GREYHOUND PREVIEW: This week we once again look at the final of the Winter Derby from Monmore, it was a “no race” last week so will be re run this Saturday. It’s also final time at Shelbourne Park as the final of the Tote Gold Cup will be live on SIS on Saturday.
After an eventful night at Monmore last Saturday, the Winter Derby is once again set to be run this Saturday evening after some unfortunate circumstances. Mongys Wild was a game winner of the Gold Collar in a thrilling finish, and the Tote Gold Cup Final is also set to be run at Shelbourne Park on Saturday evening. Let’s take a look at the best of the action.
Winter Derby Final
🟥 Droopys Aladdin
🟦 Bruce Bay
⬜ vacant
⬛ Bouncing Monarch
🟧 Toddys Wolf
🔲 vacant
Verdict: Last week’s scheduled final was declared void after the hare was stopped in the interest of safety when Texas Jack took a fall at the opening bend and ran across the track towards the runners around the bottom bends. Jack was reported to be fine post-race, but the rules prevent him from lining up in the re-run. His trainer Richard Rees said: “There seemed to be a bit of confusion afterwards as to whether he would be able to run or not, but because he ran out he can’t. In any case, after a fall like that I wouldn’t have run him.”
Just four will now line up after Gary The Arb was withdrawn a week previously. Droopys Aladdin was running a blinder to a point last week, but there is still a case to be made for all of the runners. Aladdin will go off favourite and he does look the likely leader. He seems consistent at boxes and, with a level break, should be able to hold a decent position into the corner. The only one I can see leading Aladdin is Toddys Wolf. He comfortably led Aladdin into the corner of their semi-final but does have a habit of missing the kick, as he did in the final that never was. There is no doubting his ability, but he does need to make one of his better starts. If doing so, he is not without a chance.
Bouncing Monarch is another who was running well in last week’s no-contest. He was helped by the slow start of Bruce Bay but, with no runner on his inside, he can go up well again. Bruce Bay was exceptional in the semis and, similar to Toddys Wolf, needs to replicate that sort of start.
It’s a tricky contest and last week’s no-race does come into your thoughts. Aladdin looks the most obvious choice, but there is little value backing him at odds-on. We put up Toddys Wolf before the event at 66s and he is now guaranteed a place with the field size down to four. Hopefully he can reproduce his start from the semis. If he does, he still looks a shade of value at 8s. Good luck to all connections.
Tote Gold Cup at Shelbourne Park
🟥 Crossfield Matt
🟦 Coloursgreen
⬜ Ballymac Siun
⬛ Swords Style
🟧 Solo And Go
🔲 Beautiful Paul
Verdict: Not for the first time we see a major final with six inside seeds lining up. Crossfield Matt undoubtedly has the best of the draw and his price reflects that. Matt was electric on his return to action in the opening round when posting a competition-fastest 28.15 and, if he can get back to that level of form, he is sure to take plenty of beating from the inside box. His two subsequent runs have been a shade disappointing and, despite what his sectionals would tell you, he doesn’t seem to be going to the corner as well as he did in the opening round. That being said, it’s still impossible to dismiss him and he rates highly on my list.
Coloursgreen is a greyhound with a big engine but he does find it hard to get his head in front. He looked all over the winner last week when taking up the running around the bottom bends but was run out of it close home. He needs to get the better of Crossfield Matt on the run to the corner.
Despite winning her last two starts, Ballymac Siun looks to be facing a tricky draw in three. The only lady in the line-up, she is running as well as ever, but you feel she will need a little luck from this draw.
Swords Style is a greyhound with a wonderfully willing attitude. He broke fast last week but was headed turning for home, only to show great determination to battle back on the run-in and stay on well to the line. He needs a similar start but is unbeaten in his last five starts over the trip and is the only unbeaten runner in the competition.
Your favourite will run from trap five in Solo And Go. Better known as a front-runner, Liam Dowling’s second representative has run extremely well to qualify on his last two outings from off the pace. Solo And Go could arguably be odds-on here if the trap draw were different, but trap five is far from ideal (1/8 when drawn four or wider). He will need to break in his best fashion but has a massive chance if finding one of his better starts. Off a level break, I think he would just have the most early in the line-up and he is sure to have his supporters.
Beautiful Paul completes the line-up. He too is blessed with stunning early pace and the draw may not be as brutal as it first seemed. Often in these races, where you have six inside seeds, the place to be can be on the outside. Paul has run well from six in the past. He has a best of 28.34 and is not without a chance for popular locals Des and Marie Gilbert. Solo And Go has a poor record when drawn four or wider, but off a level break he could get to the front. Crossfield Matt rates the main danger.
Droopys Painting is an interesting runner on the supporting card for Robert Gleason. He looked a potential star early in his career but carried little luck on many an occasion. He has drawn trap one on Saturday night and if he retains any of the ability shown on debut he looks a cut above these rivals.
Recommended Bets:
Shelbourne Park Saturday
Race Five 20:48 Droopys Painting 1pt win.
The card from Shelbourne Park on Saturday will be live on SIS.
All the best,
Barry.
