IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY PREVIEW: Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews Round Three of the Irish Greyhound Derby on Saturday from Shelbourne Park.
Heat 1
Ballyhooley Bruno looks a value option in a wide-open contest to kick off round three at Shelbourne Park on Saturday evening. Tom O’Neill’s strong finisher is ideally suited by further but could get a lovely run into the race before pouncing late. Magical Keith looks the likely pace-setter but will edge off slightly on the run to the corner, which could hand Ballyhooley Bruno a dream passage. Magical Sapphire will also be finishing fast, though finding racing room at the opening bend may prove difficult. Lennies Madge is another who finishes strongly, while Unanimous Leo and No More Fiftys need to lead early but may struggle drawn outside Magical Keith. It’s a very open affair, but Ballyhooley Bruno makes plenty of appeal to arrive late and fast.
Verdict: Ballyhooley Bruno
Heat 2
Pat Buckley looks to hold all the aces here. Sallagh Curley returned to winning ways last time, making all to see off Hello Diego. That made it four wins from five starts and there could be more improvement to come. There’s not a huge amount of early pace around him, and a similar break could see him go close again. Buckley’s main hope, however, is Ballinabola Joe. Joe has disappointed in recent outings, with slow starts costing him, but he remains capable of much better. If he can rediscover his trapping boots, he’s the one to beat, and he’s worth another chance. The Other Wild and Brunch Pal may battle it out for the final qualifying spot.
Verdict: Ballinabola Joe
Heat 3
The race of the Derby so far. Last year’s winner and runner-up, Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches, clash again with top UK raider Proper Heiress adding further intrigue. Bockos Diamond was much improved last week, racing prominently and winning decisively in 29.40. I’ve stressed that times aren’t everything, but visually it was hugely impressive, and he’s very much the one to beat. Cheap Sandwiches was also outstanding last time, powering clear once hitting the front down the far side. Proper Heiress has a bit to find on the clock, but his last race was messy, and he may have been unsuited by the ground after a heavy spell of rain just before his heat.. He can’t be dismissed. Price Naseem, a wonderfully consistent performer, posted a career-best last week chasing home Bombay Pat, though the opposition doesn’t get any easier here. Barefoot On Song needs to improve on last week’s win, while Danzig Rebel requires plenty of luck. Still, Bockos Diamond is the standout.
Verdict: Bockos Diamond
Heat 4
Coosane Pickles could be the answer to this one. She came from well off the pace to win a useful contest last time and has the potential to go even quicker. Strong from halfway and capable of a decent break, she looks overpriced. Solo And Go has shown electric early speed in the Derby so far and looks a likely leader, but he’ll have to deal with the in-form Shanahee Boomer. Boomer impressed last time but may find Solo And Go troublesome early. Produce Stakes winner Lemon Joey continues to go about his business under the radar and could feature again. Still, Coosane Pickles looks the one to side with.
Verdict: Coosane Pickles
Heat 5
Bombay Pat has been the star performer on the clock in this year’s Derby and flawless since returning to action. His 29.17 effort in round two was the fastest of the competition, and he looks ideally drawn here. He will have no issues clearing Hello Diego in five, and a clear run to the corner should see him dominate. Kennelmate Rural Pest has disappointed so far and needs to rediscover his Juvenile Derby form. Ballymac Stud is capable of better and ran well to qualify from a messy race last time; he can fly to the corner but must be foot-perfect. Lennies Dream has claims on her round one form, while Hello Diego should be finishing strongly again. Lookanlep ran well to qualify but needs a career-best effort.
Verdict: Bombay Pat
Heat 6
With Toolmaker King an unfortunate absentee, this is reduced to a five-dog affair. Oreo Ollie and Callaway Five should set the early fractions, with Upper Horgan and Droopys Deploy looking to get first run at them. That could set things up perfectly for a big finisher, and Highview Plan fits the bill. Currently trading at double-figure odds, it would be no surprise to see him much shorter on the night. He came from well back to qualify last time and still has relatively few miles on the clock. A late charge could see him land the spoils.
Verdict: Highview Plan
Heat 7
De Lahdedah ran a remarkable race last week, recovering from a moderate start and crowding to finish just behind the in-form Magical Mag. The former English Derby winner is a huge talent, but he has a tricky draw here outside Cheque For Cash and Faypoint Harvey. Harvey can fly to the bend and chased home Bockos Diamond last week, while the in form Cheque For Cash tends to edge right on the run to the corner. De Lahdedah will need to trap sharply. Ballymac Tibet may be the one to focus on. He moves well to the corner, stays strongly, and could capitalise if there’s early trouble inside. He gets the vote over De Lahdedah and Cheque For Cash.
Verdict: Ballymac Tibet
Heat 8
The final heat of round three could go the way of Magical Mag from a plum draw on the fence. It’s one of the most open contests of the night, with genuine cases to be made for all six runners. Phoenix Memphis is at his best when making the pace but needs a flying start to do so. Youngster Glengar Silent was very impressive last week but is surrounded by early dash here. Evergreen Seven Beach looked a little tired last time after leading, but his professionalism means he can’t be discounted. A wide-open closer, but the draw may prove decisive.
Verdict: Magical Mag
