GREYHOUNDS: While Shelbourne Park is undoubtedly the main attraction this weekend, Monmore have the semifinals of the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers live on RPGTV
This year’s event has attracted a host of big-name entries and most of those remain as we approach the semifinal stage. We did lose big hitters Callmesteve, Chelms Fred and Bombardier but the competition still looks ultra-competitive. With only two to qualify from each heat there is no room for error. Let’s look at the three semifinals.
Semi Final One
1. Coolavanny Aunty
2. Low Pressure
3. Magical Firebird
4. Amaze Me Seb
5. Winterfield Duke
6. Coppice Brewer
Verdict: The lightly raced Low Pressure stands out on the clock after a fine all the way success last time out. Fast away from one he drew clear of his rivals for an impressive victory. The key to his chances in this heat is being able to clear Coolavanny Aunty on the run to the corner. The battle of the inside duo will go along way to deciding the outcome of the race. Coppice Brewer is well drawn out wide and may benefit from any trouble on the inside.
Amaze Me Seb came from a long way back to score and will need to do something similar. Its hard to see Magical Firebird securing a clear run early and Winterfield Duke is best when able to dictate. For me Coppice Brewer has the best of the draw and can take semifinal one.
Semi Final Two
1. Great Name That
2. Bettys Book
3. Chelms Cub
4. Narcos Tata
5. Night Time Danny
6. Antigua Sugar
Verdict: Antigua Sugar looks to have an ideal draw out wide and is expected to lead early. A classy type over four bends her six-bend debut was full of promise, and she can be expected to improve on that. Great Name That must always be feared, a top-class performer on his day he is exceptionally fast when things go his way, however, he has had a habit of finding the trouble spots.
Narcos Tata was impressive last week along with Night Time Danny, both have chances with slick exits. Antigua Sugar is open to more improvement over the trip and won’t have to improve much on last weeks six bend debut to take this.
Semi Final Three
1. Nipsey Hussle
2. Bockos Belly
3. Darbys Delight
4. Havana Lover
5. Warzone Tom
6. Cochise
Verdict: Without doubt the hottest of the three semifinals. Warzone Tom remains favorite for outright honors after another facile win when making all in a slick 37:88. Havana Lover was slightly quicker on the clock when posting 37:87, but running styles suggest she will certainly have to come from off the pace to win, while Warzone Tom should lead a long way if trapping like last week. Former Irish Star Darbys Delight will be hard to keep out of the frame, he will finish at speed but is another who will have to come from well off the pace. Bockos Belly has classy form over four bends but was a shade disappointing when picked up last week and must lead to feature.
The Ladbrokes Gold Cup will also feature on Saturday’s card. Again, there are three semifinals with the top two progressing from each. Innfield Trojan is fancied to make all in heat one at the expense Master Ten Ten. In the second semi Havana Class can show all his early speed to see off Whats Up Ava and Aussie Captain. In the final heat Brookside Ritchie will be another to attempt catch me if you can tactics, fastest in the previous round he loves it round here and is a deserving outright favorite.
Monmore Best Bets
Saturday
Havana Class two units win (20:23 GMT)
