IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY PREVIEW: Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews Heats 9-16 as the Second Round of the Irish Greyhound Derby continues on Saturday from Shelbourne Park.
Heat 9
Faypoint Ranger was a shade disappointing in round one, leading early and looking set for victory before fading at the third bend. He once again has a perfect draw but must step up on last week’s run. Bombay Pat was exceptional last time out and looks the one to beat. He’s two from two since returning to action and further improvement is likely. His main danger is Ballymac Tibet, who ran a cracker behind the exciting Hackney Corner in round one and boasts strong form over the trip. I’ve long been a fan of Sunshine Sioux and still believe we’ve yet to see the best of him, but Bombay Pat remains the one to beat.
Verdict: Bombay Pat
Heat 10
Hackney Corner is the one to beat in Heat 10. He ran well on his return to action last weekend and should come on plenty for that run. That was only his second start since June, and he remains one of the more exciting young dogs left in the competition. He beat a decent sort in Ballymac Tibet last time and should score again. The Other Wild is expected to improve on his recent runs and rates the main danger, while the ever-consistent Blastoff Heffo is sure to be in the mix. Still, Hackney Corner is firmly the one to beat.
Verdict: Hackney Corner
Heat 11
Callaway Knegare is undoubtedly the big name in Heat 11. Owen McKenna’s tracker finished third in this event last year and has shown flashes of his best on occasions. Last week’s run was disappointing, it must be said, and it’s hard to fancy him on that showing, especially with another tricky draw. The fact this isn’t the strongest of heats does help, but he needs to rediscover top form. Phoenix Memphis looks well drawn on the inside and could go well, while the wonderfully consistent Cagey Billy is always hard to rule out. Not a heat I’d want to get heavily involved in from a punting perspective, but a tentative vote goes to Phoenix Memphis.
Verdict: Phoenix Memphis
Heat 12
It’s hard to fault the impressive debut of Proper Heiress. He landed one of the tougher heats last week in style and can only improve for the run. Now residing with Brendan Matthews’ Townview Kennels, he looks set to step forward again and is one of the most intriguing runners of the night. Ballymac Stud is better than last week’s effort and rates a danger if breaking well, though he has little margin for error. Of the rest, Magical On Fire deserves a mention after a gutsy victory in a good contest last time. Produce Stakes winner Lemon Joey always gives you a run for your money, while few will finish faster than the powerful Dr Darcy. Still, Proper Heiress holds all the aces and can repel the late charge of Dr Darcy.
Verdict: Proper Heiress
Heat 13
No last-time-out winners line up in Heat 13, but it’s still packed with quality. Ballinabola Joe displayed huge pace last week despite missing the break, and he’s the one to be with here. If Joe can start better and turn in front, he’ll be extremely difficult to peg back. Harry Houdini can fly to the corner and should race prominently, but stamina remains a concern. Maireads Diamond is very lightly raced and open to significant improvement, with the draw working in his favour as Harry Houdini is likely to edge middle on the run-up. Darraghs Sydney ran a cracker behind Cheap Sandwiches in round one and has strong claims of qualifying, but Ballinabola Joe just looks a cut above his rivals.
Verdict: Ballinabola Joe
Heat 14
Rural Pest is likely to go off favourite in Heat 14. He was caught late by Magical On Fire in round one but should be spot on for this assignment. Pest impressed in the early rounds of the Juvenile Derby and remains a young greyhound of huge potential. The draw is a plus, with early-paced Toolmaker King likely to edge inwards on the run to the corner. Coloursaregreen has a big engine but will need a sharp start to get competitive. Hackney Tango caught the eye when finishing third last week and could run a big race at a price.
Verdict: Rural Pest
Heat 15
Hopes Teddy returned to his best when making all last week and has an ideal draw to repeat those tactics in Heat 15. His winning time of 29.96 wouldn’t usually be good enough here, but I’d take that figure with a pinch of salt, it looked quicker to most in attendance. Westway Rossa shaped better than the bare result last week and can get involved, while Magical Sapphire has now won her last two over the trip and will be among the market leaders. Connections hold Highview Plan in high regard, and at likely double-figure odds he could be the play in what looks a trappy heat for punters.
Verdict: Highview Plan
Heat 16
The final heat of round two could fall to the pacey but frustrating No More Fiftys for trainer Adam Dunford. He’s had excuses on his last two runs and was well supported again last week when he really should have led from trap four. With an ideal draw on the fence this Saturday, he has no excuses. Swords Style has won his last two over the trip, both from trap one, but faces a trickier assignment from trap three. Magical Keith lost little in defeat when just caught by his kennelmate last time and should race prominently. Droopys Slick is winless in six but continues to attract support, while kennelmate Droopys Deploy is a major danger if putting it all together. A wide-open closer to round two, but perhaps No More Fiftys can get the better of Magical Keith.
Verdict: No More Fiftys
