GREYHOUND PREVIEW: This week, we look ahead to the Easter Cup final at Shelbourne Park. It’s also quarter-final time in the Kirby Memorial at Limerick, and we’ll look back on the Towcester Pre-Derby Sale, which took place on Monday at Towcester.
Another busy weekend lies ahead, with the Easter Cup Final set for Saturday night at Shelbourne Park. There was red-hot action in Limerick once again, with some huge performances and a shock or two in the second round of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial. The Towcester Pre-Derby Sale also took place on Monday, and we’ll take a look at some of the standout lots.
Easter Cup Final –Shelbourne Park (Saturday)</4>
🟥 Swift Hostile
🟦 Yahoo Mareike
⬜ Da Don
⬛ Sehnsa Amigo
🟧 Bombay Buck
🔲 Jacktavern Don
Verdict:
It’s been a while since we’ve had a major final in Ireland featuring four wide seeds, but that’s the case this Saturday, with three dogs taking on three bitches.
Paul Hennessy and Lee Craze hold a strong hand with the Lennies pair, Tank and Madge, who are polar opposites in running style. Tank looks the likely leader, while Madge will be doing her best work from halfway.
Some may have been slightly disappointed with Lennies Tank’s run when leading last week, but he had the strong-running Callaway Knegare turning close to him, and it was always going to be a struggle from the second bend. He looks a likely leader again, and if he can open up a couple of lengths heading down the back straight, he could prove difficult to reel in.
Droopys Faithful may give him most to think about early. She returned to form in style last week and would be very hard to pass if she were to lead, she has a major chance.
There are powerful finishers in the field, with Lemon Orla, Callaway Knegare, and Lennies Madge all sure to be flying from the third bend home. Lemon Orla has the best of the draw, but Callaway Knegare may be the one to turn closest to the pace setters. It was encouraging to see the former Derby finalist back to winning ways—his first Shelbourne success since April last year—and that could boost his confidence.
Lemon Hidalgo completes the lineup. He has been running with real credit in recent weeks but is likely to go off at a big price. He must lead the inside runners to have any say.
I’ll side with Lennies Tank to make all. A level break should see him lead, and any trouble behind would aid his cause. Droopys Faithful can chase him home. Best of luck to all connections.
Kirby Memorial Quarter Finals Limerick
We’re down to the final 24 in this year’s Kirby Memorial at Limerick. There were a couple of big-name casualties in the second round, with Lennies Dynamic the most notable exit.
Bockos Gold got the better of Ballymac Setanta in a cracker, while Ballydoyle Tina and Bouncing Monarch were also among the standout performers. Once again, three will qualify from each quarter-final this weekend.
Heat 1:
Bockos Gold was hugely impressive in defeating Ballymac Setanta last weekend and has landed a favourable draw in his bid to make it four wins on the bounce. He should have too much early pace for Grouchos Cossie (1) and Waitingforastar (3). The dangers may lie on the outside with Ballymac Gwennie and Shudacudawouda, both of whom will be finishing strongly and can’t afford to give Bockos Gold too much rope. On last week’s evidence, he’s hard to oppose.
Heat 2:
A red-hot contest, with Beanos Yank, Bouncing Monarch, and Ballydoyle Tina drawn side by side. Beanos Yank has the inside draw, but the break will be crucial. If Ballydoyle Tina can reproduce her 1.23 sectional from last week, she should lead—but that’s far from guaranteed. Bouncing Monarch continues to impress and is still relatively unexposed in Ireland. Droopys Map and Ballymac Chantry are also capable of getting involved. This looks a tricky race to call.
Heat 3:
Ballymac Setanta can get back to winning ways here. Despite the trap four draw, it may actually suit him. The main danger, Ello Ello, is drawn outside and will need a flying start to lead. In fairness, he has done little wrong in the competition and boasts an excellent record of seven wins from 13 starts. Ballycowen Frank is another with claims, but Setanta sets the standard.
Heat 4:
Our ante-post selection Cushie Flytplan lines up in the final heat. It was a much-improved effort last weekend, though the draw could have been kinder. Getup The Boy has really taken to Limerick for trainer Mark Robinson and, if he continues to break as he has been, he’ll take plenty of beating. Jaykay Fly ran well behind a hot winner last week but may again have to settle for second. Hopefully Cushie Flytplan can do enough to qualify he’s certainly quick enough when things fall his way.
Towcester Pre-Derby Sale
Droopys Painting was one of the headline names on the sale sheet. He missed an engagement at Shelbourne Park on Friday to run here, but his trial was unfortunately voided due to a trap malfunction. His 29.34 run over the Derby trip at Shelbourne the previous week was sensational, marking him as a greyhound capable of mixing it with the very best when at his peak. Unfortunately, he was unsold as his reserve of £25,000 was not met.
The well-bred My Eyes Only impressed, fetching £7,600. She had finished runner-up in both of her starts at Lifford and caught the eye when winning her trial in 29.42.
The opening lot, Crossfield Clare, impressed when beating All About Glam and made £7,000.
This Approach, a well-bred son of Grangeview Ten and Mystical Luna, posted the fastest time of the day, winning in 28.71. A striking performance, he was sold for £19,250. He had previously clocked 28.17 in a Limerick trial and won on debut there in 28.22.
Ballyhimikin Meg also made £7,000 after winning her trial in 29.58.
Another beautifully bred greyhound, Bombay Hawk (by Ballyhimikin Jet out of Galadriel), made £6,100 after a 29.11 trial win.
Maireads Diamond, who has strong form around Shelbourne Park, won his trial in 29.09 before selling for £16,500. He’s one I particularly like and should have a bright future.
Droopys Draft fetched £12,200 after winning his trial in 29.60. A half-brother to Droopys Kathleen and Droopys Flare, he looks open to plenty of improvement.
All the best,
Barry.
