GREYHOUND PREVIEW: Curraheen Park in Cork and Shelbourne Park will be broadcast live on RPGTV this weekend with two big finals up for decision at both venues. The RPGTV Puppy Oaks will be the main attraction from Shelbourne Park while at Cork the final of The Irish Laurels will be the feature on their card.
Irish Racing Takes Centre Stage This Weekend on RPGTV
The Laurels final is one of the best in recent memory with a genuine case to be made for all six finalists. Let’s look at the runners for the “Derby of The South”:
1️⃣ Ballymac Whispa
2️⃣ Good Cody
3️⃣ Serene Ace
4️⃣ Droopys Edison
5️⃣ Galloping Sydney
6️⃣ Swords Rex.
Verdict: As previously stated a case can be made for all six runners, Ballymac Whispa has the best of the draw, Liam Dowling’s bitch is the strongest finisher in the final and if she is close to the leaders at halfway, she will be powering home. Last year’s sprinter of the year Good Cody has long been one of Irelands best. A stunning winner of a first-round heat in this year’s Irish Derby Cody will look to turn handy behind Serene Ace and get first run at the pace setter. Serene Ace has a terrific racing record. From his 37 starts Ace has been in the first three on 35 occasions. He looks a certain leader, but stamina is an issue, and he will need to build a sizeable lead and hope for a little trouble in behind. Droopys Edison broke the track record in round two but for me has the worst of the draw. He obviously has the ability but will need a little luck in running. Galloping Sydney is the first of two runners for trainer Graham Holland and although the outsider, he has consistent early sectionals, he too will be hoping to turn second. That leaves us with the likely favourite Swords Rex in six. With a win on Saturday Rex will push his career earnings to well over €110,000. He performed miracles to qualify last weekend after making a mess of the start, if he can come away racing from trap six, he will be extremely hard to contain. It promises to be a thrilling evening at the southern venue, and I will side with Swords Rex to emerge on top.
Selection Swords Rex
The undercard at Curraheen Park on Saturday is brimming with superstars. Toolmaker Stan can take the unraced stake final on the card at 20:09, named in honour of Jerry and Michael Fennerty for trainer Robert Gleeson, Mother Jones in trap three will be finishing fast and looks to have a bright future over further. The Bart Leahy Memorial Final can go the way of Bartlemy Jas for trainer Kieran Lynch due off at 20:57.
Flashing Willow is the standout performer in the sprint contest at 19:37. The night will also feature a top class 750-yard race with Pablo Escobark, Hello Hammond and Magical Poppy all lining up in this, slight preference is for Magical Poppy to upset the big two in the market. English Derby champion Romeo Magico will also grace the Cork venue when he lines up in an open 550 at 21:45.
It’s a night not to be missed and all races will be live on RPGTV
Ladies Night at Shelbourne Park
The ladies take centre stage at Shelbourne where The RPGTV Puppy Oaks is the feature on the card. Three members of the Pestana-Unlock Unlock litter have made the final and they all have huge futures ahead.
Of this trio the unbeaten Up The Style is selected to emerge on top with Ballymac Run and recent Juvenile Derby third Three Cannons looking her main danger. For me Up The Style looks to have the most early pace and can make all in the decider.
Also on the Shelbourne Park undercard is the final of The Paddy Merriman Memorial A1 525. Last week’s emphatic semi-final winner Whyaye Man will be hard to beat with a repeat performance, this event is due off at 20:50. Carrauntoohil looks to have an ace draw in the eleventh race on the card at 21:54, Karol Ramsbottom’s charge should lead up the inside runners and will be impossible to haul back if doing so.
Earlier on the card we have the final of the Talking Dogs A0 525 and here Boylesports Vic looks an exciting dog for the future. He displayed real promise in his semi-final win and can take this at the expense of Prince Lucius.
It promises to be an incredible night’s action on RPGTV with many of the country star performers on show. The action will commence live from around 19:00 GMT
Weekend’s Best Bets.
Shelbourne Saturday
Carrauntoohil 21:54 Two units win
Cork Saturday
Magical Poppy 20:25 One unit win
