GREYHOUND PREVIEW: Hove once again stages the weekend’s top action with the semi-finals of both the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial Trophy and the Olympic. Meanwhile, Shelbourne Park hosts the opening rounds of the Bernard Barry Christmas Oaks along with the 850-yard Shelbourne Marathon.
Hove once again hosts the best of the weekend action as we reach the semi-final stage of the George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob Memorial Trophy, along with the semi-finals of the Olympic. Shelbourne Park also takes centre stage with the opening rounds of the Bernard Barry Christmas Oaks and the Shelbourne Marathon over 850 yards.
Hove Saturday
George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob Memorial Trophy
Two semis of the George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob Memorial Trophy feature early on the card, with the first due off at 7:16. Only five go to traps following the withdrawal of Droopys Mikado. Buddys Bullet is very much the one to beat in the opener for me. He always suggested that a step up to six bends would suit, and he couldn’t have been more impressive on his staying debut. Showing good early pace, he built a commanding lead by halfway and was never in danger. A similar start should make him hard to beat, and with further improvement likely he looks one of the better bets on the night. I’ve long been a fan of Deadly Disco and he ran a cracker last week when just caught close home by Mongys Wild. He’ll need to set the pace again and may struggle to match Buddys Bullet early. Droopys Flotilla also made all last time but could face the same issue if she doesn’t get the front. Garfiney Blaze met trouble last week and needs a sharper start; he may find himself too far back at halfway with some classy rivals ahead. I’m firmly in the Buddys Bullet camp, and with progress expected he looks the one to beat.
It’s impossible to oppose Mongys Wild in the second semi. He performed minor miracles to run down Deadly Disco last week despite being stopped at a crucial stage. Underground Fizz may set the early fractions, but Mongys Wild should prove too strong. Bubbly Babs and Ballymac Nova continue to run well and should be in the mix for the final, but Mongys Wild is the standout.
Olympic
From one superstar to another, Proper Heiress lines up in the first Olympic semi. He was paw-perfect again last weekend and has now won ten of his eleven starts here. A level break should see him lead the inside runners, and while any early challenge may come from out wide, Heiress should simply have too much. Chelms Bear ran a huge race in defeat last weekend, just failing to get up after encountering trouble, but that’s Chelms Bear. He’s the one most likely to follow Heiress home and certainly has a fast start in him. He’ll need it if he’s to trouble the excellent Proper Heiress.
In the second semi, the inside duo are the two to focus on. I was impressed with Silverhill Adam last week but also felt Droopys Bookem ran well in defeat. ‘Adam’ was having only his third run of the year, quite a stat considering we are in December and there must be more to come. It’s not a heat packed with early pace, and he should be able to lead off a level break. Droopys Bookem ran better than the bare result suggests and can go up a touch quicker; he’d be a real danger if holding his pitch to the bend. Even so, Silverhill Adam may just have too much early. It rests between the pair for me, with Silverhill Adam picked to come home in front of Droopys Bookem.
Underground Arlo could go well at a price in the last of the semis. He’s far better when able to boss things and wasn’t beaten far last week despite missing the front. He has an ideal draw this time and the lead is very much there for the taking. Raebella Bullet made all last week and will try similar tactics, but if Arlo can just hold her into the bend she may find herself in difficulty. Gary The Arb and Antigua Kestrel will have their supporters and Moving Force will be popular as the sole wide seed, but we haven’t seen the best of Underground Arlo yet and he could be primed for a big run.
All the best,
Barry.
