IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY PREVIEW: Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews Heats 1-8 as we begin the Second Round of the Irish Greyhound Derby from Shelbourne Park on Friday night.
Heat 1
Droopys Patriot was an ultra-impressive winner of his opening round heat last weekend when making all in 29.30. That was one of the fastest times of the first round and, if lining up again, he should improve for the run and take all the beating. That was his first run over four bends at Shelbourne, and he is open to any amount of improvement. Last week’s race did take a lot out of the young son of Droopys Wildcat, and, at the time of writing, he was 50/50 to line up in round two. If he does, he is sure to take all the beating. Lennies Dream and Shanahee Boomer should be in the shake-up.
Selection: Droopys Patriot
Heat 2
Ballymac Danica is another who can step up on last week’s impressive opening-round performance. She has always been held in high regard and got the better of her younger kennel mate Ballymac Stud in round one. That was Danica’s first race since June and improvement is likely. Callaway Five is hitting top form at the right time and has a say if he can beat Danica to the punch, while two-time Derby semi-finalist Seven Beach will have his supporters and is always hard to keep out of the frame.
Selection: Ballymac Danica
Heat 3
De Lahdedah was another who hadn’t seen the track since early June, but he also returned with a win for Liam Dowling. He ran on well to get the better of the pace-setting Oreo Ollie last time and, despite drawing trap four here, the draw could work in his favour. There’s not a huge amount of early pace in this contest and De Lahdedah could easily turn in front with one of his better starts. Magical Mag remains capable but was a shade disappointing in round one. Ballyhooley Bruno will be finishing fastest and should make the frame.
Selection: De Lahdedah
Heat 4
Despite suffering his first defeat in ten starts at Shelbourne last week, defending champion Bockos Diamond is firmly the one to beat in Heat 4. Epic Ace just got the better of Bockos Diamond in a great battle, but connections of the champion were more than happy with the run and expect him to step forward for that outing. Epic Ace is no mug, and I was personally impressed by both the winner and runner-up. The draw has been kind to Diamond, and he should have no issues clearing the runners on his immediate inside. Rolo Tokyo was the second-fastest winner of the opening round when clocking 29.29 in an electrifying performance, so he is an obvious danger. Tokyo will have his supporters and it’s one of the races of the night. Ventry Faith ran well last time out and can follow the big two home.
Selection: Bockos Diamond
Heat 5
Cheque For Cash has some cracking form around here and notched up another win when making all last time. This year’s Champion Stakes runner-up has a great chance to lead in Heat 5 and is strong off the front. Untold Rufiyaa has been reported a NR. Shelbourne 600 track record holder Da Bold Falcon ran well on his return to action on his first start since March and will be staying on late, along with the fast-finishing Toolmaker Josepe. Upper Horgan is a dog I’ve long been a fan of but has disappointed in recent weeks, albeit last week’s run was a step back in the right direction. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him make the frame at a big price.
Selection: Cheque For Cash
Heat 6
Lookanlep is two from two over the Derby trip at Shelbourne and has the most wonderful, willing attitude. He has now won three of his last five and sets the standard in Heat 6. Hello Diego posted 29.48 in defeat and that run reads well in the context of this heat. Sallagh Curley and Razldazl Kamaria both ran well in defeat, while Headlys Trump made a winning Shelbourne debut and has now won seven of his thirteen starts. It’s not one of the stronger heats and a tentative vote goes to Lookanlep to get the better of the fast-finishing Hello Diego.
Selection: Lookanlep
Heat 7
Oreo Ollie and Solo And Go were both heartbreakers for me in the opening round. I fancied both strongly and both of these early pacers seemed to lead for 549 yards of the 550-yard trip! Ollie was quicker on the clock, but I think Solo And Go has the better of the early pace and I expect him to set the tempo once again in Heat 7. Ballymac Axel was excellent on his first start for Murt Leahy and has a cracking draw as the only wide seed. All the early pace in this is on the inside and I’m once again sweet on Solo And Go to get to the front. Oreo Ollie and Brickhill Moana may hold up the strong runners, so I hope Solo And Go can hold on this week.
Selection: Solo And Go
Heat 8
The final race on Friday night is arguably the race of the night. Last year’s runner-up Cheap Sandwiches takes on Epic Ace, who got the better of Bockos Diamond last weekend. Carrick Scholsey splits the pair in trap five and the race to the bend will be crucial. Unanimous Leo is another who can fly to the corner and is not without a chance. It’s impossible for me to have a strong opinion in this heat as all of the outside runners are more than capable. It’s a cracking contest to close the first part of round two, and I’ll sit back and enjoy this one. If forced to put up a selection, I would just side with Cheap Sandwiches.
Selection: Cheap Sandwiches
Good luck to all connections.
