PUMA STRIKES LATE TO DEPRIVE THE COUGAR IN LADBROKES EPIC
The bookmakers were left in tears as Skywalker Puma scorched up the home stretch at Shelbourne to snatch a late, late victory in an epic Ladbrokes Irish Derby final at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.
The victory of the brilliant tracker trained by Frances O’Donnell for Devon based owner Ray Patterson caused the most remarkable scenes of celebration and the crowd swamped the presentation podium to see the trophy handed over.
Some things went very much according to general expectations with Cuil Cougar flashing out of the three box with Coolykereen Imp in second and then Razldazl George and an improving Skywalker Puma. But Tyrur Sugar Ray and Camas missed the start and they were fighting a losing battle into the bend.
Down the far side Cuil Cougar continued to lead from Coolykereen Imp with Skywalker Puma having gone past George. By the third bend Skywalker Puma was now second with the leader in his sights.
But then Skywalker drifted wide off the final corner and for a few strides it looked as though Cuil Cougar might prevail.
But Skywalker Puma is so strong and he came wide and fast to snatch a neck victory over a gallant Cuil Cougar in 29.39 with defending champion Razldazl George some three and a half lengths back in third place.
The winner is a June ’10 son of Royal Impact and Dianas Ranger and was bred by Paddy Purtill in Ballydonoghue in County Kerry. He was providing the O’Donnell kennels operated by Matt and Frances with their fourth Irish Derby success, not to mention the English Derby victory of Farloe Melody.
Jackie Murphy Head of Operations Ladbrokes presents the trophy to Ray Patterson after Skywalker Puma won the 2012 Ladbrokes Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park. Also included are Minister Shane McEntee, Paul Keogh TD, Phil Meaney Chairman IGB, Matt O’Donnell, trainer Frances O’Donnell and Shannon Farrell and Lucy Mangan from Ladbrokes.
************************************
VIC GAINS CONSOLATION FOR LIAM
Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Vic (Kinloch Brae/ Ballymac Vicky) showed just why he was favourite for the Derby at an advanced stage of the classic by turning in a powerful performance in the Ladbrokes Derby Consolation.
He had a great battle to the bend with Droopys Jet and Killbarry Rover but shot the corner after moving wide on the run-up. He was then chased hard into the third bend by Killbarry Rover and for a few strides it looked as though the Cork owned Killbarry might get to the leader.
But Ballymac Vic is nothing if not game and he battled on tremendously to win by a length and a half from Killbarry Rover in 29.46 with Laughil Billy four lengths back in third.
Aisling Fennin Sponsorship Manager Ladbrokes presents the trophy to Alan Newman after Ballymac Vic won the Ladbrokes irish Greyhound Derby Consolation Final. Also included are owner Shane Dowling, Patrick Flynn Sales and Operations Manager Shelbourne Park, Shannon Farrell and Lucy Mangan from Ladbrokes and Declan Carey Racing Manager.
************************************
BOUND IS BRILLIANT FOR NIALL AND DAN
North Bound gained his anticipated victory in the €4,000 Ladbrokes Irish Derby Plate but he had to battle every inch of the way before he asserted late.
Swift Marathon was the dog that got away fast and set a strong pace followed into the back by North Bound. He closed into the third bend but then came wide and it appeared as though Swift Marathon might hold on for victory.
But North Bound (Head Bound/ No Joke Sherry) is nothing if not brave and he came strongly up the outside to win by a length from Swift Marathon in 29.74 with Power Of God some two and a half lengths third. This was a terrific victory for a dog that went unbeaten through the Plate for owner Fr Dan Greene and trainer Niall Dunne.
MAESTRO’S SENSATIONAL 600 RECORD RUN
We had suggested in advance that Sparta Maestro (Crash/Tinrah Kewell) would benefit enormously from a step up in distance and he proved it in the most sensational fashion as he smashed Late Late Show’s great eleven-year-old mark in winning the Open 600.
English challenger Granard Bound was first to show from trap three but then the John Fitzgerald and Phil Gough owned Sparta Maestro got into full swing. He hit the front halfway to the bend and was three lengths clear of Crossfield Star entering the back straight.
He extended it to four lengths by the third bend but then incredibly went even faster up the home stretch to win by all of nine lengths from Crossfield Star and Granard Bound who dead-heated for second. The time 32.10 flashed up, an amazing ten spots faster than Late Late Show clocked back in 2006.
TWO FLYING BRITISH WINNERS
There were a few huge runs over the 525 trip and he got a glimpse of potentially the top racer in the UK next season. Barrie Draper’s brilliant youngster Farloe Warhawk (Ace Hi Rumble/ Wontbelong) appeared to have plenty in hand of his rivals and closed the 4-6 favourite.
He quickly showed those to be great odds as he flashed out of the inside box, moved middle early and led Cornamaddy Jumbo and Ashfield Impact into the bend. The two pursuers clashed on the corner and again crowded badly out of the second bend as Ashfield drifted wide.
Now Farloe was a mile clear and flying. He eventually came home eleven and a half lengths ahead of Airlie Jet in a brilliant 28.23 with Ashfield Impact a length third.
There was a second British success on the night as Dave Hunt’s Sawpit Sensation (Head Bound/ No Joke Sherry) won an Open 550 in 29.71. Here Forest Ralph cut out the pace and, following a melee on the opening bend where Razldazl Apollo was knocked over, he was followed into the back by Danmar Benny and an ominously close Sawpit Sensation.
Sawpit went second down the back and then flew past Forest Ralph on the third bend. From here Sawpit raced right away to win by four and a half lengths from Forest Ralph with Danmar Benny three lengths third.
MARIE’S ALLEN IS THE MASTER
Another young dog had produced a huge run in an earlier Open 525 as Marie Gilbert’s Allen Master (Forest Master/ Forest Daisy) led all the way when winning in 28.38. He got away smartly on the inside and soon showed in front from Krelco.
It was tight enough to the bend but Allen Master made the most of his inside line to shoot ahead around the corner and he was chased into the back by Skip Soda and Krelco. Skip Soda closed menacingly into the third bend but Allen Master had his measure and ran out a length and a half winner from Skip Soda in 28.38.
Another brilliant run was produced by the Graham Holland trained Knockglass Billy (Ballymac Maeve/ Knockglass Lady) in winning a later Open 525 in 28;41. Here Boherna House was first to hit the ground but the noted early pace of leading sprinter Knockglass Billy carried him into a first bend lead.
Lolos Joe moved second entering the far side ahead of Boherna House and he gave it everything in pursuit of the winner. Lolos closed around the bottom but Knockglass Billy held him by three parts of a length with Boherna House a length and a half third.
The other 525 was the Bitch contest and here Owen McKenna’s brilliant tracker Airforce Diva (Head Bound/ Movealong Alice) proved too strong for her rivals. It was mighty close to the bend but Ashmar Millie gamely led on the bend and was chased into the back by Airforce Diva.
There was a cheer from the punters as Airforce closed down the back and hit the front on the third bend before scampering clear for a four length margin over the staying Barrack Patsy with Ashmar Millie a neck third.
IAN’S ONECO IS SO COOL
There was a couple of Open 575s on the card and the fastest return was produced by Ian Reilly’s Oneco Cool (Big Daddy Cool/ Hondo Lass) in winning the opener.
Fast away, he led to the bend but was challenged hard down the back by Minesasmallone, while Liveanddangerous made rapid progress into the third bend.
Liveanddangerous looked a major threat turning for home but Oneco Cool was much the stronger up the straight and eased away for a three and a half length margin in 31.23. Liveanddangerous was a similar distance in front of the third Swords Jacko.
The other 575 was the concluding Getting Out contest where the money again came for Tibetan Skies and there was a massive cheer from the stands when he moved second early in the back and then hit the front into the third bend.
But they were reckoning without Peter Tiernan’s Abbeyville Tipp (Westmead Hawk/ Patterdale Luna) and he set off after Tibetan. The dogs actually bumped early on the run-in and Abbeyville ran on with effect to win by three quarters of a length from Tibetan Skies in 31.50 with Martinstown Snow some two and a half lengths third.
SHOCKS IN THE MARATHONS
There were two races over extended distances, the first of them being an Open 850 where the market was virtually between Usual Story and Golden Graze.
The former was badly crowded on the first bend and then Golden Graze tragically pulled up injured after hitting the front off the second bend.
Now Howling Wind went on but Ann Moran’s Benro Sparky (Westmead Hawk/ Benro Lucky) went second at the fourth bend and was in front by the fifth. The big staying Benro went on to win by four lengths from Howling Wind in 48.45 with Usual Story staying on late to be a two and a half lengths third.
The Open 750 provided the bookies with one of their few positive results on the night with Brendan Cullen’s 7-1 chance Shanless Becky quickly dashing into a huge lead and it was clear from a long way out that she was going to take catching.
The market leaders Razldazl Marilyn and Future Boy made progress to go in pursuit before the fifth bend and they closed rapidly enough. However Shanless Becky kept on for a two length margin over Razldazl Marilyn in 41.79 with Future Boy another two lengths third.
****************************************
YOUNG SUGAR RAY CAN BECOME A MAN IN INTRIGUING LADBROKES IRISH DERBY FINAL
Another Derby final day has dawned and this evening at Shelbourne Park the 81st Irish Derby final be run, the third year under the Ladbrokes banner. It has all the hallmarks of a thrilling contest with all six runners entitled to the height of respect.
There’s a terrific line-up and the indication from the firms is that Skywalker Puma will go off favourite to provide the O’Donnell Kennels in Killenaule with their fourth Irish Derby winner.
Dolores Ruth will have two runners, including the history seeking Razldazl George as he bids to become the first greyhound since the legendary Spanish Battleship to defend his Derby title. Her other runner is the early paced Cuil Cougar which is generally expected to set the hectic early pace.
The youngest finalist is Tyrur Sugar Ray, bidding to provide the Fahy family with a third Derby success while well drawn Camas is bidding for a second for Owen McKenna.
While Coolykereen Imp is likely to be the outsider of the sextet, he is well capable of leading around the bend and then issuing a catch me if you can invitation to his rivals.
But let’s look as the six runners individually and perhaps help you pick out your own winner!
1 RAZLDAZL GEORGE
Owners: Dazzling Syndicate, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
Breeder: Liam Marks, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Trainer: Dolores Ruth, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
A place in the history books beckon for this great dog which won last year’s Derby and has a real shout of achieving the elusive back to back successes. The smile on Dolores Ruth’s face when the red jacket was drawn for George told its own story.
This dog loves the inside, is far from devoid of early pace if he can get away on terms and is very strong from the second bend. He has a lot of factors in his favour and his trainer says he is in the best form than he’s been in all year.
George has done extremely well to get to the final and now that he’s there it would be a brave man that would bet against him.
2 SKYWALKER PUMA
Owner: Ray Patterson, Devon, England
Breeder: Paddy Purtill, Ballydonoghue, Co. Kerry
Trainer: Frances O’Donnell, Killenaule, Co. Tipperary
He ran his first race on January 1st of this year and he has always looked a star. When I interviewed Matt O’Donnell on the occasion of him entering the Hall of Fame back in March, he commented that he had “possibly one of the best dogs I ever had”.
Now, Matt was too shrewd to divulge the identity of the dog but it pretty quickly became apparent. He hs made steady progress all season and advertised his brilliant pace when flying into the third bend with Sparta Maestro and Droopys Cain in the final of the Larry Dunne Open. The gap closed on him but the message had been sent out.
It became even clearer when he won the Red Mills Champion Juvenile at Kilkenny in breathtaking fashion and next stop was the Derby. A preparation geared totally on the Derby has come to fruition with a final place and a favourite’s rating.
He has sensational pace from the second bend, but a word of warning: He has never led around the first bend in 22 races and could well have three or four ahead of him into the back straight tonight.
3 CUIL COUGAR
Owner: Dazzling Syndicate, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
Breeders: Peter & Ian Lawless, Saggart, Co. Dublin
Trainer: Dolores Ruth, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
The second member of Dolores Ruth’s team and a totally different type of dog to Razldazl George. He normally scorches to the bend and has to be strongly fancied to lead around the opening bend. He also travels very hard down the far side, so don’t be surprised if he is still in front heading for the judge!
Handled by his owner Liam Hughes in a sparkling early career, he joined the Dazzling team prior to the English Derby. A problem ruled him out of running at Wimbledon but he has now come back to top form and is feared by all rivals.
His style of running is simple as he flies out and normally takes the trap two route to the bend where he will keep tight. He is inclined to drift wide down the far side and comes back in on the third bend. Here is a major player, of that you can have no doubt and his trainer is chasing a third Irish Derby success.
4 TYRUR SUGAR RAY
Owner: P.J. Fahy, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway
Breeder: Joe Horan, Clane, Co. Kildare
Trainer: Conor Fahy, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway
The youngest finalist but the evidence of the Derby is that he has learned his trade very rapidly. He was promoted to favouritism following a brilliant 29.29 run in the quarter finals, easily the best of the classic to date.
He survived a dangerous first bend bumping in the semi-final and qualified impressively behind Cuil Cougar. However he has an earlier verdict over that dog in the classic. That was in the first round when he proved much too strong down the back.
Conor Fahy became the youngest ever trainer when winning two years ago and will be one day short of his 23rd birthday when the final is run. While Sugar Ray really fancies an inside slot, he showed in the first round that he can cope admirably with a wide one.
5 COOLYKEREEN IMP
Owner: James Byrne, Lurgan, Co, Armagh
Breeder: Tony Winters, Kanturk, Co. Cork
Trainer: Owner
Having reached the semi-finals, John Byrne set out his stall for this year’s Derby with this brilliant early paced and lightly raced dog. He achieved his owner’s dream of a final place and he is now dreaming of perhaps landing the classic.
Enjoyed a three month break after reaching the semi-final of the Easter Cup this season but the Derby has always been the target. He has a reputation of diving right from traps when drawn inside and causing mayhem on the way.
Believe it or not, but he has never run from five but all his performances suggest he will pursuit a straight line to the bend where he will move across. His sectionals give him a real chance of leading around the corner and from there he would take beating. John Byrne reckons the dog is in his peak form for the final and he approaches the big day with a real sense of excitement.
6 CAMAS
Owner: Larry O’Rourke, Ascot, England
Breeder: Tom McCarthy, Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick
Trainer: Owen McKenna, New Inn, Co. Tipperary
Camas is a very wide runner and right from the opening draw he always looked a potential finalist, given the scarcity of wide seeds. His problem is that he gives away a lot of vital ground as he covers more ground but he is guaranteed a clear run and he has shown that he can still do 29.57 despite his meanderings.
He has finished in front of Skywalker Puma a few times but has finished behind him on an equal number of occasions during the Derby. As Owen McKenna says, “the break will decide the winning and losing and if this fellow can make one of his flying starts he will be in there with a huge chance”.
