IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY PREVIEW: Just twenty-four remain in the hunt for the 2023 Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park where the quarter finals will be run this Saturday night. Barry Caul has an in-depth preview of each quarter final.
Hoffa Still Tops the Market as Twenty-Four Remain …
Clona Duke was yet another big name to be eliminated from the classic joining big names such as Swords Rex, Ballinabola Ed and Ballymac Finn. Shock of the night however was to come in race four on the card when Bockos Crystal got the better of ante-post favorite Coolavanny Hoffa (1/6f) by three parts of a length. RPGTV will once again have the coverage from the famous Dublin venue this weekend, and it will also be broadcast live on Virgin Media from 8pm.
Quarter Final 1
1️⃣ Seven Beach
2️⃣ Garfiney Blaze
3️⃣ De Lahdedah
4️⃣ Scaglietti
5️⃣ Raha Mofo
6️⃣ Tommys Hewick
Barry’s Verdict: The big two in the market De Lahdedah and Scaglietti are currently available at around 13/8 each. Both were impressive winners last time out from the inside box. De Lahdedah for me has the better early pace of the duo and runs the opening as well as you will see any greyhound. He can be a little inconsistent at the boxes and that is his downfall on occasions. With a level start I have no doubt he will lead. Scaglietti on the other hand is a far more consistent starter but is probably a length slower to the bend than his neighbour. For me the early yards are crucial and its clear both will have to do a lot right to get to the lead early, at 13/8 there is no real value. Seven Beach is an improving you puppy with a perfect draw on the fence. Raha Mofo can never be discounted, last years Oaks Winner and the winner of the recent International at Dundalk she possesses incredible pace, and on her day is a match for any greyhound. Mofo has been slightly disappointing in recent weeks but is unwise to rule her out. Tommys Hewick is running at the top of his game and is sure to race prominent on the outside while none will be finishing faster than Garfiney Blaze, its clear his future will be over further. If I was forced to put forward a selection, I will just side with De Lahdedah, a level break should see him lead, if he does, he would be a tough nut to crack.
Quarter Final 2
1️⃣ Bens Teddy
2️⃣ Droopys Bro
3️⃣ Threesixfive
4️⃣ Bockos Crystal
5️⃣ Droopys Nice One
6️⃣ Clonbrien Treaty
Barry’s Verdict: Although Droopys Nice One got the better of Clonbrien Treaty last weekend I think revenge could be on the cards this Saturday night. Treaty can break better than he did last time and should hold a bigger lead over Droopys Nice One at halfway this time around. Bockos Crystal caused a shock last week when beating lowering the colors of Coolavanny Hoffa. If she can repeat that start, she has a massive chance. Droopys Bro has a nice draw in two. Bro should have too many early gears for Bens Teddy and Threesixfive on the run to the corner and this puppy is improving with every start. Bens Teddy and Threesixfive would ideally be suited by further, but both will be flying from halfway. Whoever turns closest of this pair will have a say in the second half of the race. I’ll just side with Clonbrien Treaty to show his class. He turned in some sparkling performances earlier in the year and has the pace to make all here.
Quarter Final 3
1️⃣ The Other Kobe
2️⃣ Trinity Junio
3️⃣ Mr Chelm
4️⃣ Ballymac Marino
5️⃣ Dromana Dano
6️⃣ Coolavanny Hoffa
Barry’s Verdict: Coolavanny Hoffa is still the one to beat for me. Many were disappointed with his run behind Bockos Crystal last weekend, but a few points are worth noting. Bockos Crystal is one of the fastest bitches around when she does things right, she has form over 600 yards against some real stars. She was never going to be picked up too easy. In round three last year Hoffa but in a sub-par performance but bounced back to his very best in the quarters and I fancy him to do the same this weekend. Mr Chelm was a good winner last time out, but he looks to have a nightmare draw outside Trinity Junior and The Other Kobe. The race to the corner between Kobe and Junior will go a long way to determining the outcome of this heat but I still feel Hoffa is the one to beat. Ballymac Marino is another with a poor draw. Dromana Dano is running at the top of his game but needs a career best in this.
Quarter Final 4
1️⃣ Clonroosk Sydney
2️⃣ Bobsleigh Dream
3️⃣ Millridge Levi
4️⃣ Well Met
5️⃣ Undulation
6️⃣ Music Glideaway
Barry’s Verdict: Bobsleigh Dream posted a career best over the trip last time out when starting fast and leading for most of the trip. She’s a real powerhouse and if she can start in similar fashion, she must be the one to beat. Clonroosk Sydney is very lightly raced and suffered his first defeat in the competition last weekend. He must lead Bobsleigh Dream early for win purposes. Well Met is a dog running incredibly well of late. He was caught close home by Bobsleigh Dream in round two but again showed all his class when beating a good quality field last weekend. He looks a likely leader in this and should qualify at the very least. Undulation and Music Glideaway will be doing their best work late on. Music Glideaway has yet to really fly the lids like he can while Undulation ran on well to qualify form an unpromising position last weekend. Both will be hoping to get first run at Well Met. Millridge Levi may need some luck. Well Met looks a likely leader but whatever turns second will have a massive say. A chance is taken that Clonroosk Sydney can do just that and prove too strong close home.
