JONATHAN HOBBS: Get set for Super Saturday on RPGTV tonight as Shelbourne Park joins the party as the channel picks up the action from the third round onwards – and across the next three weeks to the final – of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.
GET set for Super Saturday on RPGTV tonight as Shelbourne Park joins the party as the channel picks up the action from the third round onwards – and across the next three weeks to the final – of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.
With finals night at Monmore also on the programme (Live 360 on Sky channel 175 and Freesat channel 176), greyhound fans are in for a real treat.
We’re concentrating on the UK action here before picking up the Irish Derby ahead of the quarter-finals next week – so good luck to the Iikes of Pestana, Glengar Bale, Ballymac Wild, Ballymac Cooper, Newinn Taylor and last year’s champion Lenson Bocko in their quest to make the last 24 tonight.
So to Monmore where a 12-race all-open card features two GBGB Category One finals in the shape of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup and Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic, as well as puppy and sprint finals featuring the likes of top-class Signet Class and in-form Shrewd Call.
Eyes down for the pick of the Monmore action.
Monmore
6.19: Julie Bateson has plenty of chances tonight and could kick off proceedings with a big show from Tasty Treat. He’s showed his talent with a recent 28.05sec trial and this pitch just off the rail looks perfect. He leads up and edges local Market Call?
Play: Tasty Treat
6.51: Droopys Premier could surprise a few fancied sorts here. Kevin Boon’s runner trialled well at Yarmouth and, if sharp to stride and able to hold his position on the shorter run to the bend, might always be bossing things. Don’t rule out the ‘Boonmeister’ in the two major finals either!
Play: Droopys Premier
7.26: Another Julie Bateson runner catches the eye in the sprint in the shape of Tree Top Jet. He’s a top-class sprinter at best and, while lacking recent competitive action due to injury, has returned with decent trials. At best, he easily nails this so is worth siding with despite the absence.
Play: Tree Top Jet
7.41: The first of the finals now and Signet Ace has been getting rave reviews for his early races. He’s three-from-three and is highly rated at Kevin Hutton’s kennel. He’ll be short, so an each-way play (or forecast) on strong-running Droopys Delight could be the call potentially here. Either way, it’s a cracking puppy decider.
Play: Signet Ace/Droopys Delight
7.58: Good to see last year’s Summer Stayers Classic Sheldan on the card in this 684m contest. However the longer run to the first bend for this six-bend event could suit Southfield Code better. The Hutton runner is a relentless front-runner and might also be dictating terms, although Droopys Catch is no pushover.
Play: Southfield Code
8.12: This second final is a top sprint contest. Shrewd Call is on a roll with a unbeaten winning sequence to defend and he’s a likely winner. However, last week’s clash between Pat Curtin’s local star Pull The Trigger and Sheffield’s Coolavanny Dylan was superb – and the red-jacketed runner might get away this time as drawn.
Play: Pull The Trigger
8.27: Interesting race this – and great to see a top-class marathon race on the card. Other tracks (Romford apart) please note! Antigua Fire might always have the edge over Three Ems given this is a ‘fast’ marathon trip and could help the Mark Wallis runner escape. Any stamina doubts would be exposed, however.
Play: Antigua Fire
8.46: The Ladbrokes Gold Cup Final now and £10,000 up for grabs – and what a brilliant final it is. Bockos Boss is the outsider of the pack, but don’t rule him out from finally opening his account in the UK when it matters most. It really is a race which will be decided on the break. Hiya Boyo wins if breaking level, but he can be flat-footed at lids-rise – and might the in-form Queen Jessiej get first run? Liz McNair’s runner is on fire and a brilliant front runner with a great will-to-will. She’s a tough nut to pass. Good to see last year’s champion Seaglass Tiger in the final again, as well as last year’s Trafalgar Cup winner over C&D Droopys Addition also eyeing another Monmore title. The improving Gonzo completes the final and he, too, has been showing electric early. A fantastic race.
Play: Queen Jessiej
Alternative: Bockos Boss
9.01: Another Cat One final now in the form of the £7,500 Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic – and another wide-open affair. Preference is for the powerhouse Bubbly Dave, who has won both his races in the UK – heat and semi-final here – for Paul Young’s kennel and is probably still improving as a new kennel recruit. Others will likely lead, including that superb bitch Waltham Magic and top locals Kingsbrook Glyn and Daddys Prince, but Bubbly Dave can get first crack at them ahead of fellow strong runner Zascandil. Beechgrove Bell needs to fly out to get round the red jacket, after which she could also be pushing for gold.
Play: Bubbly Dave
9.01: Kilara Lion is a recent arrival at Patrick Janssens’ kennel and looks to be shaping up for the Yarmouth Derby. He trialled well on the east coast and, having previously trialled here too, could be ahead of the game early. He’s tackled good company generally and brings a good strike-rate to the table.
Play: Kilara Lion
Good luck all.
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