Coincidence lovers will appreciate this fact – Camas is very closely related to McKenna’s previous Irish Derby winner Like A Shot. For owner Larry O’Rourke it is a second Derby finalist this year as he had the subsequently ill-fated Westmead Adonis in the Wimbledon final.
THE VERDICT
We’ve said it above and we’ll repeat it … just about anything is possible in this final. However, working on the theory that each of the six dogs race to their full potential and do their normal things, then Tyrur Sugar Ray can defy his lack of experience and claim the €120,000 prize.
Initial reaction to his trap four draw last Saturday was that he was horribly housed but a video refresher course has forced a rethink. In the first round he was drawn in five where he broke fast and dived for the inside. But Cuil Cougar was in the same race and racing from two and, while he didn’t fly away, he still led the inside runners.
But instead of Sugar Ray crashing into him, his growing experience told him to straighten up and he raced alongside the Cougar to the bend before asserting. A repeat tonight would suffice.
Skywalker Puma has a massive chance but he must be in position to deliver his power pace out of the second bend and he won’t want to have Sugar Ray and Razldazl George in front of him.
Razldazl George has a lovely draw and a serious chance of being close to the pace off the second bend – provided he doesn’t have a blip in the box. His power finish would then bring him right into it.
Cuil Cougar is the one they’ll all be marking. He can’t be allowed to get too far in front but, then, Coolykereen Imp and perhaps Sugar Ray can be in close contact. Camas will be running his own race on the outside and taking advantage of any problems on the inner.
The final verdict is Tyrur Sugar Ray to lead home Razldazl George and Skywalker Puma.
****************************************
POSITIVE REPORTS FROM DERBY FINAL CONNECTIONS
After an absence of some years, the Derby Lunch returned last year and it’s as if it never went away. Yesterday’s gathering at Shelbourne was a very pleasant one and one could sense the sense of excitement in those who are closest to the six finalists.
In fairness, all those present go out of their way to be helpful, whether it is by means of live in-house interviews or with the Greyhound View, RTE Radio, Newstalk and other media representatives.
Naturally some owners and trainers couldn’t make it due to pressure of time and work and that is totally understandable but we ended up with quite a lively gathering which almost had a party atmosphere.
For the likes of Dolores Ruth and her team, Sian McKenna and Larry O’Rourke and Conor and Mary Fahy, these occasions could like second nature to them. But there were newcomers among them, too, such as Liam Hughes who was formerly the outright owner of Cuil Cougar and is now a member of the Dazzling Syndicate, John Byrne and Tony “Rebel Fitz” Winters of the Coolykereen Imp squad and Brendan O’Neill who represented Ray Patterson and the O’Donnell team.
Liam Hughes was in his element and obviously thoroughly enjoying the whole build-up to the Derby. Even better, he has a dog that can win the Derby and one suspects that would set up huge celebrations out Rathcoole and Saggart way.
Brendan O’Neill played a significant role in the Skywalker Puma story as he actually bought him as a puppy from Paddy Purtill on behalf of Ray Patterson. He had earlier bought Skywalker Gold for Ray and he was very useful until his career was ended early by injury. But he returned for the next litter by Royal Impact, did the deal and the dog is now the Derby favourite.
John Byrne bought Coolykereen Imp from Tony Winters and he has enjoyed great fun and success with the dog. A man who is noted for his tilts at the ring, he joked, “for once I hope to do the bookies a good turn in the final”.
BIDDING FOR THE DOUBLE
What will add greatly to this 81st final of the Derby is that Razldazl George will be there bidding to complete the double. Since the Derby was first run in 1932 only one dog has won the Derby more than once.
But, then, Chubb O’Connor’s Killorglin flying machine Spanish Battleship was no ordinary dog. He actually went one better for Dublin based Kerryman Tom Lynch who trained him to win the Derbys of 1953, ’54 and ’55.
In the interim Ger McKenna’s Own Pride narrowly missed out on the double when the 1969 champion was beaten into second place in the 1970 final by Monalee Pride, trained by his cousin Gay. Two years earlier the Tom Lynch trained Russian Gun won the ’67 classic and ran up to Yellow Printer twelve months later. Manorville Magic ran up the 1988 Derby to Make History and then went one better in the ’89 final.
Next Saturday Razldazl George will attempt to be become a living canine legend. Last year he won a thriller from Dream Walker and he has got a kick start for this year’s Ladbrokes sponsored classic final by drawing the red jacket in the final.
Speaking at yesterday’s Lunch, George’s trainer Dolores Ruth gave a very upbeat report of her champion. “I couldn’t be happier with him. He has really come into top form and the draw has worked out perfectly. Now we need to avoid bad luck on Saturday”.
For the second year on the trot, Dolores will have two finalists. Her other runner is Cuil Cougar which is challenging Skywalker Puma for favouritism and the trainer said, “I couldn’t be happier with him. He has settled in very well and has been breaking very well, recently. Hopefully that will continue to Saturday night”.
BYRNE THE ODD ONE OUT
There is a great deal of experience involved in this Derby final with five of the six finalists handled by previous Derby winners.
The odd one out is Coolykereen Imp which is owned and trained by Lurgan’s John Byrne and was bred by Tony Winters in Kanturk. What a double this would be for the Rebel Fitz team!
Both were in high jinks in advance of the big race. One suspects that Tony has already doubled up some of the Galway Hurdle winnings on Coolykereen at fancy odds!
Two of the finalists are trained in Munster, the favourite Skywalker Puma and the ideally housed Camas. Coincidentally, neither trainer made it to Dublin yesterday but they were well represented. The Puma will be bidding for a fourth Irish Derby success for Matt and Frances O’Donnell and he is a best priced 2-1 favourite with most firms.
Owen McKenna was represented by wife Sian while West Cork born owner Larry O’Rourke also made it to the function. The owner is hoping for a change of luck after recently losing his English Derby finalist Westmead Adonis while Sian said that they couldn’t be more satisfied with Camas.
The youngest dog in the final is Tyrur Sugar Ray and he also happens to be trained by the youngest trainer Conor Fahy. But the 23 year old from Glenamaddy, who turned out a 1-2 two years back as a just-turned 21 year old was showing no signs of any pre-race nerves as he said, “we are just hoping for the best. We know he has the pace but we would prefer an inside draw. But then, trap four is better than trap six”.
****************************************
PUMA NOW THE CLEAR DERBY FAVOURITE
Skywalker Puma is now the clear favourite in all lists for the Ladbrokes Irish Derby, though he is strongly pressed in some quarters for that honour by Cuil Cougar.
Derby sponsors Ladbrokes make the Puma as low as 7-4 while they then have Cuil Cougar at 5-2 with Tyrur Sugar Ray and 4-1. Double seeking Razldazl George is 7-2, though much bigger elsewhere, and they you can have Camas at 10-1 and Coolykereen Imp the 16-1 outsider.
LADBROKES’ DERBY BETTING
7-4 Skywalker Puma
5-2 Cuil Cougar
7-2 Razldazl George
4 Tyrur Sugar Ray
10 Camas
14 Coolykereen Imp
Meanwhile, Ladbrokes have installed North Bound as their 11-10 favourite for the Derby Plate with Power Of God the only serious rival at 9-4.
LADBROKES’ DERBY PLATE BETTING
11-10 North Bound
9-4 Power Of God
5-2 Swift Marathon
7 Ruthless Man
10 Katies Quadrigo
33 Beany Tunes
****************************************
SKYWALKER IS SENSATIONAL AS COUGAR STROLLS HOME
There was a massive crowd at Shelbourne on Saturday, the normal Derby attendance boosted by a huge presence of American visitors in town for the big American Football game.
They were treated to some fantastic racing and saw Skywalker Puma and Cuil Cougar race to victory in the semis.
Many patrons were expecting big things from Skywalker Puma (Royal Impact/ Dianas Ranger) in the opening semi-final of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby and Frances O’Donnell’s brilliant black certainly didn’t disappoint with a splendid display in thrashing his rivals.
Well away from trap three, the favourite enjoyed a clear passage to the opening turn with Airforce Diva charging traps early and totally missing the start. Both Razldazl Bugatti and Coolykereen Imp got away fast while Skywalker Puma drifted very much to his right, thus avoiding any collision with the wide-running Coolykereen Imp. This meant that Skywalker Puma got his much needed clear passage. Rounding the first two turns in third place, and on the heels of the leading duo, it was never really in doubt from then onwards.
Showing his renowned phenomenal pace he was soon in front. It was now only a matter of how far and crossing the line Skywalker Puma was six and a half lengths ahead of Camas, who got up late to pip Coolykereen Imp by a short head for second.
COUGAR SHOWS HIS TRUE COLOURS
The second semi-final was always going to be about early pace and that certainly proved the case when the Dolores Ruth trained Cuil Cougar (Droopys Vieri/ Mays Princess) flew from trap two and made all to win in an excellent 29.69.
He was chased into the bend by Tyrur Sugar Ray with Droopys Jet in close attendance. The latter pair bumped here and that effectively decided the contest. Suddenly Cuil Cougar was eight lengths clear into the back straight with Tyrur Sugar Ray back in second and Razldazl George now getting into the picture in third.
The pursuers did their utmost trying to get on terms but Cuil Cougar was covering the ground out front and was home and hosed around the bottom bends. He stayed on well to win by four lengths from Tyrur Sugar Ray in 29.69 with Razldazl George another two lengths back in third.
It was a terrific result for trainer Dolores Ruth and the Dazzling Syndicate as they got two of their runners through to the final with Conor Fahy supplying the third. It promises to be a fantastic race on a truly wonderful stage.
DERBY FINAL TRAP DRAW
1 RAZLDAZL GEORGE
2 SKYWALKER PUMA
3 CUIL COUGAR
4 TYRUR SUGAR RAY
5 COOLYKEREEN IMP
6 CAMAS (W)
**************************************
NORTH BOUND A PLATE STAR
The Niall Dunne trained North Bound (Head Bound/ No Joke Sherry) produced a huge performance when winning the opening semi of the Ladbrokes Derby Plate in 29.60.
It was a pretty level start but North Bound then unleashed that devastating pace that has been a feature of the competition and he raced a few lengths clear around the bend with the market rival Ruthless Man now in second and a potential threat.
Ruthless Man did make some ground but never looked like getting to the impressive winner which was completing a great double for Dunne and owner Fr Dan Greene. At the line he had two and a half lengths to spare over Ruthless Man with Beany Tunes some five lengths third.
KATIES FINALLY COMES GOOD
After a gallant effort seven days earlier, Francis McCullagh’s Katies Quadrigo went two places better in the second semi-final of the Ladbrokes Derby Plate, managing to cause a big upset in the process.
All eyes were on Swift Marathon in the red jacket and after a decent start, which saw the Seamus Graham’s charge lead around the opening two bends, it looked as though favourite backers were going to score again. However, at this stage, both Katies Quadrigo and Power Of God were hot on the heels of Swift Marathon and it was at the penultimate bend when Katies Quadrigo (Westmead Hawk/ Give Some More) made her move. However, it wasn’t until the last couple of strides when Katies got her head in front, prevailing by a short head with Power Of God two further lengths away in third. The winning time of 29.98sec means that the first semi-final winner North Bound will be a hot favourite for next week’s Derby Plate final.
DERBY PLATE TRAP DRAW
1 POWER OF GOD
2 SWIFT MARATHON
3 RUTHLESS MAN
4 BEANY TUNES
5 NORTH BOUND (W)
6 KATIES QUADRIGO (W)
****************************************
DERBY SEMI-FINALS ON RTE NEWS NOW
The two semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby at Shelbourne on Saturday night will be shown live on the new RTE News Now station which is available on Saorview and is also available on www.rte.ie.
The programme will commence at approximately 9.50 with the two semi-finals due to go off at 10 pm and 10.15 pm.
The final, of course, will be shown live on Saturday week on RTE 2 between 8.30 and 9.30 pm.
It is also understood that the semi-finals and final will be shown live across the water on SIS Facts with the supporting races each night shown on SIS+.
****************************************
DONAL’S FIRST DOG A DERBY SEMI-FINALIST
Just imagine this scenario. You have been interested all your life in greyhounds but never really got involved, never even owned one.
Then years later you decide to buy a greyhound, Killbarry Rover, and suddenly you find yourself in the closing stages of the greatest greyhound event in the world, the Ladbrokes Irish Derby.
Enter Donal Ross from Dunmanway in West Cork. He’s such a man. “I was always interested in the dogs through a late uncle and I suddenly decided it was time to get involved. One night I met Tom O’Donovan in the local pub, he had bred a lot of good greyhounds, and I put my name down for two pups. So, I got a dog and a bitch off Free Kewell’s next litter to Westmead Hawk and that was the start”.
Donal has been heavily involved with trotting horses for many years and is one of the most feared trainers on the circuit. He won all the Grand Prix events. Suddenly, here he was the owner of two dogs, but he reckoned if he could train horses to trot, he could get greyhounds to race!
He hadn’t collected the dogs but one day received a call from Tom O’Donovan who instructed him to be in his yard before 1 pm on Thursday to pick out his dogs. “I said to him to pick out two for me, but he would have none of it and said, first in, first up. Anyway I went up there and this black dog came over and looked at me and I said I would have him. We then picked out a bitch as well”.
A PROPER TRAINER
Donal set about training his two new charges and the day arrived to bring them for a run around Banteer track. “I was told that the dog would qualify first time so we gave him his trials at Cork and he qualified easily.
We entered him for a sweepstake, he won on his debut in 28.99 and was beaten a short head in the final after missing his start. We put him into another stake and he won that in 29.06. Anyway, I said to Tom O’Donovan, ‘I don’t know enough about this game, this dog is too good for me, he deserves a proper trainer. So we picked out Graham Holland and here we are’.
Donal Ross has become totally engrossed in the whole greyhound process. Nicki Holland was asked some time ago if the dog would be for sale and she replied she doubted it as the owner never misses a trial or race.
Now Donal has two more greyhounds coming along in the background, the bug has well and truly set in! And he is mighty grateful to Jackie Hegarty who allows him use his gallops a few miles away in Drinagh.
Ross and his growing band of supporters will be at Shelbourne on Saturday cheering on their dog in the semi-final of the Derby but he realises more than anybody the huge task the dog faces from the draw. He’ll enjoy it win, lose or draw and will be back up again on final night.
****************************************
AN OFF-BEAT REFLECTION ON THE DERBY QUARTER FINAL ACTION
We learned many things over the course of the 2012 Ladbrokes Irish Derby but we became aware of two very special things last Saturday night when the quarter-finals were run at Shelbourne Park.
SUGAR COULD BE THE CURE FOR ALL EVILS!
