IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY PREVIEW: Our greyhound expert Barry Caul previews the Semi-Finals of the Irish Greyhound Derby on Saturday from Shelbourne Park, along with the Semi-Finals of the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate on the card.
Semi-Final 1
- Oreo Ollie
- Barefoot On Song
- Ballymac Stud
- Singalong Curley
- Proper Heiress
- Cheap Sandwiches
Verdict: This is unquestionably the stronger of the two semi finals. Proper Heiress and Cheap Sandwiches have been two of the stars of this year’s Derby and they served up a thriller when clashing in round three. On that occasion Proper Heiress had the better of the draw, but this time he faces a tough task out in trap five.
Ballymac Stud, Singalong Curley and Oreo Ollie all have big early pace and clearing that trio will be no easy job. Cheap Sandwiches looks far better placed in six and should enjoy a clear run to the bend. His 29.27 win in last week’s quarter final was comfortably the fastest of the round and he looks very hard to oppose.
Ballymac Stud is a greyhound with a big future. He has run well in defeat but has the ability to match these if trapping at his best. He is likely to attract support, although most focus will be on the main two. Oreo Ollie showed plenty more last week. While there was trouble behind, it was the strong running Ballyhooley Bruno who turned second, and Ollie still stuck on well. From the red box he has a perfect draw and should be prominent again.
Singalong Curley is still lightly raced, with just seven starts and never out of the first three. He posted a 3.33 sectional in round three, the fastest of this field, though from trap four he will need to repeat that to get involved. Barefoot On Song has done remarkably well to reach this stage and her consistency is admirable, but she may need luck in running to reach the final.
On last week’s evidence Cheap Sandwiches is the one to beat. He has a perfect draw and there could be some scrimmaging on the inside on the way to the corner. Proper Heiress has the class to win from tricky boxes but will need a flying start to clear the inside runners. Selection has to be Cheap Sandwiches. Oreo Ollie could easily make the final.
Semi-Final 2
- Happy Jet
- Ballyhooley Bruno
- Magical Mag
- Callaway Five
- Glengar Silent
- Droopys Deploy
Verdict: Magical Mag was a good winner last weekend and despite being drawn in trap three it should suit Pat Guilfoyle’s in-form daughter of Ballymac Cashout. She looks likely to have too much early pace for Ballyhooley Bruno and Happy Jet. In truth, this heat lacks real early dash and it would be a surprise if she wasn’t leading early. Her outright price reflects that.
So who can follow her home? Pat Buckley has three in the semis, with Singalong Curley in the first and Happy Jet and Glengar Silent here. Glengar Silent is a powerful young dog who does his best work from halfway. His sectionals have been consistent (3.50, 3.51, 3.52) and he should be closer to the pace this time. He’s not without a chance.
Callaway Five is the one most likely to turn close, but he doesn’t finish as strongly as some of the others and needs a healthy advantage to hold them off. Ballyhooley Bruno was back to form last week and his key is beating Happy Jet to the bend. Happy Jet, however, has trap one for the first time in the competition and the rail may help him come away that bit better and hold Bruno early.
Droopys Deploy lines up in six for Rob Gleeson. He’s another who finishes well but needs to rediscover his trapping if he is to have a big say.
It’s hard to look past Magical Mag for the win and the Buckley pair, Happy Jet and Glengar Silent, look the most likely to chase her home.
Michael Fortune Memorial Plate
The Plate, as ever, is a strong competition for those eliminated in the opening two rounds of the Derby.
In the second Semi-Final, Magical Major was impressive when overcoming a slow start last week but he faces strong opposition in Sunshine Sioux and Ballymac Axel. All three are strong types and whichever leads will take some catching. Sunshine Sioux has always been a favourite of mine and I think he is better than people give him credit for. He gets the vote to win the second semi.
The first Semi-Final looks weaker and Carrick Scholsey is the pick. He ran well in defeat last time and has the early speed to take command here. With the exception of Hopes Teddy this heat lacks real pace to the corner, so Scholsey has a good chance to get back to winning ways.
Good luck to all connections.
