slick 29.35.
This heat is packed with early speed, Magical Mag, Shanahee Boomer, and Tarsna Maasai are all capable of pinging the lids. However, if Ballymac Stud comes away on terms, he could have the edge by the third bend. That said, the race could set up for a strong closer, bringing Happy Jet and Blastoff Heff into play for minor honours.
Shanahee Boomer has done little wrong and would likely be favourite if drawn inside of Stud, while Magical Mag is another danger on the draw. At the time of writing, it’s around 7/4 each of three. From a betting perspective, there’s little value at those prices, but Ballymac Stud gets the tentative nod in what looks an intriguing contest.
Heat 3
- Proper Heiress
- Singalong Curley
- Phoenix Memphis
- Cheque For Cash
- Glengar Silent
- Magical Sapphire
Verdict: Proper Heiress got the better of Cheap Sandwiches in a titanic tussle last week, and the UK raider now has the benefit of trap one. As expected at this stage, competition is fierce and the heat is stacked with early pace.
Phoenix Memphis has yet to properly hit the lids in this Derby, but if he does, he’ll head straight for the fence. Singalong Curley is a hugely exciting type, with five wins from six starts, and clocked a lightning 3.33 sectional last week — 10 spots quicker than Proper Heiress. That’s a real concern for favourite backers. Cheque For Cash, unbeaten in the Derby and runner-up in this year’s Champion Stakes, also boasts a sharp 3.36 sectional and plenty of track experience.
Magical Sapphire looks well drawn in six and has strong claims to qualify. Stablemate of Curley Glengar Silent was very impressive in round two but faces a tricky enough berth.
The market suggests this could be straightforward for Proper Heiress (currently 8/13), but expect him to be closer to even money on the night. Phoenix Memphis could prove key, a sharp start from him may open things up for Cheque For Cash and Magical Sapphire. At a big price, Magical Sapphire could outrun her odds.
Heat 4
- Ballyhooley Bruno
- Barefoot On Song
- Oreo Ollie
- De Lahdedah
- Rural Pest
- Coosane Pickles
Verdict: Despite tasting defeat in his last two outings, De Lahdedah has lost little in defeat and has been rather unlucky. His draw could be kinder, but he should still get a chance to move up on early pacers Barefoot On Song and Oreo Ollie.
Ollie was a touch disappointing last week when leading but is capable of much better. He was only collared late on by De Lahdedah in round one and could appeal to value seekers at double-figure odds as the likely pace angle.
Rural Pest, a Juvenile Derby finalist, has been running better than bare form suggests and may pose the main danger. Coosane Pickles will stay on late but needs to show more early, while Ballyhooley Bruno, the Shelbourne Open 600 winner, was below his best last week and risks giving these too much rope.
De Lahdedah is the one to beat, though don’t discount Oreo Ollie at a price.
Good luck to all connections.
