GREYHOUND PREVIEW: Three big finals take place this weekend. At Newcastle on Thursday, it’s the final of the Northern Puppy Derby where Irish raider Droopys Deploy looks the one to beat. The Winter Derby is the highlight of a cracking card from Monmore on Saturday and on the same evening at Shelbourne Park it’s the final of the Tote Gold Cup where the excellent Carrick Aldo will bid to make it four from four this season.
Three big finals take place this weekend. At Newcastle on Thursday, it’s the final of the Northern Puppy Derby where Irish raider Droopys Deploy looks the one to beat. The Winter Derby is the highlight of a cracking card from Monmore on Saturday and on the same evening at Shelbourne Park it’s the final of the Tote Gold Cup where the excellent Carrick Aldo will bid to make it four from four this season.
Newcastle. Northern Puppy Derby Final
🟥 Ballymac Lucia
🟦 Droopys Deploy
⬜ Ballymac Axel
⬛ Yahoo Maizy
🟧 Swift Bullseye
🔲 Greenwell Tyson
Verdict. Droopys Deploy was excellent in the semifinals last Thursday when posting a rapid 28:10 on only his second look at the track. Deploy has always been held in high regard by trainer Rob Gleason and looked an exciting prospect when winning an open unraced stake at Shelbourne Park back in September. Ballymac Lucia was back in fourth in that final and once again has her work cut out to get the better of Deploy this week. The draw looks ideal for Droopys Deploy with Ballymac Lucia expected to cause him no headaches on the run to the opening bend. If he can get to the front its hard to see anyone of his rivals pick him up. Lucia will be doing her best work from halfway, but I think she could find herself sitting well back in the field come the third bend. Yahoo Maizy impressed in her semifinal victory and has now won six of her last seven. She will be looking to make all but must turn in front if she is to remain unbeaten in the event. Its hard to look past Droopys Deploy and he should take the beating with a level start. One that I will mention at a huge price is Swift Bullseye. I strongly believe we have yet to see the best of him. He caught my eye in defeat last week behind Yahoo Maizy and I think he can reverse the form with the rival. Currently available at 22/1 with some firms he certainly represents some value. It is a cracking final and all six finalists have bright futures. Droopys Deploy gets the nod, but do not ignore Swift Bullseye at a huge price!
Monmore. Winter Derby Final
🟥 Gary The Arb
🟦 Aayamza Sydney
⬜ Droopys Pivotel
⬛ Proper Heiress
🟧 Droopys Suprstar
🔲 Nowitsmyturn
Verdict. It promises to be a terrific night of action at Monmore on Saturday evening with this eagerly awaited Winter Derby Final the undoubted showpiece. Some real fan favourites have made the final with Gary The Arb and the remarkably consistent Aayamza Sydney lining up nearest the fence. The draw has played a massive part in the event and once again we see a final with six inside seeds. On the face of it, Gary The Arb looks to have the best of the draw, and he is a tough nut to crack if leading around. Gary displayed all his pace and power to lead off the final bend last week and will be looking to turn in a handy position this weekend. The same applies for Aayamza Sydney who will be doing his best work late in the day. I have long been a fan of Proper Heiress, and he was hugely impressive last weekend despite a less-than-ideal draw. He flew to the corner and posted a competition fastest 27:97. Let’s be honest the inside trio would ideally prefer a little further and if the runners’ broke level I have no doubt Proper Heiress would lead up the inside runners. As likely as that seems, there is little to no value in the even money currently on offer about the favourite. Yes, he is the most likely winner but with five high class and capable rivals in opposition I would rather sit this one out. Droopys Pivotel deserves a mention, he has won his last four starts and remains unbeaten at the track.
Shelbourne Park. Tole Gold Cup
🟥 Hawkfield Blue
🟦 Grangeclare Lady
⬜ Seven Beach
⬛ In Good Time
🟧 Carrick Aldo
🔲 Kerogue Lady
Verdict. The semifinal of this event was where Carrick Aldo crashed out last year, but the David Murray trained star made no mistake this time round when coming from off the pace to get the better of the gallant Kerogue Lady to comfortably win his semifinal. Aldo is now three from three since his return to action and is the one they all must beat this weekend. It is a high-quality line up as you would expect. Hawkfield Blue and Seven Beach have consistently meet and beat the best around for the last couple of seasons and both have massive chances if running to the best of their ability. Like Aldo, Seven Beach has only had the three starts this year and is probably better off drawn inside Aldo, however, Beach has not won in seven starts when drawn in the inside boxes and that is a concern. That said, he did run one of his best races from this box when giving the sensational Bockos Diamond a real fright here back in September. Grangeclare Lady won her semifinal when just holding off Hawkfield Blue and she must lead once again if she is to emerge victorious. She was impressive last week and looks the most likely leader of the inside trio. For me it’s hard to look past Carrick Aldo. He has looked as good as ever since his return to action and can add another big victory to his CV this Saturday night. It’s a cracking final, the very best of luck to all connections.
All the best,
Barry.
