GREYHOUND PREVIEW: Monmore once again takes centre stage this weekend as the semi-finals of the Winter Derby and Golden Jacket headline a cracking card. Mongys Wild Vhagar and Droopys Flare caught the eye in the Golden Jacket, while the ultra-consistent Gary The Arb set the standard in the opening round of the Winter Derby. Let’s take a closer look at the key action.
Winter Derby
With only two qualifying from each of the three semi-finals on Saturday night, there is absolutely no margin for error.
Semi-Final 1
Headford Dane will be a warm order after an impressive success last time out. Drawn in red again, he’s likely to edge middle on the run-up, which could make life tricky if he’s not foot-perfect at trap rise.
Bruce Bay and Kilara Berb both possess early dash, while Texas Jack ran with plenty of credit in defeat behind Droopys Aladdin and is certain to chart a wide course. With potential for crowding on the inside, Texas Jack looks the safest option in what could be a messy affair. Toddys Tank and Naochra will be staying on late but may need things to fall their way.
Selection: Texas Jack to get the better of Headford Dane.
Semi-Final 2
Gary The Arb laid down a serious marker in the opening round and will take plenty of stopping if repeating that performance. He flew the lids and made all last week, showing his strength over this four-bend trip.
Carrigoon Milo and Crossfield Enzo are likely to force the early pace, with Santas Jet and Gary The Arb looking to secure first run after the potential pace setters. Whoever turns closest to the lead will have a major say.
Kranky Jake deserves a mention after a huge run last week and could easily outrun big odds.
It’s a competitive heat with angles everywhere, one I’m happy to leave alone from a betting perspective.
Semi-Final 3
Early speed dominates the narrative here as Droopys Aladdin and Unanimous Leon lock horns. Both were hugely impressive first-round winners and the battle to the bend looks decisive.
There’s little between them on the clock, although the draw slightly favours Aladdin.
Toddys Wolf shaped better than the bare result last week, showing good pace to close to the third bend on Gary The Arb after a slow start. He remains capable of better and is still available at attractive outright odds. A small each-way interest could pay dividends.
Value angle: Toddys Wolf to cause a minor shock.
Golden Jacket
Semi-Final 1
Bluejig Outlaw continues to thrive and ran a cracker behind the excellent Mongys Wild last time out. He looks the standout bet in this opener and should assert in the latter stages.
Burrows Charm may attempt to dominate early, but Bluejig Outlaw can reel him in late. Malcolm Bosh, last week’s winner, has solid claims of making the frame.
Selection: Bluejig Outlaw.
Semi-Final 2
A fascinating clash between two in-form bitches. Droopys Flare and Vhagar were closely matched on the clock last week, with Vhagar marginally quicker.
Slight preference is for Vhagar. She appears to have the edge early and first run could prove crucial.
Romeo Empire was turned over at prohibitive odds last time but should improve markedly and may attempt to make all. However, he could need a touch of luck in behind.
Selection: Vhagar to confirm superiority over Droopys Flare and Romeo Empire.
Semi-Final 3
Mongys Wild and Deadly Disco renew rivalry once more. It’s difficult to oppose Mongys Wild on form, though cramped odds make him less appealing from a punting perspective.
Deadly Disco is a solid alternative but probably a couple of lengths shy of Mongys Wild in a clean-run contest. It looks between the pair, with the nod going to Mongys Wild.
Yourself is capable of vastly outrunning big odds, we may not have seen the best of him just yet.
Tote Gold Cup Shelbourne Park
The first major event of the season got underway at Shelbourne Park last Saturday, with Crossfield Matt setting the standard in a smart 28.15.
The Liam Dowling-trained pair Solo And Go and Ballymac Stud also impressed. The second round continues this weekend and Crossfield Matt, drawn in red, looks one of the strongest bets on the card.
All the best,
Barry.
