IRISH GREYHOUND DERBY: When the news reached me yesterday of Clares Rocket withdrawal I was really disappointed. I wish him a speedy recovery and no doubt he will have a fantastic career at stud. It’s such a pity he wont be running this Saturday in the semi finals, he deserved his chance in the final and his connections will be devastated. That’s greyhound racing , it has ups and it has downs but that is what makes it the best sport in the world as the good times make up for the bad.
My bitch Brewers Sarah won again Tuesday night in Shelbourne, I cheered her home from the restaurant in Portugal and we raised a glass of prosecco to Brewers Sarah to celebrate, good ole Lar, he has the dogs flying!
The quarter finals were brilliant and who would of thought Black Farren was going to win, I definitely didn’t!! I thought Sonic was superb as usual but what about Native Chimes. I suppose I have overlooked Native Chimes, St Leger finalist, Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake finalist and Shelbourne Park Champion 550 winner, not a bad CV he has, but could this son of Premier Fantasy win the Derby? I cannot see why not. His early pace is as good as any and he has showed us he can win from any trap. He is one I would of liked to have been on ante post going into the semi finals, he looks a good bet now.. Good News was impressive but probably only won due to Clares Rocket sustaining his wrist injury and Buckos Dream fought so hard but he just doesn’t stay. Good News is sure to qualify this Saturday though after drawing trap one.
Tyrur Harold came out so well and cut across the field to the middle, he really needs trap 3 to be at his best but done ok to qualify and never gave up after giving up his lead. Jaytee Jet battled on hard and powered home again to get up for third. I can see Jaytee Jet in the final, he is another dog with a very impressive card. Fair play to Mr Quinn also, Drumsna Star is still there as he ran on well to get third spot in the race won by Native Chimes with Kilgraney Ace finishing second after a moderate start. Jaytee Barracuda is another who done excellent to qualify after being impeded at the first bend in the race won by Sonic, he finished well for second place with Hey Bound in third at 20/1! Was sad to see Pension Plan, Droopys Cabaye, Drive On Tipp and Hovex Mick all getting knocked out. This years derby has just been brilliant, such a high standard of racing never failing to entertain us.
So if you were to ask me who was going to win the derby now I would have to say it’s wide open. It’s probably between Sonic, Tyrur Harold, Native Chimes and Good News. Cometwopass has a great chance in the Derby Plate with his exceptional early pace and there was no catching him Saturday as he drew clear and won by three lengths. Kilgraney Denver and Fast Fit Alex were class in their heats too so that’s a cracking competition.
I had a busy day Saturday as I went to Leopardstown with my Dad as the Champions weekend was on and then we headed to Shelbourne Park. As the weeks have gone by, the crowd has gotten bigger and there was plenty of greyhound enthusiasts there on Saturday to soak up for Derby buzz. The stand was packed and the noise from the roars and cheers was deafening. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Get yourself down to Shelbourne Park this Saturday and don’t forget to buy the Star newspaper to see what I’m tipping. I had three winners last week so not doing too bad!
See you then.
Sarah
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