Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews Monmore and Dundalk as they share the spotlight this weekend with two excellent cards showcasing some of the best greyhound talent on either side of the Irish Sea. On Friday evening, Dundalk stages the much-anticipated final of the Irish Sprint Cup, while Saturday at Monmore brings the semi-finals of both the Monmore Gold Cup and the Summer Stayers. There’s quality in every race and plenty for punters to get stuck into, so let’s take a closer look at the standout contests..
Dundalk – Friday
The Irish Sprint Cup final is the headline act on Friday night, and it promises to be a cracker. Defending champion Broadstrand Syd is aiming to become only the second greyhound since the 1940s to win back-to-back renewals, a feat last achieved by Ardbasool Jet in 2018 and 2019. Syd is a worthy favourite and has an outstanding record at the venue: nine starts, eight wins, and one runner-up finish. When he gets one of his trademark quick exits from the traps, he is incredibly hard to catch.
Drawn just inside the champ is Droopys Patriot, a runner who should not be underestimated. His winning time last week was nothing spectacular on paper, but that doesn’t tell the full story, he lost a couple of lengths around the opening bends and still got the job done. If Patriot can match Syd to the first turn, there is every chance he could finish the stronger up Dundalk’s testing home straight.
Stonepark Browne has huge early pace but faces a tricky trap draw, while Southwind Wild and Ballymac Brandan are both powerful greyhounds who will need personal bests to get involved. Given their trainers, that cannot be ruled out. Completing the field is Epic Ace in six, who is blisteringly fast once in full stride but sometimes loses his chance at the start, not ideal in a sprint of this calibre.
Broadstrand Syd’s record speaks volumes, but at the current odds it might just be worth siding with Droopys Patriot to hold his ground to the opening bend and prove the stronger late on.
Monmore – Summer Stayers
The first of three semi-finals is set for 19:01 on Saturday. New Destiny will start favourite to repeat last weekend’s impressive win. She’s the oldest runner left in the competition by some margin, but her hunger for racing remains as strong as ever. Gary The Arb could be her main danger, there was little between them on the clock last time, and with the inside draw in his favour he will be a major player again.
I have long admired Deadly Disco from his Irish racing days, he’s got a serious engine but doesn’t always put it all in. The break is crucial, but on balance, I’ll side with the ultra-consistent New Destiny to make yet another big final.
The second semi features Romeo Empire, who was one of the most eye-catching performers in the opening round despite finishing second. That was his first look at the track, and he should come on plenty for it. He ran a huge race in the Regency final over a trip that stretched his stamina, and this 630 metres looks much more suitable. From eight starts over six bends, he has five wins and three seconds. With an ideal draw this Saturday, he looks an excellent outright bet at 6/1. Clona Ice, runner-up in the Corn Cuchulainn at Shelbourne Park, can follow him home.
In the final semi, Vhagar will attract plenty of support after powering home from the third bend to win impressively last time. She faces little early pace on her inside this weekend and should qualify at the very least. Bombay Nutty also finished well from off the pace in his heat and could easily make the frame again.
Monmore – Gold Cup
At this stage, the Gold Cup looks wide open and the semi-finals should help sort the picture. In the first semi, Droopys Aladin lines up in trap four and will be hoping to make all. His 4.29 and 4.34 sectionals stand out in the context of this race, and he should be prominent early with Union Rebel likely to go up fast from his outside berth. Rebel, despite being a middle seed, tends to edge wide early, which could give both runners a clear run to the corner. Avarua Zlatan, drawn in red, will be hoping to capitalise if either slips up.
The second semi features Jacktavern Chief, who overcame a slow start last week to win well. However, he cannot afford another tardy break with the opposition improving at this stage. When he traps on terms, Chief is a potent force. Ardera Sam and Brindle Bully can both rocket to the corner, and it may just be worth siding with Brindle Bully’s early pace on this occasion.
The last semi is reduced to five runners with Deliveroo withdrawn. This could be a great opportunity for Crossfield Enzo to follow up his most recent victory. Aero Pepinillo also catches the eye, he has some excellent form at Shelbourne Park earlier this year, including a six-race winning streak. Strong over this distance, he looks a very appealing each-way proposition at 40/1 outright. He should make the final, and with first-three place terms, the value is clear.
Recommended Each-Way Double
Summer Stayers: Romeo Empire – 6/1 E/W (1-2-3)
Gold Cup: Aero Pepinillo – 40/1 E/W (1-2-3)
Best of luck to all connections with runners this weekend.
