Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews another thrilling weekend for greyhound racing fans, with Hove, Shelbourne Park, Limerick, and Dundalk all hosting second-round action in their respective competitions.
At Hove, it’s the next stage of both the Regency and the Sussex Cup. Limerick continues with the Irish St Leger, while Dundalk reaches round two of the Irish Sprint Cup. But first up, on Friday night, is the second round of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile Derby at Shelbourne Park.
Shelbourne Park – Friday
The second round of the Time Juvenile Derby takes centre stage at Shelbourne Park, with four highly competitive heats on the card.
In the opener, Ballymac Mint is likely to be among the favourites. Liam Dowling’s speedy youngster is well drawn in six and will be fancied to make all if she breaks on terms. Trapping can be her Achilles heel, but a level start would put her right in the mix. It’s a wide-open affair. Sunshine Sioux has impressed me in recent starts despite poor draws and remains capable of better. He faces another tricky trap draw but is given a tentative vote to overcome it. Made To Measure was a stylish winner last time out. Zenith Mikmacker also caught the eye, while Droopys Faithful, ideally drawn on the fence, is open to further improvement. Lamrock Ace showed good early pace last week. It’s a very tricky opener, but Sunshine Sioux could edge it with a touch of luck.
In the second heat, Ballymac Tibet got the better of Toolmaker King last week with an all-the-way win from trap five. He’ll need another slick start to confirm the form, especially with so many fast starters in the line-up. Toolmaker King ran better than the result suggests and should improve with experience. Patterdale Timmy was faultless last week and is well drawn, while Glengar Silent finished strongly to beat the smart Droopys Painting. Rural Pest has a plum draw out wide, especially with Toolmaker King likely to edge inwards. It’s another tough race, but Toolmaker King just gets the nod.
Despite finishing fourth last time out, Ballymac Stud is reinstated in the third heat following the disqualification of Droopys Heiress. He suffered his first career defeat but is well drawn to bounce back. He won’t have it all his own way, though, with Montana Shadow and Slingshot Poppy both expected to improve on last week’s efforts. Droopys Painting ran a big race behind Glengar Silent and could be the one to beat with a fast start.
The final heat can go the way of Carrick Scholsey, who won the Summer Cup at this venue and is capable of going up much better than he did last week. Solo And Go should improve with a better start, and Magical Keith is another who is much better than last week’s run suggests.
All action from Shelbourne Park will be broadcast live on SIS this Friday night.
St Leger – Limerick
The Callaway Pro Am at Stud Irish St Leger heads into round two. Two-time defending champion Clonbrien Treaty returned to action last weekend with a fine effort, only caught late by the fast-finishing Blastoff Heffo. Treaty is sure to improve for the run but faces a tricky test in the opening heat. Daleroad Duke is selected to get the better of Treaty and Toolmaker Josepe.
Faypoint Harvey can land the second heat, while Hello Diego, who is well drawn, is the pick in the third. Droopys Deploy is the choice to win the final heat, with Kournikova and the consistent Cagey Billy likely to follow him home.
Irish Sprint Cup – Dundalk
Broadstrand Syd showed his wellbeing with a win over Lennies Tank last weekend. Both greyhounds should be major players as the competition progresses. Others who impressed in the opening round included Droopys Patriot, Stonepark Brown, and Southwind Wild. Epic Ace and Second Treasure also caught the eye in defeat. It’s shaping up to be another strong renewal. The second round is scheduled for Saturday evening.
Regency – Hove
The first semifinal of the Regency begins at 18:59 on Saturday. Garfiney Blaze will be popular from an ideal inside draw after coming from off the pace to score last week. He can turn closer this time, with Borna Parachute likely to follow him home.
Romeo Empire remains unbeaten over six bends but faces a stern test in the second semi at 19:16. He’s expected to lead again, but Vhagar and Tuono Bella will also look to race prominently. Only one can get the early lead, and it might be worth siding with the fast-finishing Art Riddler for value seekers.
In the final semi, the superstar Mongeys Wild looks impossible to oppose. Sent off at 1/6 last week, he had to work for the win but showed his class. He should prove too strong again. Bombay Nutty and Ivy Hill Cherry impressed last week and can fight it out for second.
Sussex Cup – Hove
The Sussex Cup also reaches the semi-final stage.
In the first of three semis, King Memphis, Proper Heiress, and Chelms Bear all clash in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Add in exciting youngster Romeo Tomcat, and you have a real spectacle. Proper Heiress’s early pace gives him the slight edge.
Ballymac Kobe goes in the second semi. He was a shade disappointing last week but is capable of better. He has drawn one of the softer heats and has a great chance to return to winning ways. Newinn Benni is the one most likely to challenge him.
In the last of the semis, Slick Sentinel can again get the better of Ballymac Axel after the pair finished first and second last week. Queen Shakira and Gary The Arb, two classy veterans, should be in the mix behind them.
