IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY PREVIEW: Heats 13 through 24 will be contested at Shelbourne Park on Saturday evening, with racing commencing at 7:34 pm. The card promises a compelling mix of seasoned campaigners, promising juveniles, and established performers, including familiar names such as Callaway Knegare, Boylesports Bob, and Shelbourne 600 track record holder Da Bold Falcon.
Our greyhound expert Barry Caul runs through the card.
Heat 13
Four last-time-out winners line up to open the evening, kicking off with an ultra-competitive contest. Callaway Five impressed when making all the running in his previous outing, while Grouchos Hoffa also showed notable form at Shelbourne. Badly Behaving won well around Waterford, showing fine early speed and determination. However, Flashing Lilac, for Emma Buckley and James Corden, made all in her last outing, fending off the talented Cheap Sandwiches to record her first victory at the sixth attempt. With only three starts to his name, Maireads Diamond has potential for improvement, but Flashing Lilacs recent form and class make her the one to beat. She is expected to lead early and maintain a strong gallop throughout.
Selection: Flashing Lilac
Heat 14
Tarsna Massai, the favourite for owner-trainer Jeff Parnaby, brings proven Shelbourne Park form and is expected to set the early pace. Glengar Silent, a promising juvenile, has displayed flashes of speed and could challenge if afforded a clear run. Lemon Orla and Da Bold Rose are likely to come from mid-pack and will be finishing best of all, while Barefoot On Song may capitalize on any early errors. Tarsna Massai looks a highly likely leader in this and should build up a decent advantage at halfway with any challenges sure to come late in the day.
Selection: Tarsna Massai
Heat 15
Carrick Scholsey stands out, having impressed last time with a 29.33 win while leading throughout. Fahee Phantom won well around Cork last time but has yet to win around here from three previous starts. Untold Rufiyaa, a former National Puppy Stakes winner, ran well behind Scholsey previously and has scope for improvement. If Sarrick Scholsey breaks like he did last week he will be impossible to beat, although I expect Untold Rufiyaa to get much closer this week.
Selection: Carrick Scholsey
Heat 16
Ballinabola Jim returns, bringing experience and proven ability after narrowly missing last year’s final, though he faces some stiff competition. Hopes Teddy, a classic winner at Shelbourne, possesses early pace, while Magical Major is showing steady improvement, and will go off a short price favourite. Salah Curley, unbeaten in three starts, could surprise from Trap 1, but Magical Majors’ combination of speed, stamina, and finishing power gives him the edge. Major is one of the most inexperienced of the lineup and has little room for error, but he remains a greyhound with huge potential and could lay down a real statement if leading early.
Selection: Magical Major
Heat 17
Rural Pest commands attention after an impressive performance in the recent Juvenile Derby, where he was unfortunate in the final. His pace and class suggest he will control the early stages. Cagey Billy brings consistency, while Bartlemy Mainoo and Omey Mist can pose a threat if they find a slick start. Body Mind Spirit may spring a surprise given clear running, while Magical on Fire could challenge from Red. Overall, Rural Pest’s recent form and ability make him a confident selection. Cagey Billy deserves a mention on what will be his 50th race. A thoroughly likeable performer.
Selection: Rural Pest
Heat 18
Liam Dowling hold the aces here with Ballymac Stud and Ballymac Danica, both of whom have shown considerable potential. Danica has not raced since July 5,and may just improve for the outing. Ballymac Stud is chosen to come out on top on this occasion. The longer run to the corner should suit him and if leading he can post a big run from the front. Blastoff Heffo a recent St Leger finalist can follow the Ballymac pair home in third.
Selection: Ballymac Stud
Heat 19
Callaway Knegare returns, a pacey greyhound and last year’s finalist, albeit from the challenging trap 4 draw. Rolo Tokyo, drawn in trap 1, has five wins from ten starts, he possesses nice early speed and is a serious contender. Upper Horgan, despite recent underperformance, remains capable of a bold effort, while Cushy The Best and Cloverfield Clan can challenge if starting well. Barefoot On Fire adds further intrigue after a break. The run to the bend here will be crucial. Knegare makes little appeal at the current prices, although I fully expect him to qualify. For win purposes, Rolo Tokyo could be the one on this occasion.
Selection: Rolo Tokyo
Heat 20
Patrick Guilfoyle fields three runners in this open heat: Magical Keith, Daleroad Duke, and Magical Sapphire. Magical Keith impressed last week when just caught close home and he remains one with scope for improvement. Daleroad Duke is talented but inconsistent at the traps, while Magical Sapphire is expected to play a part from Trap 6. Coloursaregreen is a very promising juvenile, but the draw looks far from ideal with early pace on his inside. The run to the corner in this heat will be crucial. Whichever one of the inside trio leads early will surely take the beating, and on the draw, Magical Keith just gets the tentative vote.
Selection: Magical Keith
Heat 21
Boylesports Bob returns to action. Last year’s finalist has been lightly raced in recent months, and it will be interesting to see how he fares. Faypoint Ranger, this year’s Kirby winner, boasts ten wins from fifteen starts and draws Trap 1, placing him as the one to beat. Daleroad Devon, for Tom O’Keefe and Patrick Guilfoyle, can challenge, while Razldazl Kamaria may tempt some value seekers. Faypoint Ranger is expected to lead early, and if doing so, he will be hard to peg back.
Selection: Faypoint Ranger
Heat 22
Da Bold Falcon, the Shelbourne 600 track record holder, returns after a prolonged absence. While he possesses proven power, he will need to be at his sharpest to secure victory. Droopys Deploy impressed in his last outing, leading throughout in 29.44, and is likely to control early pace again. Lennys Dream is expected to finish strongly late on, while Born Braver is not without a chance from the red jacket. Droopys Deploy is just chosen to get the better of Born Braver and Da Bold Falcon.
Selection: Droopys Deploy
Heat 23
The penultimate heat may favour the outside traps. Magical Mag, with eight wins from eighteen starts, brings consistency and experience. Droopys Map is lightly raced with one win from four starts and could show significant improvement, while Ballymac Axel has good form from the UK, and his recent trial at Shelbourne was a fair run. Magical Mag is a likeable performer, and she can put her experience and track knowledge to good use. A confident selection, Magical Mag.
Selection: Magical Mag
Heat 24
The final heat features Towcester track record holder Lennys Desire from Trap 6, the red-hot favourite. Solo And Go and Unanimous Leo bring blistering early pace and are likely to contest the early lead. Ventry Faith and Hot Wood have chances but need to do everything right. Solo And Go possesses huge early pace and could lead these into the back straight. He stayed on much better when winning last time out, and if there is any trouble in behind him, he could make all. Lennys Desire will be flying from halfway, but at the prices Solo And Go makes plenty of appeal.
Selection: Solo And Go
Good luck to all connections.
