GREYHOUND PREVIEW: A big weekend is in store on both sides of the Irish Sea. At Romford on Friday night we reach the semi-final stage of the Golden Sprint, while over at Shelbourne Park the opening round of the 2026 Easter Cup takes centre stage. Let’s take a look at the best of the action.
Golden Sprint – Romford Friday
Once again, just two will progress from each of the three semi-finals, so there is little margin for error. Slingshot Poppy was exceptional in the opening round, flashing from traps and making all in a rapid 23.46, the fastest time of the round. It’s obvious to say that if she repeats that sort of form, she will be very hard to beat, and it would be a brave man to take her on.
Flashing Fender was another to catch the eye. He too made all in a slick 23.67 and will have his supporters. Drawn on the inside of Poppy will aid his cause if he can match her to the bend, and that looks the key to the race. Droopys Will is a dog I like but can be a little tardy at boxes and he can ill afford to miss the kick again. Da Don has a cracking draw on the fence and is much better than he showed last week. He can go up much stronger and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him grab a qualifying spot. Slingshot Poppy looks the most likely winner but makes little appeal at the price. Da Don is a tentative selection in what looks a tricky heat.
Our ante-post selection Jacktavern Don (66s) ran a little flat when finishing third last week, but much better can be expected. He too can go to the corner much better and there is not an abundance of early pace on his inside. He does need to find one of his better starts but is not without a chance if he manages to do so. Bockos Buster is the obvious choice in here. I have long been a fan of this greyhound since his early days when running under the name Ballymac Rapid. Buster can match it with the best around when on song and can take this with a level break. Uncle Ed ran well last week and has the best of the draw as the sole wide seed. Hopefully our ante-post selection Jacktavern Don can qualify, but Bockos Buster will be hard to beat.
The last of the three semis can go the way of Pro Parker at a bit of a price. He ran better than the placing suggested last time out. He missed the kick but still went up well behind Bockos Buster. He boasts a rapid 3.58 sectional around here and has often been in the low 3.60s. He has a good experience edge over his rivals around this track and could easily make every yard. Piemans Goalie will be popular from red. He came from off the pace to score in the opening round and also knows this place well, but I just feel Pro Parker can get first run and it’s not the easiest track to come from behind. The pair could dominate, with Funky Adz not without a chance. Pro Parker is chosen to come out on top in the last of the three semis.
Easter Cup – Shelbourne Park Saturday
The Easter Cup gets underway at Shelbourne Park on Saturday. Run over the Derby trip of 550 yards, it can be a real pointer to some of the classics later in the year. It has been won in the past by greats such as Late Late Show, Premier Fantasy, Susie Sapphire, Swords Rex and of course the legendary Spanish Battleship, who landed the prize twice in the 1950s.
Droopys Kathleen is of obvious interest in the second heat of the night. It’s easy to forget just how good she was last year because she has been absent for so long, but her trainer Rob Gleeson is as good as any with a dog and he wouldn’t persevere if she wasn’t back near her best. She was disappointing on her latest run but it’s far too soon to write her off. I think we could see her back to her very best over the next couple of weeks. She is available at 8/1 with some firms and that price could look huge come Sunday morning.
Lennies Tank should have a fitness edge over his rivals in the third heat. Both Droopys Faithful and Ballyhooley Bruno are having their first starts of the year, while Callaway Knegare has only recently returned to action. A level break should see Lennies Tank race clear.
The excellent Cheque For Cash is another who returns to action. He was running extremely well late last year and was unlucky not to make a Derby semi-final. He may just need the outing and on this occasion it could pay to side with Coosane Pickles in six. This trip is a little short of her optimum but she should step forward from last week’s seasonal debut and can arrive late and fast to take the spoils.
Recommended Bet
Easter Cup – Shelbourne Park
Droopys Kathleen – 1 point E/W (¼ odds, first 4 places) – 8/1
All the best,
Barry.