As a kid my grandmother was a martyr for the sugar. As far as she was concerned the now demon produce was the cure of all cures and if you had anything ranging from a mild dose of sniffles to threatened pneumonia the remedy was invariably a few spoons of sugar in a hot whiskey, even simple boiled water or, better, mixed with honey.
My thoughts ran back to the late and much lamented Bridget Murphy on Saturday night in the aftermath of Tyrur Sugar Ray’s fantastic run in the last of the Derby quarter-finals. Up to my neck in the usual end of night rush in the commentary box at Shelbourne, the mobile rang shrilly about two minutes after Sugar Ray had become the third fastest 550 greyhound in history at Shelbourne and there I saw the Galway prefix displayed.
The voice at the other end was full of joy and obviously the sign of a very healthy man. “I had a terrible dose of ‘flu all week and I was afraid to travel but it disappeared after that dose of Sugar Ray, it is totally gone”.
Mrs Murphy and all the other grannies of that era were proved right yet again. Sugar was indeed the secret cure for the ‘flu!
Would you blame PJ Fahy for his excitement after seeing his expensive purchase totally justifying the deal in the exalted company of the Derby quarter-final? But this was a performance that we expected whenever this brilliant son of Top Honcho/ Maireads Fantasy drew the red jacket which is so vital to his level of performance.
He is as fast a greyhound as you could ever wish to see. Perhaps in time he will learn from sore experience not to be so inside-dependant, but in the meantime he is a dog to have on your side every time you see him bedecked in red.
We all know the brilliance of Skywalker Puma and he ran an absolute cracker in finishing a four and a half length runner-up on Saturday night. On the night, though, Sugar Ray was a class apart and has been deservedly slashed to favouritism for the Derby, in around the 5-2 mark generally.
He finally got the start right on Saturday but he will need to repeat that standard of trapping if he is to win the Derby this year. But what people are inclined to forget is that in his sensational first few races he was getting away fast and producing fast early splits. Perhaps he is finally settling and consistent starting will become a lethal part of his formidable armour?
Before we leave that amazing concluding heat a few others are worthy of a mention. Skywalker Puma continues to make his irresistible path to the final and his finishing pace makes him a formidable contender. He would also be a fourth Derby winner for Matt and Frances O’Donnell’s famed kennels in Killenaule.
Camas is a dog guaranteed a good draw as the only wide seed but he was slightly exposed on Saturday night last. He was one of my recommended each way prospects at 50-1 before the start while Skywalker Puma was one of my top four and Tyrur Sugar Ray was a member of the Young Dragons!
But if you have a notebook, jot the name of Razldazl Luke firmly into it. To refresh the memory, go to Racing and Results, log in and watch his quiet performance on Saturday when he made up an ocean of ground from the second bend to only lose out on qualifying by half a length. His record may read no win from nine but it doesn’t tell the entire story. A pity they don’t have “maiden” competitions in this country!
ECSTASY AND HORROR
There were so many big talking points on the night, it is difficult to put them all into order but we must now reflect on the shock elimination of the popular ante-post favourite Ballymac Vic. In many ways it was very sad to see him make his exit by a mere half length.
It was all down to the start and Ballymac Vic missed it. From here it was an uphill battle all the way as Graham Holland’s Killbarry Rover, Dolores Ruth’s Cuil Cougar and Marie Gilbert’s Dusseldorf battled it out up front. Cuil Cougar looked an assured winner until he was clipped by the challenging Killbarry on the fourth bend. Sudden mayhem, Cuil Cougar lost the lead but gamely battled on to finish a length second to Killbarry while Airforce Diva, only fifth but closing into the third bend, was just a half length back in third. Then there was a half length and a neck to Ballymac Vic and Tyrur Micko.
A classic example of ecstasy for some and horror for others but that is greyhound racing, indeed that is very much life itself. Speaking second hand, I understand that Killbarry Rover is the first dog ever owned by Graham Ross. It’s a story I must check out but what a start it is to an ownership career. The problem is, when you make such a start, how can you possibly improve on it?
GEORGE’S DOUBLE BID
With no greyhound ever managing to win two Irish Derbys – well, technically that is wrong as Spanish Battleship won two Derbys before he also claimed a third! – There is always huge interest in, and goodwill for any greyhound bidding for that so-elusive double.
So, the path of reigning champion Razldazl George through the Derby has really captured the public attention and he is certainly living up to his station. He produced another sterling effort on Saturday, even though he failed by a head to catch Droopys Jet in the first of the heats.
He was in trouble from traps as he was last of the five runners to hit the ground. Luckily, Newlawn Tock didn’t come in as dramatically as he can and George had enough room to make his room up the middle of the course.
Droopys Jet also failed to get away in his best manner but what impressed was the determination he displayed as he burst his way through a crowding field to hit the front halfway to the corner and he led around the bend from Newlawn Tock with Razldazl George a close third as Razldazl Apollo and Clydal Spirit bumped badly on the corner.
George looked close enough to catch Droopys Jet off the second bend but we were not considering the Newlawn factor. Mary Walsh’s game tracker raced hard down the back and held George at bay, forcing him to check slightly on the third bend.
But then turning for home George had a gap and set about catching the leader. We were served a terrific battle up the straight but Droopys Jet held George by a head in 29.77 with Newlawn Tock maintaining the dream a length away in third.
SAWPIT SO UNFORTUNATE
How unlucky was Dave Hunt not to get a run with Sawpit Sensation on Saturday? Imagine, he had travelled back and forth without a problem for the first three weeks and then arrived in Ireland safely for the fourth round action.
But a pre-arranged stop-off and a little nature-freshener off the lead turned into a disaster in the form of a nail torn from its socket. He had a marvellous chance of qualifying from Heat 2 and the way the race worked out he would have been a semi-finalist bar a major accident.
Anyway, we had just four runners and the fear of the connections of both Razldazl Bugatti and Confident Rankin was that Coolykereen Imp would impede their dog on the run-up. In the case of the favourite Confident Rankin the nightmare turned into reality.
Coolykereen Imp scorched out of the inside trap and John Byrne’s dog immediately veered to the middle as usual. On his route he brushed past Razldazl Bugatti and crashed into Confident Rankin, which looked set to give Owen McKenna and Jer Kerins a mighty crack at the Derby prize. He eventually lost out to Coolykereen for third spot by a head – and the bad news for connections of Skywalker Puma and Airforce Diva is that the Imp is on their immediate inside in trap two in the first semi-final!!!
The story of this race is easily told as Laughil Billy broke smartly from five and raced clear around the bend from Razldazl Bugatti. They were wide apart down the far side but Laughil Billy was always in command and he raced home a two and a half length winner from Razldazl Bugatti in 29.61 with Coolykereen Imp five and a half lengths third – just a head in front of the unfortunate Confident Rankin.
Laughil Billy has largely come under the radar through a progressive year and has suddenly caught the attention of the long-odds boys and girls. He is fifth favourite in the two lists I have so far (Power and Ladbrokes arrived in that order on Sunday) at 10-1 and 7-1 respectively and his draw in five in the second heat will do him no harm whatever.
Laughil is trained by Pat Guilfoyle for Pat Jennings and the son of Premier Fantasy is a January 10 whelp with a career record of 10 from 23. His last race before the Derby was when winning the €5,000 Con Kirby Memorial final at Limerick on June 29.
THE SEMI-FINAL FIGURES
By the way, with Razldazl Bugatti qualifying for the semis, it means that Dolores Ruth has three dogs in the last twelve, which is one better than a year ago! Both her runners reached the final then and proceeded to finish first and fifth in the final.
By the way, in the second semi last year Razldazl Bugatti and Coolykereen Imp came head to head and history has repeated itself. It’ll be just like olden times.
Naturally, Dolores Ruth has the strongest team numerically with three runners while Owen McKenna has two – and his pair clash in the first heat. What is particularly interesting is that seven of the twelve survivors hail from kennels that have previously trained at least one Irish Derby winner – Ruth, McKenna, O’Donnell and Fahy.
Fraser Black’s dream lives on as do those of his owners Laurence Blunt, Martin Wakefield and Paschal Taggart. The latter has previously shared in the Derby triumph of Dipmac but a birdie friend tells me that he won’t be able to make it next Saturday to the track due to his Captain’s Day duties! One wonders could he get leave of absence?
Folks, it has been some Derby!
****************************************
VIC OUT BUT SUGAR RAY SCORCHES THE SAND IN QUARTERS
We were served up another compulsive programme of racing at Shelbourne on Saturday night with the action in the quarter finals of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby particularly incredible.
It was a roller-coaster of highs and lows and ended with the most tremendous “high” as Conor Fahy’s young star Tyrur Sugar Ray proved just what he can do with a suitable draw as he scorched around to stop the clock in a sensational 29.29, just eight spots outside College Causeway’s “never to be beaten” trace record.
That was the crowning moment of the night but there were the lows for Liam Dowling as Derby favourite Ballymac Vic made his exit from the classic in Heat 3while other strongly fancied contenders to bite the dust included Dolores Ruth’s Razldazl Apollo in Heat 1 and Owen McKenna’s Confident Rankin in Heat 2.
DROOPYS BOUNCES BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Following two costly defeats in the previous two rounds, Fraser Black’s Droopys Jet (Slip The Lark/ Droopys Mo) came right back to top form when winning the first quarter final.
He still didn’t flash out of traps and was involved in early crowding which affected the five runners – Stay Thirsty was withdrawn.
But Droopys Jet forced his way though and led into the bend from Newlawn Tock with Derby champion Razldazl George forcing his way into third place on the bend. But the latter’s chance of winning the race was really dictated by Newlawn Tock, which was defiant in not letting him pass before the third bend.
Already at this stage Droopys Jet looked an assured winner but he had to pull out all the stops to hold off the late charge of George – which got past Newlawn turning for home – by a rapidly diminishing head in 29.77 with Newlawn Tock a length back in third.
PAT’S LAUGHIL BILLY HAS THE LAST LAUGH
Just four went to traps in the second heat with Broadstrand Lad and Sawpit Sensation absentees but it still turned into a messy race.
The problem was caused as anticipated by the inside runner Coolykereen Imp’s tendency to run wide. He repeated it here, got across Razldazl Bugatti but ploughed into the favourite Confident Rankin.
While this was happening the Pat Guilfoyle trained Laughil Billy (Premier Fantasy/ Laughill Lass) had broken well and swept to the lead on the run up and comfortably cleared the bend from Razldazl Bugatti with Coolykereen Imp in third.
Once Laughill Billy led into the back in this race he was never going to be beaten and he maintained a wide course down the far side before racing home a two and a half length winner from Razldazl Bugatti in 29.61 with Coolykereen Imp some five and a half lengths third, just a head in front of Confident Rankin.
KILBARRY THE ONE AS FAVOURITE VIC EXITS
If there were early incidents in the second heat, there were bigger late incidents in the third qualifier.
The likelihood had been there once Ballymac Vic missed the kick that the ante-post favourite would struggle and so it materialised. Actually he was only fourth to the bend as Cuil Cougar, Dusseldorf and Killbarry Rover raced up and that was the order into the back.
Cuil Cougar continued to lead down the far side with Killbarry Rover going second, just ahead of Dusseldorf and an improving Ballymac Vic. Airforce Diva was also striving to make contact at this point. Then disaster struck as Killbarry appeared to clip the leader on the fourth bend and suddenly the field came together.
The Graham Holland trained Killbarry Rover (Westmead Hawk/ Free Kewell) survived the trouble best to lead up the straight and he won by a length from Cuil Cougar in 29.97 with Airforce Diva finishing third, half a length in front of Ballymac Vic.
SENSATIONAL SUGAR RAY FLIES HOME
The final heat always looked a bit special in advance with the positioning of Tyrur Sugar Ray on the inside the really interesting feature. But Camas and Skywalker Puma were other major fancies.
Conor Fahy’s Tyrur Sugar Ray (Top Honcho/ Maireads Fantasy) came away racing from the inside and led up from Camas. Once in front we knew the race was as good as over and he stormed clear down the far side. It was an awesome display with Skywalker Puma moving strongly to go second on the third bend.
Tyrur Sugar Ray, giving an exhibition of tight railing, powered up the straight to win by four and a half lengths from Skywalker Puma in a near record 29.29 with Camas a four length third. It was a performance that generated a massive buzz in the well filled stadium – one you always associate with a very special performance.
1st Semi-Final.
T1: RAZLDAZL BUGATTI
T2: COOLYKEREEN IMP
T3: SKYWALKER PUMA
T4: AIRFORCE DIVA (m)
T5: LAUGHIL BILLY (m)
T6: CAMAS (w)
2nd Semi-Final
T1: TYRUR SUGAR RAY
T2: CUIL COUGAR
T3: DROOPYS JET
T4: RAZLDAZL GEORGE
T5: KILLBARRY ROVER
T6: NEWLAWN TOCK
****************************************
SAWPIT A LATE DERBY WITHDRAWAL
Despite the fact that Sawpit Sensation travelled overnight to Ireland, he will not run in tonight’s second quarter final of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby.
Apparently the dog was let loose in a paddock to freshen up but in a freak accident pulled a nail from its socket. A veterinary examination ruled him out of tonight’s action. It is a dreadful pity that the solitary UK challenger, owned and trained by Dave Hunt, should make his exit in such a manner.
Already withdrawn from the second heat was Broadstrand Lad.
The line-up for this qualifier now reads: 1 Coolykereen Imp; 2 Vacant; 3 Razldazl Bugatti; 4 Confident Rankin; 5 Laughil Billy (m); 6 Vacant.
****************************************
JET CAN BE A DERBY QUARTER FINAL BANKER
The twelve semi-final places in the Ladbrokes Irish Derby will be decided at Shelbourne tonight when a fantastic night’s racing is anticipated in the quarter-finals. There are tremendous clashes lined up in all four contests with Droopys Jet in the opening heat the idea of the night’s safest wager.
Just 22 dogs will go traps following the withdrawal of Stay Thirsty and Broadstrand Lad but it makes the task of the punters not a bit easier. Stand by for some terrific racing and perhaps some major surprises also.
Heat 1 – DROOPYS CAN MAKE AMENDS HERE
Even though he failed to justify favouritism in his last two outings, Champion Stakes winner DROOPYS JET is sure to be a clear favourite in this heat. If he gets off to a normal slick start then he should be halfway to victory.
His obvious danger is the reigning Derby champion Razldazl George who has come back to top form at just the right time. He is going up better than in early season and is a very strong stayer. However, George may not be helped by Newlawn Tock on his outside as this dog can fly from traps but will seek an inside route. George’s younger kennel companion Razldazl Apollo is an exciting prospect improving by the run and is perfectly housed. Clydal Spirit is at big odds but the western bitch doesn’t know how to run a bad race and will be staying strongly. Suggestion: This is Droopys Jet’s stage to make his Derby claim with George sure to be close by.
Heat 2 – CONFIDENT MUST GET IT RIGHT EARLY
CONFIDENT RANKIN is a leading Derby fancy and will be a strong favourite here he but will need to do everything right.
A fine early pacer with the ability to also come from behind, he has two noted early pacers on his inside. Cooleykereen Imp can fly out and always moves wide in the early yards. Trap two is vacant but Razldazl Bugatti in three is one of the best early pacers in the business. He is also showing signs of coming back to his top form. There will be plenty of support for Laughil Billy which has a lovely draw and has all-smashing round pace. The slow starting UK challenger Sawpit Sensation is arguably the best drawn dog in the race and he will be finishing fastest though he will likely struggle early.
Suggestion: Rankin has a tough best but should surmount it.
Heat 3 – GO WITH VIC BUT NOT AT VERY SHORT ODDS
BALLY MAC VIC is a very deserving Derby favourite but there are no easy tasks remaining in this classic. He is normally a very slick starter and he needs a repeat performance to clear Killbarry Rover and Cuil Cougar to the bend.
If he does, he wins. Killbarry is running out of his skin and is drawn to run a big race. But Cuil Cougar is more formidable with his big early pace and he is bang in-form. He is capable of pressing the favourite all the way. A similar comment could be applied to Airforce Diva. She can be a little up and down but she will appreciate the outside and can either fly out or finish powerfully. Tyrur Micko ran a lifetime best last week when chasing home Ballymac and is improving all the time. Dusseldorf is a classy sort but faces a mighty test.
Suggestion: Ballymac has all the talents and if he puts them together he will oblige again.
Heat 4 – SUGAR RAY CAN TURN OVER PUMA AND CAMAS
It should be the race of the night and the betting heat of the night with all six likely to attract support.
Brilliantly fast Skywalker Puma is on a hat-trick and while he packs a huge punch from halfway he may have too many to pass from this draw but looks guaranteed to qualify. Camas is perfectly drawn as a natural wide. A smart start will see him to the fore and he is very strong at the finish. Highly promising youngster TYRUR SUGAR RAY has been running blinders from very unfavourable outside draws but he is very well housed this time and he is extremely strong with huge pace. Razldazl Luke is improving with each run and, while still a maiden, he is likely to be very much involved. Cesarewitch winner Subway Ruth has been flying out so far in the classic and will take beating but the early paced Danmar Benny has a massive task, though he is likely to be one of the early leaders.
Suggestion: Sugar Ray to hold off Puma.
****************************************
NOW THE DERBY IS DOWN TO 22
The withdrawal of Broadstrand Lad from the second quarter final of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby at Shelbourne on Saturday night means that just 22 remain in pursuit of the premier Irish classic.
Trainer John Linehan yesterday notified the Racing Office that his terrific veteran had sustained a hairline fracture of the hock and will not be able to continue in the classic. Indeed, given his age, he may well have run his last race.
His absence from the two box means the line-up for the heat now is: 1 Coolykereen Imp; 2 Vacant; 3 Razldazl Bugatti; 4 Confident Rankin; 5 Laughil Billy (m); 6 Sawpit Sensation (m).
Earlier in the week Stay Thirsty was withdrawn from the opening heat.
****************************************
SUGAR RAY ATTRACTS SUPPORT
The most common comment after the draw was made for the quarter final of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby concerned the fact that Tyrur Sugar Ray had at last drawn the inside trap which he so badly needs to be seen at his best.
It was therefore no surprise to learn that the sponsors were inundated with support for the Conor Fahy trained prospect and the response has been a cut in his outright odds from 25-1 to 14-1 and from a massive 7-1 for his heat to 4-1, which still looks very reasonable value in Heat 4.
The other changes in Ladbrokes betting is to extend Ballymac Vic to 2-1 outright and Subway Ruth from 28 to 33-1.
In the heat betting on the last qualifier, Skywalker Puma 6-4 from 11-10 while Razldazl Luke, Danmar Benny and Subway Ruth have all been extended.
****************************************
INJURED THIRSTY OUT OF LADBROKES DERBY
Robert Gleeson has withdrawn his rapidly improving young tracker Stay Thirsty from the first quarter final of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby to be run a Shelbourne on Saturday.
The dog sustained a knock on his wrist last weekend and veterinary advice was to give the dog a break and not to run him next weekend.
The son of Royal Impact and Forest Swallow, owned by the Drinking Machines Syndicate, was due to contest the opening heat from trap six.
His absence now means that the line-up will be: 1 Razldazl Apollo; 2 Clydal Spirit; 3 Droopys Jet; 4 Razldazl George; 5 Newlawn Tock; 6 Vacant.
****************************************
VIC STORMS TO VICTORY AS MAESTRO MAKES EXIT
We anticipated fireworks at Shelbourne on Saturday and they duly materialised in the third round of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby.
Ballymac Vic was again the star of the session as he scorched to the bend and won the concluding heat in a brilliant 29.44. But a number of stars bade farewell to their Derby hopes as the likes of Sparta Maestro, Tynwald Bolt, Barefoot Allstar, Dragon Shield, Droopys Cain, Tibetan Skies, Cabra Millie, Razldazl Rioga and Crossfield Star all bit the dusty.
Heat 1 - LETHAL COUGAR STRIKES
Cuil Cougar claimed the first victory of his Derby campaign when producing a superb display of front running in the opening heat. In what was billed as perhaps the most competitive contest of the Derby thus far, Cuil Cougar always seemed to have the measure of his formidable rivals.
Barefoot Allstar was fastest into stride, closely followed by Cuil Cougar, but the former lost his footing after twenty five yards as he came in contact with his rival. Cuil Cougar suddenly shot clear with Stay Thirsty moving second.
The latter looked a threat entering the back straight only two lengths down, but Cuil Cougar never faltered, maintaining a powerful gallop throughout to hold his advantage all the way to the line. The Dolores Ruth trained star emerged a most impressive two length scorer over the gallant Stay Thirsty in a smart 29.62.
British raider Sawpit Sensation moved third down the far side and maintained that position throughout to finish a further length adrift. The big name casualties in this contest included Tynwald Bolt and the aforementioned Barefoot Allstar.
Heat 2 – APOLLO COMES GOOD
Dolores Ruth completed a quick heat double when Razldazl Apollo (Forest Master/ Forest Daisy) won the second heat which was reduced to four runners due to the withdrawal of Tyrur Justin and Star Head.
Apollo hadn’t broken well in the two previous rounds but he got it spot on this time, further proof that the Ruth runners are coming bang into form at just the right time. Apollo came away well and led around the bend from Dusseldorf and Clydal Spirit.
Down the back Razldazl pulled clear while the battle was now on for second. Clydal Spirit got the better of Dusseldorf at the third bend and then set about catching the leader. The bitch, though, checked wide outside the leader off the final bend and that manoeuvre was probably costly.
But Apollo is a very strong stayer and he wasn’t giving in easily. He raced on gamely to the line to win by a length and a half from the gallant Clydal Spirit in 29.69 with Dusseldorf some five lengths back in third.
Heat 3 – FLYING ROVER AS SPARTA EXITS
The betting on the third heat was very much about two dogs, Sparta Maestro and Airforce Diva but one can always expect some shock results in the third round and this was the first of them.
Diva came away well from four but was joined on the run-up by Graham Holland’s Killbarry Rover (Westmead Hawk/ Free Kewell) and Sparta Maestro. Lolos Joe moved second at the sprint box with Diva in third and Sparta now fourth.
Sparta closed into the third bend but here he appeared to get unbalanced and dropped back to fifth. Up front, though, Killbarry Rover was moving along impressively and he stormed home a two and a half length winner in 29.54. Lolos Joe faded rapidly on the run-in and lost out on qualifying as Airforce Diva came back for second a length in front of Razldazl Luke which came from the back to claim third, just holding the renewed run of Sparta Maestro by a neck.
Heat 4 – BY GEORGE, HE IS BACK
A brilliant night for Dolores Ruth and the Dazzling Syndicate got even better in Heat 4 when reigning Derby champion Razldazl George (Kinloch Brae/ Kinloch Pearl) gave further evidence that he is right back to top form.
Subway Ruth was first to hit the ground and she led up narrowly from Dragon Shield and Razldazl George which were disputing second place. As Cesarewitch winner over 600 yards, Subway Ruth was always going to take some beating and she continued to set a strong pace down the back from George with Broadstrand Lad now in third.
Razldazl George loves the inside and he poked his way up the inside of the leader on the third bend and showed in front around the bottom bends. He then ran on strongly to win by a length and a half from Subway Ruth in 29.77 with the strong finishing veteran Broadstrand Lad just a short head third.
Heat 5 – THE IMP LEAVES THEM STANDING
We were served up another shock in Heat 5 where James Byrne’s Coolykereen Imp (Rumble Impact/ Lady Leona) absolutely bombed away from the inside trap and led up from Sawdust Terry, the pair well clear of the pack.
Down the back Coolykereen opened up a big gap, at least five lengths, from Sawdust Terry with Newlawn Tock now challenging for second ahead of Droopys Cain.
Coolykereen was really flying up front and maintaining a very healthy advantage around the bottom bends as the field closed up in behind. As soon as he turned for home Coolykereen Imp’s stride began to shorten and the field started to close rapidly.
However Coolykereen held on to the line where he had three parts of a length in hand in 29.82. Tyrur Sugar Ray flew up the inside rail to take second by a short head from Newlawn Tock with Tibetan Skies and Droopys Cain making their exit.
Heat 6 – VIC SHOWS WHY HE IS FAVOURITE
The clash of flying bitch Cabra Millie and Derby favourite Ballymac Vic was expected to be the highlight of the night but it never materialised as the Oaks runner-up completely missed the kick on the inside while Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Vic left traps like a scalded cat and had the race sewn up early.
Cabra’s difficulties were made even worse when she collided with Lahern Dancer on the opening bend and she was out of contention. Up front it was Ballymac Vic (Kinloch Brae/ Ballymac Vicky) that had opened up a four length lead by the second bend with Toms Brett in second and Tyrur Micko now third.
There was never a hope of Ballymac surrendering the advantage and he galloped on most impressively to show just why he is the Derby favourite. He stopped the clock in a flying 29.44. In behind Tyrur Micko, which had moved second into the third bend, ran a huge race to be a four lengths second and it was a length to the staying Laughil Billy in third.
Heat 7 – RANKIN LEADS A MCKENNA 1-2
The betting suggested that this would be an Owen McKenna dominated race with his two runners Confident Rankin and Camas dictating the betting ahead of Razldazl Rioga.
That’s how it worked out but really it was all about Confident Rankin (Premier Fantasy/ Swift Rush) as he bombed out of the inside trap and led from Razldazl Rioga and Danmar Benny. Danmar was in second by the bend while Camas moved third round the corner.
Confident Rankin was out clear down the back and clearly the winner. Maintaining his powerful stride, Confident Rankin raced on to win by four lengths in 29.66. Camas moves second on the run-in and finished two and a half lengths in front of Danmar Benny.
Heat 8 – PUMA POWERS HOME YET AGAIN
This was a race that turned around on the second bend and ended up with Frances O’Donnell’s Skywalker Puma running out a decisive winner in 29.75.
Droopys Jet was the favourite but he missed the start and looked to be on his way out of the classic as he struggled back in fifth to the bend. Cian Jamie had flown out of the five box and led up from Crossfield Star.
The field had closed up by the second bend when Cian Jamie appeared to stumble and Crossfield Star ran into him. Suddenly it was Razldazl Bugatti out front and he led into the back from Skywalker Puma with Droopys Jet now in third place and closing into the third bend.
Already it was apparent that Skywalker Puma (Royal Impact/ Dianas Ranger) was poised for another victory and he stormed to the front out wide on the run-in and had two and a half lengths in hand of Razldazl Bugatti at the line in 29.75. With Droopys Jet three parts of a length back in third.
****************************************
A NIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS AT SHELBOURNE
The third round draw for the Ladbrokes Irish Derby has provided us with the prospect of the night of all nights at Shelbourne on Saturday. Some of the most incredible clashes are lined up in a host of races and it really is a programme that every greyhound enthusiast craves for. Stand by for a succession of epic performances.
Heat 1: Allstar May Lead All The Way
This is a race that can be divided into two categories. We have the early pacers in BAREFOOT ALLSTAR and Cuil Cougar and they could have a terrific battle. Scottish Derby winner Barefoot appears to be getting stronger by the week and he may win the dash to the bend thanks to his inside draw. He will then take catching while Cuil Cougar won’t be easily overhauled either. Stay Thirsty has been known to go up well but he has been finishing strongly in the early rounds. Finishing pace abounds and Tynwald Bolt burst on the Derby scene last week but eased alarmingly into the opening bend. He cannot afford a repeat of that in this competitive affair while the UK challenger Sawpit Sensation will also fly home from the rear. Don’t be surprised if Melodys Lucky puts up a very forward show as he is a strong runner on a rapid upgrade.
Suggestion: Barefoot may clear the corner and then it will be a case of catch me if you can.
Heat 2: Apollo – If He Can Leave Traps
Just four will go to traps here in the absence of both Tyrur Justin’s and Star Head and this could provide the flying youngster RAZLDAZL APOLLO with vital early space. He will be travelling hard all the way. The Roscommon bitch Clydal Spirit was somewhat unlucky last week but did create her own problems by moving off the rail on the run-in. She will be prominent all and the prices being quoted by the firms are an insult to her ability! Dusseldorf is drawn to run a big race and has probably the best early gears in this field if he can make a reasonable start. Head For Fame goes up fast and has only one to beat to reach the quarters.
Suggestion: The size of the field could be just ideal for Razldazl.
Heat 3: Maestro Again But Not At 2-5, Thank You.
Our old friend SPARTA MAESTRO is making up for an interrupted first half of the season. He displayed his sensational pace last week and he has the draw to again lead them all home. But the quotes of 2-5 are a joke with the likes of the brilliant Airforce Diva in the opposition. She can go up fast and is also a powerful finisher. Razldazl Luke has yet to win but it is only a question of when. He is an improving young dog with huge potential and is well housed. Also drawn well is Killbarry Rover, a strong staying second last week. Lolos Joe is Mr Consistency but faces a tough task as does the talented youngster Forest Ralph.
Suggestion: Maestro to see of Diva but it could be oh so close.
Heat 4: Revitalised Champ Can March On
If I ever saw a what you could call a “keep your hands in your pockets contest”, this is it. Six dogs with an absolute craving for the inside is the recipe for disaster. Young early pacer Dragon Shield would be expected to lead but he will move immediately for the rail and it is a long way across from six. Reigning champion RAZLDAZL GEORGE goes from five and would also prefer the rail but he showed his old dash last week. Cesarewitch winner Subway Ruth also favours an inside route and led all last week. Tyrur Domingo in the white jacket is a ridiculous long price and he can go up fast. An Tochar Master will need to turn in a super effort to figure but the veteran Broadstrand Lad, while yet to show that he is as good as a year ago, will appreciate the inside slot and could have the run of the race.
Suggestion: The ultimate in tricky contests but Razldazl if you must.
Heat 5: Can Tock Slip The Field Again?
The consistent early pace is supplied by Coolykereen Imp and NEWLAWN TOCK and the first bend leader could be away and gone. Coolykereen was never allowed to dominate last week after an ordinary start but he can fly out and he moves to the middle early. Southern hotpot Newlawn Tock has taken well to the circuit and another fast start could see him clear down the back. He might need all the advantage he can get. Tyrur Sugar Ray is a young star crying out for the inside but I have no doubt there is a massive run coming from him. The same can be said about Droopys Cain, already established as one of the fastest dogs in training but struggling badly to the bend recently. He will be motoring home. None will finish faster than Tibetan Skies and he is drawn to run a big one. Consistent Sawdust Terry is in top form but may need an extra gear or two here.
Suggestion: Go with the early pace by way of Newlawn.
Heat 6: It’s Vic But Millie Is A Big Danger
Another case of ridiculous advance betting with BALLYMAC VIC at 4-9 with Cabra Millie drawn on his inner! Ballymac hasn’t flown out in his two Derby outings but is capable of doing so and if he does, he wins. But beware, Cabra Millie is in the form of her life, has excellent early and is inclined to move a little to her right to the bend. Hopefully there is no clash between them but if there is, Laughill Billy is an obvious alternative. Here’s an improving young dog with buckets of pace. Toms Brett goes up well and stays while Tyrur Micko and Lahern Dancer are very useful but really do face very tough tasks.
Suggestion: He is a deserving Derby favourite but Ballymac must do everything right.
Heat 7: Wide Running Camas Can Benefit
Owen McKenna’s kennel companions Confident Rankin and CAMAS can battle this out along with Razldazl Rioga which won the Laurels and has excellent early pace. Confident Rankin loves the inside and has no problem early but can he get a clear run to the bend? Danmar Benny, in the blue, also goes up fast and is strong. Razldazl Rioga hasn’t sparkled in his two runs but has brilliant early and must be involved. Camas, on the other hand, is a very wide runner but goes up well and is very strong home. Ferdia Oscar is an absentee and this extra space will allow Slick Seattle vital space to make full use of his massive gears. He is far from being a no-hoper.
Suggestion: Camas is alsmost guaranteed a dream clear run.
Heat 8: Droopys Can Jet Home This Time
Another mouth-watering clash in this re-enactment of last week’s classic. Skywalker Puma got up late then to beat DROOPYS JET and will again be motoring from halfway. This time Jet can come out on top. His early pace can see him lead up along with last year’s finalist Razldazl Bugatti and then kick on down the back. Skywalker will be flying home but may not have as clear a passage this time. Tyrur Wozniacki can fly out but will dive inwards. Cian Jamie is another with early but has a tough test. That leaves us with dual heat winner Crossfield Star, ideally housed, good early and a powerful stayer. A threat to all, especially if there is any bother on the inside.
Suggestion: Droopys may not let the advantage slip this time.
THE TASTY ALTERNATIVES
Everybody loves an outsider and here are a couple that could get involved in the finish at very fancy prices. They could be just the types to stick into All Ways Trios.
* Clydal Spirit 6-1 Ladbrokes
* Tyrur Domingo 12-1 Ladbrokes
* Slick Seattle 12-1 Ladbrokes
* Crossfield Star 8-1 Ladbrokes
****************************************
NORTH BOUND SCORCHES HOME IN THE PLATE
The Ladbrokes Derby Plate got off to a flying start at Shelbourne on Thursday when the Niall Dunne trained North Bound (Head Bound/ No Joke Sherry) produced a scorching run as he won Heat 2 in 29.46.
Owned by Fr Dan “Sand Man” Greene, North Bound flew to the bend in front of fast starting Fridays Carroll but quickly opened up a sizeable gap. It was obvious he was doing a flying run as he won by three and a half lengths from the staying Deanridge Viking with Heady Days a length and a half third.
There was another flying run from the John McGee trained Ruthless Man (Top Honcho/ Hillcroft Josie) which produced his best ever run when winning the opening heat in 29.60. He flashed out of the two box, just took the bend from Eabhas Fantasy and then began to ease ahead. He stretched that advantage by the line to six lengths with Airforce Harlem coming through to finish second, three and a half lengths in front of Eabhas Fantasy.
Last year’s Derby final favourite Rockchase Bullet (Westmead Hawk/ Droopys Bubble) finally came back to form when winning the concluding Heat 6 in 29.75. He won the dash to the bend from Power Of God and led by a couple of lengths into the back. He extended the advantage from there and ran out a three and a half length winner from Power Of God with Fairway Fusion a staying two and a half lengths third.
PAUL’S PROSPECT
Paul Hennessy has a nice young tracker in recently purchased Hot Pursuit (Big Daddy Cool/ Linger) which won the fifth heat in 29.78.
He popped smartly out of the inside box and led up from Airforce Frankie and Puddens Lad. The latter moved second down the back but could make no impact as Hot Pursuit ran out a four length winner from Puddens Lad with Airforce Frankie a length and a half third.
The third heat was a really tight affair with Mays Milan cutting out the early running until headed before the third bend by Allen Master with Barefoot Duke in close attendance. Marie Gilbert’s Allen Master (Forest Master/ Forest Daisy) then held the big late effort of Barefoot Duke by a head in 30.02 with Drumurrrer Vixen a fast finishing length third.
Francis McCullagh’s Katies Quadrigo (Westmead Hawk/ Give Some More) was a game winner of Heat 4 in 30.01. She led from traps but was headed on the bend by the tight railing favourite Swift Marathon which led by a length and a half into the back. But Katies Quadrigo rallied to lead again at the third bend and she won by three parts of a length from Swift Marathon in 30.01 with Beany Tunes a length third.
****************************************
DERBY PLATE COMMENCES AT SHELBOURNE
The Derby Plate has become an integral part of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby Festival at Shelbourne and this year’s event kicks off this Thursday with some highly interesting contests.
Pick of the bunch must be the final heat where high profile runners Power Of God and Rockchase Bullet are opposed by the up and coming stars Exocet and Jimmy Boy.
Produce Stakes winner Power Of God is well housed in one but will need to get one of his flying starts if he is to figure in this contest. Ronan O’Shea’s Exocet is a very interesting runner and if he can repeat last Saturday’s 28.32 trial effort he will take some beating.
The fifth heat is another tricky contest but Hot Pursuit’s inside draw makes him a very interesting proposition. Airforce Frankie is clearly the one to beat but Pursuit loves the inside and will be flying home.
Owen McKenna also has Airforce Harlem in the opening heat and he ran very well in the Derby and might just oblige here from Eabhas Fantasy and Ruthless Man at a nice price.
****************************************
A OFF-BEAT LOOK AT THE LADBROKES IRISH DERBY 2ND ROUND
One thing you can be sure of every night of Ladbrokes Irish Derby action at Shelbourne Park � there will be plenty of talking points and last Thursday�s first session of the second round was no exception.
Following the first round the Tyrur veterans grabbed many of the highlights and it was very sad to see the two great champions bow out of the Derby in the second round. McGuigan was a little unlucky as he was caught by Brian Macklin�s Star Head in the final stride for third place in Heat 8. His problems had commenced with a totally mistimed start from trap four.
Victory in the race went to the Owen McKenna trained Confident Rankin as he overhauled Razldazl Bugatti on the third bend to win in 29.93.
Just two heats earlier Tyrur Big Mike literally didn�t lift a leg in Heat 6 and finished last. It was totally untypical of the great dog and it was no surprise to learn that the dog is injured again with a recurrence of his TFL problem. What a servant he has been and the Derby is a poorer place without him.
Big Mike�s race was won by Subway Ruth, a bitch that has come right back to form in the Derby and was in her Cesarewitch winning form when leading home the heavily gambled Killbarry Rover by a length and a half in 29.67. She has been a terrific servant to owner Alan Dunne and trainer Francie Murray and she could well go on another round as she is capable of at least qualifying from Heat 4 on Saturday.
BITCHES TO THE FORE
A number of bitches are running particularly well in the Derby and another to have come right back to top form at just the right time is the Owen McKenna trained Airforce Diva.
She lost her form somewhat in mid-summer but she has put in two terrific runs in this classic and was hugely impressive as she posted Thursday�s best time of 29.58.
While mentioning Airforce Diva it would be unfair not to mention the influence yet again of the Gallivan Murphy �Hooper-Dolan Juvenile Classic at Tralee. In the few years of its existence it has become a fantastic classic trial and in this year�s final Airforce Diva was the winner in 28.32 while Ballymac Vic was third after being involved in crowding. Droopys Cain was knocked over on the first bend in the semi-final.
McKenna has a very strong hand in the Derby for he also has Confident Rankin, Camas and Tibetan Skies and all four can go a long way yet! Confident Rankin, which is owned by Jer Kerins from Castleisland, completed a quick double when winning the last heat on Thursday from Razldazl Bugatti.
The second round commenced with Lolos Joe producing another very solid performance as he finished strongly to win from Lahern Dancer. Next up was Heat 2 which involved many of the top young prospects and turned into a somewhat unsatisfactory affair.
Pat Buckley�s Dragon Shield has always looked special and he is gradually finding his early high level of performance. He has smashing early and led all the way in Heat 2 but he was being hauled back as Clydal Spirit, Allen Master and Tyrur Sugar Ray closed in the straight. Then Clydal moved off the rail to challenge on the outside of Dragon Shield but in doing so hampered Allen Master. Tyrur Sugar Ray also suffered but he retained most momentum and came through to grab second spot ahead of Clydal Spirit. Allen Master was a little unlucky and we got another example of how badly the budding star Tyrur Sugar Ray wants a rails draw.
STAR VALUE OF THE ROUND
Brendan O�Shea�s Crossfield Star was the value of the round at 4-1 in Heat 3 where his draw was absolutely perfect.
But the talking point was Tibetan Skies which appeared to be out of the classic after first bend trouble. However he somehow got back into the race again, displaying phenomenal pace down the far side, and snatched the third spot. Some night Eimear Coffey�s dog is going to do everything right and when he does the result could be sensational.
The other big topic on Thursday was the winning performance of Ballymac Vic in Heat 4. His connections and supporters must have missed a few heart beats when Vic missed the start and the young bitch Tyrur Wozniacki absolutely flew to the bend. She dived across from five and comfortably got to the rail.
But Ballymac moved up rapidly and tracked Wozniacki into the bend. She is a tight railer but somehow Ballymac got up her inside on the bend and then shot clear into the back. From here it was all Ballymac and he ran out a three and a half length winner from Wozniacki in 29.62. It was the performance of a likely Derby winner.
Fifteen minutes later we awaited the Derby favourite Droopys Jet as he contested Heat 5. The obvious danger was Skywalker Puma but he would surely be too far adrift of the favourite into the back straight?
Droopys Jet came away fast and went clear to the bend. Here two things occurred, firstly Droopys appeared to check slightly while Puma dashed through a gaping gap to move second. Suddenly we had a totally different ball game. When Droopys Jet checked again on the third bend the initiative was exchanged and Frances O�Donnell�s Skywalker Puma flew up to grab a three parts of a length margin in 29.70.
I recall the day of the National Greyhound Awards presentation in the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone earlier in the year and Matt O�Donnell hinted to me that he had a �real Derby dog�. He is not often mistaken and Ray Patterson�s son of Royal Impact and Dianas Ranger could be a real Derby dog.
HE IS A MAESTRO
Going back to last September we said that Sparta Maestro could be the Derby winner of 2012 and, while his season started slowly, it has picked up tempo dramatically in the past few weeks.
He was quite awesome on Saturday night when winning Heat 14 in 29.43. Yet Sparta only hit the front at halfway but went into overdrive. By the line he was an astonishing eight lengths clear of Sawdust Terry in 29.43. It was an incredible effort and illustrated what a powerful dog he is over this trip � and imagine what he would be like over 575!
We have referred to the big role being played by the bitches this year and the leading lady is undoubtedly Graham Holland�s Oaks runner-up Cabra Millie. Last week she became the fastest bitch ever over Shelbourne�s 550 distance when winning in 29.60. In the meantime Airforce Diva had clocked 29.58 to assume that honour.
Cabra let her pace do the talking on Saturday in the very last of the second round heats as she scorched around in 29.50. The 550 yards is in her element and she is thriving on it. Yet, we now find the sponsors going 4-9 Ballymac Vic to beat her in Heat 6 on Saturday! He�ll likely win but you won�t have many takers at that price on such a potential cliff-hanger.
Who would have thought that we would have reached the 37th heat of the Derby before we had the first heat winner trained by Dolores Ruth. In the first round I tipped her to have a four-timer in one of the sessions. So, it was pretty appropriate that it was her 2011 Derby hero Razldazl George that set the 2012 officially in motion for the Rathangan Kennels.
The dash was back as he split Barefoot Allstar and Razldazl Rioga to the first bend and then his famed power came into play as he hit the front passing the 750 box and raced on to win by two and a half lengths from Barefoot in 29.83 with Razldazl Rioga in third. Now that he has resumed winning ways, one wonders can he improve further to become a genuine contender to repeat last year�s victory?
Just two races later Dolores had missed out on her first winner when Cuil Cougar was beaten after a thrilling battle with Camas. This was one of the best buckles of the Derby to date as they raced neck and neck, though separated by the width of the track, and it was only around the bottom bends that Owen McKenna�s strong racer forged ahead of Cuil Cougar. A real Derby thriller.
The Saturday night Derby action kicked off with a very smart victory for Pat Guilfoyle�s Laughil Billy. This dog has been kept under the radar but had looked good when winning the Con Kirby Memorial at Limerick. He has transferred that level of form to Shelbourne and has probably come on by a length or two also but he is a dog with a lovely dash of early pace and plenty by way of stamina. Certainly not a no-hoper.
A BOLT FROM TERRY
My old friend Terry Corden and his trainer Michael O�Donovan have experienced Derby heartbreak in the past, mainly on the coursing field with the likes of Matt Hyland and Tynwald Smokey.
Nottingham Track promoter Corden did share in an English Derby success with Patsy Byrne when Ballinderry Ash won the 1991 final and he is now entitled to dream again after Tynwald Bolt�s powerful performance in winning Heat 10 in 29.63.
This performance oozed power and pace as he checked badly into the first bend but then went into overdrive down the far side to take it up from Tyrur Justin before going on to win by five lengths. If this fellow can just step up on his starting he could be a genuine Derby fancy.
I had often wondered why we hadn�t seen Newlawn Tock in action at Shelbourne. He had proved himself to be one of the best trackers on the southern circuit with a terrific strike rate for owner Mary Walsh and trainer John Cusack. I chatted with his owner as she made her way out for the presentation of the Red Mills Open 550 trophy at Tralee on the Night of Champions and I was delighted to see him in the entry for the Derby.
He had won a fleet of Getting Out Opens at Curraheen and has won the Curraheen Derby Qualifier in 2011 and then the 2012 version at Tralee. The son of Black Shaw proved that he can also perform in the highest level when winning Heat 11 where he won from the rapidly rising puppy Razldazl Luke and the slow starting favourite Sawpit Sensation in a smart 29.71.
In contrast Danny Potter�s Danmar Benny is a Shelbourne regular and this fellow has led and beaten some of the best of them. He did so again as he was too good to the corner for Coolykereen Imp in Heat 12 and went on for an easy victory in 30.04. He is hardly going to win a Derby but this strongly made tracker won�t be taken lightly in any company.
By the way, it was terrific to see common sense being applied by the Shelbourne management on Saturday night as they made it clear from early in the night that racing would be halted to allow people watch the John Joe Nevin Olympic Final in total comfort. It was much appreciated by all and an example of how major sporting events should be treated.
****************************************
SPARTA SIZZLES IN LADBROKES SECOND ROUND
After being held up a few times this season, last year’s Puppy Derby winner Sparta Maestro has really come back to top form at the perfect time. He turned on the power when producing a brilliant 28.43 in winning Heat 14 of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby at Shelbourne on Saturday. We also saw a brilliant 29.50 run from Graham Holland’s Cabra Millie in winning the final heat.
It was a terrific night’s racing in front of a hugely appreciative crowd and the buzz around the place was quite exceptional, aided let it be said by the expectations of a John Joe Nevin silver medal success.
Heat 9 - BILLY BLAZES HOME
We had just five runners in this heat with the absence of Razldazl Dmagio and the Pat Guilfoyle trained Laughil Billy (Premier Fantasy/ Laughill Lass) was a popular favourite.
He came away pretty well, alongside Tyrur Micko and Puddens Lad but quickly assumed control and rode a slight clip on the opening corner to be chased into the back by Dusseldorf
Laughil Billy was three lengths clear at halfway but Dusseldorf closed into the third bend. However Laughil Billy powered on again once turning for home and opened up a three and a half lengths gap in 29.89 with Tyrur Micko a length and a half third.
Heat 10 – BOLT STRIKES IN SOME STYLE
Terry Cordon’s Tynwald Bolt put himself right into the Derby picture with an incredible display of pace and power in Heat 10.
After a better start than seven days earlier, the hugely fast son of Head Bound and Belvedere Olivia challenged into the bend, just behind the fast starting Tyrur Justin.
At this point the Michael O’Donovan trained Tynwald Bolt gave his supporters near heart failure as he slammed on the brakes. Despite his extravagance on the opening turn, Tynwald entered the back straight in second spot, be it further behind than he should have been. He was soon in full stride however and he simply cruised up to the early leader before running right by Tyrur Justin to lead on the third turn.
From there Tynwald Bolt continued to pour on the pressure and by the winning line had a widening margin of five lengths to spare over Tyrur Justin with Slick Seattle coming through to finish a three length third.
Heat 11 – TOCK DOES IT IN STYLE
Early pace proved decisive in Heat 11 as the John Cusack trained Newlawn Tock (Black Shaw/ Boomboom) got away much better than the previous week and led up narrowly from Rockchase Bullet. The latter checked into the bend and Newlawn led by a few lengths into the back.
The favourite Sawpit Sensation was back in the field as usual at this stage but he didn’t produce the electric burst of pace down the back, though he did move smoothly into third. Instead it was Razldazl Luke which showed the real pace down the back as he went past Rockchase.
But Newlawn Tock refused to concede on the run-in and Mary Walsh’s near veteran gamely held the challenge of the youngster Razldazl Luke by three parts of a length with Sawpit Sensation a similar distance back in third.
Heat 12 – BENNY DOES IT FOR DANNY
The betting was pretty open on Heat 12 and it always looked as though the break might decide it. And it was Danny Potter’s consistent Danmar Benny (Hades Rocket Danmar Pudsy) that shot out of traps in front and just won the race to the bend from Coolykereen Imp.
Danmar Benny controlled matters from here with Coolykereen Imp being challenged for second down the back by Head For Fame with Robbiesgoneagain close up fourth.
As Danmar Benny raced on for an emphatic five length victory in 30.04 the battle ensued in behind for the second spot and it was Head For Fame that proved strongest on the run-in to finish a length in front of Coolykereen Imp.
Heat 13 – CAMAS PREVAILS IN A THRILLER
Right from when the draw was made the previous weekend we anticipated a thrilling battle between Camas and Cuil Cougar in this contest and it certainly came to pass as two very game dogs battled it out all the way, though separated by the width of the track due to their contrasting racing styles.
Cuil Cougar showed just ahead between bends but Owen McKenna’s Camas (Head Bound/ Accelerate) forged ahead past the sprint box. But there was little between them down the far side with Camas enjoying a marginal lead and Toms Brett had shaken off Swords Messi for third.
But up the straight Camas proved his superiority as he pulled out that bit extra to win by a length and a half from Cuil Cougar in 29.82 with Toms Brett a length third.
Heat 14 – SPARTA MAESTRO IN A HURRY
Phil Gough and John Fitzgerald’s Derby favourite Sparta Maestro (Crash/ Tinrah Kewell) was by a mile the hottest favourite of the night in Heat 14 and he was in a bit of a hurry to prove the point.
The ultra consistent Climb A Tree broke fast on the inside and just led up from Sawdust Terry with Sparta Maestro a close third into the opening bend. It remained like that into the back with only half a length covering the three principals.
Then Sparta struck with devastating effect at halfway and he shot past his rivals out wide to go clear by the third bend. Here Sawdust Terry went second but Sparta was putting on an Oscar like performance up front as he powered up the straight to win by an ever extending eight lengths in 29.43 with An Tochar Master three and a half lengths back in third.
Heat 15 – CHAMP GEORGE BACK IN TOP FORM
We had been wondering when the defending champion Razldazl George would come back to his great form of 2011.
He had been running very well but without the sparkle. However he put all that straight when turning it on in this heat. Barefoot Allstar won the early battle with Razldazl Rioga but it was slightly surprising to see Razldazl George (Kinloch Brae/ Razldazl Pearl) in second place on the run to the bend, ahead of his kennel companion.
Down the back Barefoot continued to lead but George got on terms and shot ahead at the 750 box. From here he was too strong and raced on to win by two and a half lengths from Barefoot Allstar in 29.83 with Razldazl Rioga a similar distance third.
Heat 16 – MILLIE SCORCHES TO VICTORY
Last week Cabra Millie became the fastest bitch over 550 yards at Shelbourne and she came out in the final heat of the night to go ten spots faster.
What’s more the outcome was never in any doubt!
Ferdia Oscar broke fast from five but was immediately headed by the Graham Holland trained Cabra Millie (Westmead Hawk/ Cabra Dancer) and she raced a couple of lengths clear to the bend from Ferdia Oscar and Broadstrand Lad.
From here the outcome was never in doubt and Cabra raced in in brilliant fashion to win by five lengths from Ferdia Oscar in a sizzling 29.50. It was then a length to that gallant veteran Broadstrand Lad in third.
*****************************************
SPARTA CAN BE THE DERBY STAR TONIGHT
Having bounced right back to top form in last week’s opening round, Phil Gough’s Sparta Maestro can further press his claims for outright favouritism in the Ladbrokes Irish Derby with a very positive performance in Heat 14 at Shelbourne this evening.
Heat 9: Billy Can Have Last Laugh
Winner of a stake at Limerick prior to this, the early paced Laughil Billy came into the classic somewhat under the radar but ran a big race behind Tyrur Big Mike last week.
He displayed fine early pace then and is well capable of leading all the way. Captain America is very highly regarded but had every chance last week and must improve from this ideal draw. Dusseldorf is a very pacey tracker and will play a big role if getting one of his better starts. Tyrur Micko is a consistent young tracker which goes up smartly and stays strongly. The inside draw will be no hindrance either. Puddens Lad finished in front of T.6 last time and was staying on strongly at the finish. Razldazl Dmagio is a notified non-runner.
Suggestion: Laughill Billy can lead all the way.
Heat 10: Justin The Likely Leader
The layers could have a job settling on a clear favourite here as cases could be made for all the runners. Taking them in order, Tyrur Justin showed strong signs of a return to form last week and on last year’s form he would win this.
He is a likely leader. Dual Betfair 600 winner Kingo is better than last week’s form suggests and at his best can be prominent all the way here. Tinas Nova hasn’t yet recovered the fine form he showed in the English Derby be he can fly to the bend and would be a likely leader. Tynwald Bolt has huge pace but forfeited any chance last week with a slow start. If he can go up better he will have a huge chance, a comment that also applies to Soviet Seattle which is as fast as any greyhound in the classic. Produce Stakes runner-up Ballybough Hawke doesn’t know how to run a bad one and is likely to be right there at the business end.
Suggestion: If Justin leads he will probably win but there are some very big finishers.
Heat 11: Sawpit Can Live Up To His Name
It’s almost a foregone conclusion that Sawpit Sensation will give all his rivals a start here but he has a devastating burst of pace from the second bend and is likely to carve his way through the field.
Question is whether he can overhaul the likes of Rockchase Bullet or Newlawn Tock if they dash clear early? Rockchase has yet to recover last year’s brilliant form but is perfectly housed in one. Newlawn Tock missed his normal fast start last week but then stayed on very strongly. Rios Girl displayed huge pace in the Oaks and is no forlorn hope over this trip while Razldazl Luke will have plenty of support but needs to step up on last week’s run. He is a promising young dog. Rushwee Record faces a huge task.
Suggestion: With a clear run Sawpit will be very hard to beat.
Heat 12: The Imp May Lead All The Way
There should be a very interesting run to the bend here with all of these capable of going up very fast.
Coolykereen Imp is consistently fast up but will move quickly to the middle of the trap, a manoeuvre which may not do Robbiesgoneagain and Danmar Benny much good in those vital early yards. Robbies has yet to hit form for his new kennel while strong running Danmar Benny will make a bold bid for the first bend lead. Head For Fame goes up fast and will make it difficult for the classy Slippy Marathon on his outside. The latter would much prefer an inside draw but will try hard to get across. Uncle Eoin is in the stripes and he won the Champion Stakes last year but has yet to get back to that level. However he is very well drawn.
Suggestion: The Imp could make a winning situation by breaking fast and moving out to the middle.
Heat 13: Cougar Can Lead All The Way
Both Cuil Cougar and Camas figured on my value bets for the Derby and their clash could be a classic.
If Cuil Cougar gets one of his good starts he is likely to lead and when he does he is very difficult to beat. Camas is a very strong running performer with good all-round pace. He keeps a wide path throughout and this may swing it to the Cougar. Airforce Harlem has been in fine form lately lover a variety of trips and can figure. Toms Brett went up very fast last week and is well housed while Swords Messi always goes up strongly. Drumurrer Vixen has the ideal draw and flies home. She could make the frame.
Suggestion: Cougar can tame Camas
Heat 14: Sparta Can Be A Real Master
A star puppy last season but with an interrupted career thus far this season, Sparta Maestro showed last week that he is back in absolutely top form.
He had his breaking boots on again and led all the way. He can repeat the performance at very short odds tonight. Climb A Tree is a consistently fast starter and could run a big race without threatening the favourite. Barefoot Duke is a young dog with potential and he is improving his early pace all the time. Sawdust Terry is a real model of consistency and could be one for forecasts and trios. breaks fast and is drawn to run a big race. Though both are very useful, it is difficult to envisage either An Tochar Master or Stage Gold Gary getting in a serious blow.
Suggestion: Sparta to enjoy a winning romp and watch the clock.
Heat 15: George Could Be The Value Bet
Quite a line-up with two Derby winners in Barefoot Allstar and the defending champion Razldazl George, withy a Laurels winner thrown in for good measure in Razldazl Rioga.
Barefoot Allstar goes up very fast and could have a great battle with Razldazl Rioga but it is about time that Razldazl George began to show last year’s form. He finished strongly last week and could be ready for this at very nice odds. Mays Milan also goes strongly to the bend and is sure to figure and Tyrur Thomas is an improving young tracker with a good draw in stripes. Locnamon Royal has a fine trial around here and must be respected.
Suggestion: You won’t often see a Derby winner priced at 4-1. Go with George.
Heat 16: Millie Can Live Up To Her Billing
There are few better bitches in training than Oaks runner-up Cabra Millie and she was at her best last week.
A smart start here will pave the way for another popular success. The obvious danger is that tremendous veteran Broadstrand Lad which just doesn’t know how to run a bad one. He can go up well and is a strong stayer. Hillcroft Joe has to have a real chance of being involved with his all-round pace. Mines A Pint would be better off inside and at his best would figure. Late Owl has a very difficult task while the lightly raced Ferdia Oscar ran a huge race behind Cabra Millie last week and cannot be ignored.
Suggestion: Millie to lead all the way.
*****************************************
THE DERBY ACTION FROM SHELBOURNE
Heat 1 - LOLO EMERGES IN TIGHT CONTEST
The second round got off to an exciting start with Ronnie Craven’s Lolos Joe (Droopys Maldini/ Lolos Choice) emerging as the first dog into round three. In a contest where little separated the top four in the betting it was no surprise that the race itself turned out to be very competitive.
Early crowding ended the hopes of the market leader Captain Scolari. In truth, he caused much of his own traffic problems by edging inwards. Instead the early paced Lahern Dancer set the pace from trap five, but he was always under threat once Lolos Joe turned second and Tyrur Domingo.
The latter closed on Lahern Dancer down the back before challenging on the outside around the last two bends. He finally hit the front at the final turn and then saw off the long time leader by three parts of a length in 30.22 with Tyrur Domingo a similar distance third.
Heat 2 – DRAGON SLAYS RIVALS
Early speed was the key to success for Dave Lonergan’s Dragon Shield in the second heat as he made all to record a fine 29.83 in victory. The Pat Buckley trained speedster was recording his fifth career success in just his sixth career outing and is clearly a greyhound with the potential to develop into a serious Derby contender.
His main market rival Tyrur Sugar Ray missed the kick from trap five and was always struggling to get back on terms. Instead Clydal Spirit and Allen Master did most of the chasing and they closed in the straight.
But the chasing duo clashed as Clydal Spirit moved off the rail to challenge the leader and this allowed the challenging Tyrur Sugar Ray to grab second. Dragon Shield (Cabra Cool/ Dragon Crash) kept on gamely to win by two and a half lengths from Tyrur Sugar Ray in 29.83 with Clydal Spirit three parts of a length third ahead of an unlucky Allen Master.
Heat 3 – BRENDAN’S SHOOTING STAR
Crossfield Star seems to be returning to his very best if his performance in Heat 3 is an accurate guide. Brendan O’Shea’s powerful galloper had a perfect draw in the stripes and he certainly made the most of it.
Deanridge Viking and Ruthless Man were fastest into stride in this contest, but Crossfield Star soon shot to the front on the outside while Razldazl Apollo quickened up nicely to force his way into second spot.
By the second bend Crossfield Star (Droopys Scolari/ Vieris Surething) had moved clear from Razldazl Apollo while Tibetan Skies was in big trouble in behind and lost considerable ground. Crossfield Star went on to win by four and a half lengths from Razldazl Apollo in 29.82 and it was just a length to Tibetan Skies which produced an incredible recovery to qualify.
Heat 4 – VIC RECOVERS FROM AN EARLY BLIP
Derby favourite Ballymac Vic continued on his winning ways in this heat but he again wasn’t the slickest from traps. However he displayed a lovely turn of early pace to hit the front by the second bend.
It was the young bitch Tyrur Wozniacki that flashed out of five, shot across to the inside rail within strides and led up. Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Vic (Kinloch Brae/ Ballymac Vicky) took up the pursuit halfway to the corner and then worked his way to the front when going up the inside of the leader.
Ballymac gradually extended his advantage down the back and came home an impressive three and a half length winner from Tyrur Wozniacki which held the slow starting, flying finishing Droopys Cain by a short head.
Heat 5 – THE PUMA POUNCES LATE
We were served up a real thriller in Heat 5 with two of the major fancies for the Derby being very much involved in the finish. But supporters of the favourite Droopys Jet came out on the wrong end as Skywalker Puma’s flying run prevailed.
There had been fears that Droopys Jet would not act from the four box but he got away smartly and led up from Tyrur Willyjoe. But the first signs of danger appeared when Frances O’Donnell’s Skywalker Puma moved into second between bends.
Droopys was three lengths to the good at halfway but Puma had closed dramatically by the fourth bend and in a thrilling finish he got up to win by three parts of a length from Droopys in 29.70 with Stay Thirsty another length and a half third.
Heat 6 – SUBWAY SIZZLES AS BIG MIKE EXITS
There were mixed emotions in this contest as that great veteran Tyrur Big Mike never showed anything like his best form and struggled following a tardy start.
But up front the Francie Murray trained Cesarewitch winner Subway Ruth was doing all the racing.
From traps Subway Ruth (Hondo Black/ Forest Baby) showed in front and she led by a couple of lengths into the back from Killbarry Rover with Cian Jamie in third.
Once Subway was in front she was never going to be beaten and the strong running bitch came home a length and a half clear of Killbarry in 29.67 with Cian Jamie some two lengths third.
Heat 7 – DIVA A FLYING MACHINE
Having shown a real sign of a return to top form last week the Owen McKenna trained Airforce Diva (Head Bound/ Movealong Alice) left no doubts whatever as she was a very impressive winner of this heat in a best of the night 29.58.
Diva was very fast away from the four box and led up from Katies Quadrigo. Melodys Lucky tracked well to go second on the bend and he closed the gap on the leader down the far side.
However Airforce Diva is very strong on stamina and she powered up the straight to win by three lengths from Melodys Lucky in 29.58 with Forest Ralph three and a half lengths third.
Heat 8 – RANKIN MAKES IT A MCKENNA DOUBLE
The hotly fancied Camas Crash was an absentee from the final heat and Confident Rankin went off favourite. The Owen McKenna trained son of Premier Fantasy and Swift Rush went on to justify his position in 29.93.
Razldazl Bugatti led up and had a lead of a length and a half over Confident at halfway. But the latter came strongly to challenge on the third bend and he led turning for home before pulling away to win by two lengths from Razldazl. Star Head was three lengths back in third, getting up in the final stride to put out the 2010 champion Tyrur McGuigan.
*****************************************
WHEELER HOPES COUGHING – OUT OF DERBY
Very disappointing news this morning is that Rachel Wheeler’s kennels have been hit by a coughing epidemic and her two Derby challengers have been affected.
Both Hillcroft Lexi and the strongly fancied Camas Crash were this morning notified as non runners due to the coughing. This means that trap two in Heat 2 and the inside box in Heat 8 will be vacant.
Reports suggest that coughing is sweeping through kennels in the southern part of the country and we sincerely hope that it will not have any serious impact on the classic.
DMAGIO ALSO OUT OF DERBY
A further withdrawal from the Ladbrokes Irish Derby is the Dolores Ruth trained Razldazl Dmagio which will not be taking his place in trap two in Saturday’s Heat 9.
Dolores withdrew the dog this morning on veterinary advice.
*****************************************
LADBROKES IRISH DERBY ACTION HOTS UP TONIGHT
There will be no hiding places at Shelbourne Park tonight where eight fantastic second round heats of the Ladbrokes Derby provide a massive midweek attraction to the great old stadium.
It will be three qualifying all the way from here and, rest assured, there will be some high-profile casualties. But it will be a major shock if the likes of Ballymac Vic, Droopys Jet and Tyrur Big Mike fail to make further positive headlines.
But let us look more closely at the eight heats in question.
COULD THE SAINT LAND A SHOCK START?
Heat 1: It is without doubt a most open contest and just about anything is possible.
Captain Scolari is likely to go off favourite but he will need to reproduce his Drumbo Park running after last week’s pretty flat performance. One has to worry about Lolos Joe after his heavy fall last week but he is tough old competition and can win it at his best. So, too, could Tyrur Domingo but he would need to lead into the back, which is far from impossible. Lahern Dancer led for half the journey last time but a trap five draw is hardly suitable. A similar comment can be applied to Heady Days but he will need to show more early. I have a sneaky feeling that Rockburst Saint could spring a surprise. He has run very well in his last few outings and this inside draw will suit him down to the ground. Suggestion: Have a little on Rockburst at a good price.
BAD DRAW BUT SUGAR CAN DEFY
Heat 2: There is an intriguing clash of young guns here. One of the best young prospects has to be Tyrur Sugar Ray but for the second week on the trot he has run wear the orange jacket.
For an absolutely mad inside runner it is a nightmare but this fellow is getting his breaking right and if he can get away fast again he can make it to the inside reasonably early. Nothing will match him from the second bend. Dragon Shield is another exciting prospect and will appreciate the inside draw – and will probably lead. Allen Master has a verdict over Sugar Ray and was far from disgraced behind Droopys Jet last week. Lisnakill Ross was a first round revelation when flying to the bend last week and he can lead up the outside. Clydal Spirit is a strong running bitch and won’t be overawed while Hillcroft Lexie normally does her best work late but could struggle. Suggestion: It’ll be tough but Sugar Ray could overcome the draw.
STRIPED CROSSFIELD COULD STAR HERE
Heat 3: Tibetan Skies will probably go off favourite again from a favourable draw. But he has been walking from traps and could be at the rear off the second bend.
Surely that would leave him too much to make up with some very strong runners in the field. Best drawn is Crossfield Star, a top performer over 600 but well capable of being up with the pace at halfway. If so his strength should bring him through. Razldazl Apollo is a hugely promising young dog and ran on very strongly last time. He is capable of breaking much better now. Krelco usually goes up strongly while Deanridge Viking returned last week from a lay-off and is likely to come on. Ruthless Man is hugely consistent but is a long way out for an inside runner. Suggestion: Crossfield can be a star again.
IT’S BALLYMAC TO SCORCH HOME
Heat 4: Ballymac Vic can give another exhibition here following his superb performance last week. He missed the break then from the two box but that was an exception.
He usually flies to the bend and clearly has the early legs of all his rivals here. Airforce Frankie merits respect from a trap one draw and a few strong performances lately. Droopys Cain is one of the fastest in training but has been performing badly to the bend in recent runs. If he could hold his place up then his pace from the second bend would see him rocket to the top of the betting lists. Hot Pursuit changed kennels recently and the exciting prospect could chase Vic to the corner. Worst drawn is flying bitch Tyrur Wozniacki, a committed inside runner and a flying first round winner. In contrast Lisnakill Jack is perfectly housed in six and will move strongly to the bend. Suggestion: I cannot oppose Vic.
JET CAN TAME THE PUMA THIS TIME
Heat 5: For once Droopys Jet won’t wear the red jacket this evening but the make-up of this contest reduces his requirement for the inside cushion.
The inside three don’t possess top early pace and if Droopys steps out of traps he should fly clear to the bend and then it would be a case of catch me if you can. The only rival with any chance of doing that is surely the very strong Skywalker Puma and this fellow will still rate as a possible winner even if enjoying a rear view of the Jet. Tyrur Willyjoe could well be Jet’s nearest rival down the back and he is a strong stayer also while the striped runner Stay Thirsty is also entitled to be prominent in the chasing bunch. Headleys Charly must get away to a smart start to figure and the same applies to that great bitch Lemon Velvet. Suggestion: Jet appears nailed on and the forecast is obvious too.
BIG MIKE CAN SING THE BLUES
Heat 6: The story rolls on and on for that incredible racing machine Tyrur Big Mike.
Incredible as it may seem but he is running every bit as well as he did when chasing home the similarly long-lasting litter brother McGuigan in the 2010 final. If he gets his break here he could be already halfway to victory on the first bend. Cian Jamie is a slick starter on the outside and is entitled to run a big race but the one to chase Mike home could be the inside runner Killbarry Rover. He can break fast and will need to if he is to have any chance. Paradise Martini has huge gears but is very inconsistent at the tart while Cesarewitch winner Subway Ruth is a long way off the fence and would prefer further. Fairway Fusion wasn’t disgraced last week and remains a “dark one”. Suggestion: Big Mike to serve up another exhibition.
A BATTLE OF THE BITCHES?
Heat 7: Just five runners go to traps here with the withdrawal of Olympic Rockstar and three of them are leading bitches.
Indeed Tyrur Monica and Airforce Diva can be the two principals. If Diva can fly out then she would probably win, particularly as she showed real signs of a return to form last week when finishing every bit as fast as Sawpit Sensation. But Tyrur Monica will be a major stumbling block and she normally comes away well while she is big on stamina. Katies Quadrigo made an impression with her effort last time. So did Melodys Lucky and went into the notebook for a dog taking a major step up in class. Forest Ralph didn’t enjoy the run of the race last time but is capable of much better. He has had his seeding changed. Suggestion: Monica might just defy Diva.
THE DEVIL OF A DRAW
Heat 8: The devil undoubtedly had a hand in making this draw! At least one leading fancy is destined to bid farewell to his Derby hopes in a race where the four inside runners should dominate.
Tyrur McGuigan bids for a record number of heat victories and it is not of the question as he is well capable of leading all the way. Razldazl Bugatti was most disappointing last time but at his best would be a likely leader up the inside. Confident Rankin is another that flashes out and stays every yard and he has been in terrific form. The recent gate-crasher into the top table is Camas Crash and he has the perfect pitch on the inside. He has it all, good early and big on pace from the second bend. He can climb further here. Star Head will be ready to pounce if there are any problems up front but it is difficult to see the youngster Sheepwalk Shaw causing any waves. Suggestion: Keep the hands in the pocket and enjoy the war.
*****************************************
ROCKSTAR OUT OF DERBY
Paul Hennessy this morning reported that Olympic Rockstar will not run in Heat 7 of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby second round at Shelbourne Park tomorrow night.
This means that trap one will now be vacant as no reserves can run.
The line-up now reads: 1 Vacant; 2 Melodys Lucky; 3 Tyrur Monica (m); 4 Airforce Diva (m); 5 Forest Ralph (w); 6 Katies Quadrigo (w).
*****************************************
DOWLING HAPPY WITH DERBY FAVOURITE VIC
Ballymacelligott breeder Liam Dowling is not a man inclined to get over ruffled and he certainly sounded pretty contented yesterday when discussing the condition of his Ladbrokes Irish Derby favourite Ballymac Vic.
Dowling, who bred, reared, owns and trains the son of Head Bound and Ballymac Vicky, reported the dog as being “fine today. He was tired yesterday morning but he is grand again now. Luckily, he is a very laid back dog and is a good traveller. It can be a tiring trip but he seems to cope with it well”.
Following another highly impressive performance in winning the last of the 22 first round heats on Saturday night, Vic is now a best priced 7-1 to win the Derby.
One element of Saturday’s performance that did not please Dowling was the dog’s break. “He didn’t come away well and it could have been costly. We have to be happy enough with his draw on Thursday. He is learning all the time and what we need is a bit of Lady Luck”.
Following the first round the Tyrur veterans grabbed many of the highlights and it was very sad to see the two great champions bow out of the Derby in the second round. McGuigan was a little unlucky as he was caught by Brian Macklin’s Star Head in the final stride for third place in Heat 8. His problems had commenced with a totally mistimed start from trap four.
Victory in the race went to the Owen McKenna trained Confident Rankin as he overhauled Razldazl Bugatti on the third bend to win in 29.93.
Just two heats earlier Tyrur Big Mike literally didn’t lift a leg in Heat 6 and finished last. It was totally untypical of the great dog and it was no surprise to learn that the dog is injured again with a recurrence of his TFL problem. What a servant he has been and the Derby is a poorer place without him.
Big Mike’s race was won by Subway Ruth, a bitch that has come right back to form in the Derby and was in her Cesarewitch winning form when leading home the heavily gambled Killbarry Rover by a length and a half in 29.67. She has been a terrific servant to owner Alan Dunne and trainer Francie Murray and she could well go on another round as she is capable of at least qualifying from Heat 4 on Saturday.
BITCHES TO THE FORE
A number of bitches are running particularly well in the Derby and another to have come right back to top form at just the right time is the Owen McKenna trained Airforce Diva.
She lost her form somewhat in mid-summer but she has put in two terrific runs in this classic and was hugely impressive as she posted Thursday’s best time of 29.58.
While mentioning Airforce Diva it would be unfair not to mention the influence yet again of the Gallivan Murphy –Hooper-Dolan Juvenile Classic at Tralee. In the few years of its existence it has become a fantastic classic trial and in this year’s final Airforce Diva was the winner in 28.32 while Ballymac Vic was third after being involved in crowding. Droopys Cain was knocked over on the first bend in the semi-final.
McKenna has a very strong hand in the Derby for he also has Confident Rankin, Camas and Tibetan Skies and all four can go a long way yet! Confident Rankin, which is owned by Jer Kerins from Castleisland, completed a quick double when winning the last heat on Thursday from Razldazl Bugatti.
The second round commenced with Lolos Joe producing another very solid performance as he finished strongly to win from Lahern Dancer. Next up was Heat 2 which involved many of the top young prospects and turned into a somewhat unsatisfactory affair.
Pat Buckley’s Dragon Shield has always looked special and he is gradually finding his early high level of performance. He has smashing early and led all the way in Heat 2 but he was being hauled back as Clydal Spirit, Allen Master and Tyrur Sugar Ray closed in the straight. Then Clydal moved off the rail to challenge on the outside of Dragon Shield but in doing so hampered Allen Master. Tyrur Sugar Ray also suffered but he retained most momentum and came through to grab second spot ahead of Clydal Spirit. Allen Master was a little unlucky and we got another example of how badly the budding star Tyrur Sugar Ray wants a rails draw.
STAR VALUE OF THE ROUND
Brendan O’Shea’s Crossfield Star was the value of the round at 4-1 in Heat 3 where his draw was absolutely perfect.
But the talking point was Tibetan Skies which appeared to be out of the classic after first bend trouble. However he somehow got back into the race again, displaying phenomenal pace down the far side, and snatched the third spot. Some night Eimear Coffey’s dog is going to do everything right and when he does the result could be sensational.
The other big topic on Thursday was the winning performance of Ballymac Vic in Heat 4. His connections and supporters must have missed a few heart beats when Vic missed the start and the young bitch Tyrur Wozniacki absolutely flew to the bend. She dived across from five and comfortably got to the rail.
But Ballymac moved up rapidly and tracked Wozniacki into the bend. She is a tight railer but somehow Ballymac got up her inside on the bend and then shot clear into the back. From here it was all Ballymac and he ran out a three and a half length winner from Wozniacki in 29.62. It was the performance of a likely Derby winner.
Fifteen minutes later we awaited the Derby favourite Droopys Jet as he contested Heat 5. The obvious danger was Skywalker Puma but he would surely be too far adrift of the favourite into the back straight?
Droopys Jet came away fast and went clear to the bend. Here two things occurred, firstly Droopys appeared to check slightly while Puma dashed through a gaping gap to move second. Suddenly we had a totally different ball game. When Droopys Jet checked again on the third bend the initiative was exchanged and Frances O’Donnell’s Skywalker Puma flew up to grab a three parts of a length margin in 29.70.
I recall the day of the National Greyhound Awards presentation in the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone earlier in the year and Matt O’Donnell hinted to me that he had a “real Derby dog”. He is not often mistaken and Ray Patterson’s son of Royal Impact and Dianas Ranger could be a real Derby dog.
HE IS A MAESTRO
Going back to last September we said that Sparta Maestro could be the Derby winner of 2012 and, while his season started slowly, it has picked up tempo dramatically in the past few weeks.
He was quite awesome on Saturday night when winning Heat 14 in 29.43. Yet Sparta only hit the front at halfway but went into overdrive. By the line he was an astonishing eight lengths clear of Sawdust Terry in 29.43. It was an incredible effort and illustrated what a powerful dog he is over this trip – and imagine what he would be like over 575!
We have referred to the big role being played by the bitches this year and the leading lady is undoubtedly Graham Holland’s Oaks runner-up Cabra Millie. Last week she became the fastest bitch ever over Shelbourne’s 550 distance when winning in 29.60. In the meantime Airforce Diva had clocked 29.58 to assume that honour.
Cabra let her pace do the talking on Saturday in the very last of the second round heats as she scorched around in 29.50. The 550 yards is in her element and she is thriving on it. Yet, we now find the sponsors going 4-9 Ballymac Vic to beat her in Heat 6 on Saturday! He’ll likely win but you won’t have many takers at that price on such a potential cliff-hanger.
Who would have thought that we would have reached the 37th heat of the Derby before we had the first heat winner trained by Dolores Ruth. In the first round I tipped her to have a four-timer in one of the sessions. So, it was pretty appropriate that it was her 2011 Derby hero Razldazl George that set the 2012 officially in motion for the Rathangan Kennels.
The dash was back as he split Barefoot Allstar and Razldazl Rioga to the first bend and then his famed power came into play as he hit the front passing the 750 box and raced on to win by two and a half lengths from Barefoot in 29.83 with Razldazl Rioga in third. Now that he has resumed winning ways, one wonders can he improve further to become a genuine contender to repeat last year’s victory?
Just two races later Dolores had missed out on her first winner when Cuil Cougar was beaten after a thrilling battle with Camas. This was one of the best buckles of the Derby to date as they raced neck and neck, though separated by the width of the track, and it was only around the bottom bends that Owen McKenna’s strong racer forged ahead of Cuil Cougar. A real Derby thriller.
The Saturday night Derby action kicked off with a very smart victory for Pat Guilfoyle’s Laughil Billy. This dog has been kept under the radar but had looked good when winning the Con Kirby Memorial at Limerick. He has transferred that level of form to Shelbourne and has probably come on by a length or two also but he is a dog with a lovely dash of early pace and plenty by way of stamina. Certainly not a no-hoper.
A BOLT FROM TERRY
My old friend Terry Corden and his trainer Michael O’Donovan have experienced Derby heartbreak in the past, mainly on the coursing field with the likes of Matt Hyland and Tynwald Smokey.
Nottingham Track promoter Corden did share in an English Derby success with Patsy Byrne when Ballinderry Ash won the 1991 final and he is now entitled to dream again after Tynwald Bolt’s powerful performance in winning Heat 10 in 29.63.
This performance oozed power and pace as he checked badly into the first bend but then went into overdrive down the far side to take it up from Tyrur Justin before going on to win by five lengths. If this fellow can just step up on his starting he could be a genuine Derby fancy.
I had often wondered why we hadn’t seen Newlawn Tock in action at Shelbourne. He had proved himself to be one of the best trackers on the southern circuit with a terrific strike rate for owner Mary Walsh and trainer John Cusack. I chatted with his owner as she made her way out for the presentation of the Red Mills Open 550 trophy at Tralee on the Night of Champions and I was delighted to see him in the entry for the Derby.
He had won a fleet of Getting Out Opens at Curraheen and has won the Curraheen Derby Qualifier in 2011 and then the 2012 version at Tralee. The son of Black Shaw proved that he can also perform in the highest level when winning Heat 11 where he won from the rapidly rising puppy Razldazl Luke and the slow starting favourite Sawpit Sensation in a smart 29.71.
In contrast Danny Potter’s Danmar Benny is a Shelbourne regular and this fellow has led and beaten some of the best of them. He did so again as he was too good to the corner for Coolykereen Imp in Heat 12 and went on for an easy victory in 30.04. He is hardly going to win a Derby but this strongly made tracker won’t be taken lightly in any company.
By the way, it was terrific to see common sense being applied by the Shelbourne management on Saturday night as they made it clear from early in the night that racing would be halted to allow people watch the John Joe Nevin Olympic Final in total comfort. It was much appreciated by all and an example of how major sporting events should be treated.
*****************************************
MCGUIGAN BIDS FOR ALL-TIME RECORD
It is just impossible to keep the Fahy veterans out of the news and we can now reveal that Tyrur McGuigan will be bidding to set a new Irish Derby record on Thursday night.
Since he commenced his 2010 Irish Derby bid he has now won nine Derby heats over three years and this has placed him level with the hat-trick winner Spanish Battleship which won nine heats during his remarkable campaign in the 1953-55 era.
Victory on Thursday would give McGuigan an amazing tenth Derby heat success. Prior to last Saturday, McGuigan was on the eight mark alongside the 2005 and ’06 runner-up Droopys Maldini.
*****************************************
LEADING DERBY FIRST ROUND SPLIT
FIRST ROUND
3.33 Tyrur Big Mike
3.36 Tyrur McGuigan
3.36 Toms Brett
3.39 Camas Crash
3.40 Sparta Maestro
3.41 Laughil Billy
3.41 Tyrur Justin
3.41 Airforce Harlem
3.41 Mays Milan
3.42 Lisnakill Ross
3.42 Hot Pursuit
3.42 Swords Messi
3.42 Locnamon Royal
3.43 Lisnakill Jack
3.43 Tyrur Monica
3.43 Star Head
3.43 Razldazl Rioga
3.44 Tyrur Wozniacki
3.44 Head For Fame
3.45 Dragon Shield
3.45 Climb A Tree
3.45 Barefoot Allstar
3.46 Puddens Lad
3.46 Mines A Pint
3.47 Droopys Cain
3.47 Lemon Velvet
3.47 Robbiesgoneagain
3.48 Droopys Jet
3.48 Captain America
3.48 Coolykereen Imp
3.48 Cabra Millie
3.49 Airforce Frankie
3.49 Tyrur Willyjoe
3.49 Airforce Diva
3.49 Katies Quadrigo
3.49 Sheepwalk Shaw
3.49 Tyrur Micko
3.49 Kingo
3.49 Ferdia Oscar
3.50 Killbarry Rover
3.50 Melodys Lucky
3.51 Ballymac Vic
3.51 Stay Thirsty
3.51 Confident Rankin
3.51 Danmar Benny
*****************************************
A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST ROUND OF THE DERBY
THE GREATEST GREYHOUND SHOW ON EARTH
It has been a wonderful week for Irish greyhound racing despite what the perpetual begrudgers might say. Anybody with the remotest interest in the sport would have to say we witnessed some marvellous action on all three nights of the first round of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby.
The Derby got off to a fantastic start despite the ridiculous clash with the Galway Festival and the unfortunate and “out of the blue” direct confrontation from the Dublin/ Laois match on Saturday night.
Rather than issuing recriminations the lessons learned should be put into positive use to ensure that next year’s greyhound calendar will have a great deal more balance to it. A study of the 2013 calendar, the dates of the “moving feasts” and a little bit of hard decision making is all that would be required to produce a much more cohesive programme of events for all categories of racing.
But enough of the politics, that is for another day. Let’s wallow in the terrific performances we enjoyed over the course of those 22 heats.
THOSE AMAZING VETERAN SIBLINGS
Little doubt about the outstanding “happening” of the entire round … it just had to be those amazing veteran siblings Tyrur McGuigan and Tyrur Big Mike.
If I earned a Euro each time that people have said to me that “Fahy is mad to keep running those poor dogs” or “why in heaven’s name are they not retired”, my holiday plans would already be in place. But talk to PJ Fahy and you quickly realise the adoration he has for these two great greyhounds and how he enjoys every moment they are out there on the Shelbourne circuit.
But his biggest argument is that these two amazing machines simply love running. Don’t most dogs? The clock on the all-weather gallop in Glenamaddy plays a significant role in the Fahy training system and PJ will relate to the current day the times that all his dogs clock there. And even in the past two weeks both McGuigan and Big Mike have broken the record time yet again.
One can easily believe him by just watching the two dogs in action on Thursday and Saturday nights. The performance of Big Mike on Thursday was extraordinary by any circumstances. For a dog four months into his fifth year the pace he showed to the bend was simply incredible and his final clock of 29.51, after giving away about four lengths with his wide running style, put it into the realms of fairy-tale land.
Then came McGuigan on Saturday, a dog that has actually endured more injury problems and a much longer absence from the track, and he was almost as good. They are two of the greatest greyhounds we have ever seen and long may they continue.
Remarkably, both dogs also had their first winners as sires in recent weeks although, quite incredibly, neither has been used as much by breeders as you would have imagined.
PJ and son Conor didn’t enter the Derby with any huge expectations. Yes, a very large entry but as much in support of the classic as anything else, and a haul of six first round winners was staggering. Also it proved that in Tyrur Sugar Ray they have a budding champion on their books while Tyrur Wozniacki could be a future contender for top bitch honours.
COULD FRASER HAVE THE DOG THIS TIME?
It seems a long time back to Wednesday when the first winner was, quite appropriately Tyrur Monica with the nightly double completed a few races later by the rejuvenated Tyrur Justin.
I had made Camas one of my value recommendations for the Derby at 50-1 and he got us off to the best start possible when winning Heat 2 in 29.86. Owen McKenna’s dog can improve on this run as he was slowly away and he already has a 29.57 in the “bank”.
Larry Dunne delivered the first knock-out punch in the ring when Climb A Tree gained an all the way victory in Heat 4 and we wonder will Larry go for the Lotto when the dog takes on Sparta Maestro in Heat 14 next Saturday?
The best wine was kept for last on Wednesday, purely the luck of the draw as all the races were run in the order in which they were drawn by Ladbrokes’ representative Sean Lynch on the Monday morning.
The second last heat on Wednesday had Droopys Jet in trap one and he was amazingly quoted as big as 4-6 by Hills (ouch). Will there be a better price in the entire Derby?
The Jet continued his love affair with Shelbourne and trap one as he scorched to a seven length victory over the highly rated Allen Master in 29.52. Dare we ask, could this finally be the elusive Derby so sought by Messrs Black, Blunt and Wakefield … I won’t include Paschal Taggart as he has been lucky enough to win an Irish Derby with Dipmac but he wouldn’t object to another!
Unfortunately the week night date prevented the intrepid duo of Blunt and Wakefield from making it to Shelbourne and it will probably keep them away this week also! But after that it will be all weekend action, so for their sake we hope that he makes it to the third round.
After Rachel Wheeler’s Camas Crash had clocked that sensational 28.15 in winning over 525 the previous week I had written that there was nothing questionable about it as the dog that finished a seven length second after a clear run, Krelco, had himself clocked 28.57 recently.
Well, Camas Crash did his own talking this time when he almost matched Droopys Jet’s time, taking over from Krelco on the opening bend and then really opening up from the third bend to win again by seven lengths. In second was the brilliantly fast Droopys Cain but he again suffered badly from a lack of dash to the bend and I honestly wonder is everything right with this smashing tracker. We won’t rule him out yet as he has a most incredible finishing burst.
A BAD ROUND FOR DOLORES
It had been a great start to the Derby and the tempo picked up even further at Session Two on Thursday with a number of headliners.
The sensational end of night run from Tyrur Big Mike was undoubtedly the big story but one of the major talking points was the failure of Dolores Ruth’s strong team to land a single heat.
She was strongly fancied to win at least four heats from the six in which she was represented on the night but drew a blank. But the biggest shock was the failure of a pretty lifeless Razldazl Jayfkay to qualify from Heat 11 where he was generally regarded as the banker of the night.
These things happen kennels of course, we’ve seen it time and again, and regularly they come out in the next round and blitz the place. It will be most interesting to see how the Razldazls and company fare in their second round assignments.
Dragon Shield opened Pat Buckley’s account in the 2012 Derby in Heat 7 and he is well capable of running much faster than the 29.95 recorded here.
The first notable achievement on that second night was the 29.60 return from Graham Holland’s Cabra Millie. This is actually the fastest time ever recorded over Shelbourne’s 550 yards by a bitch. She made her debut over the trip in the Boylesports International at Dundalk where she stayed every yard, and more, when a slightly unlucky length second to Quail Hollow. It is no way impossible that she could join the elusive club of Derby winning females.
Owen McKenna has another live contender in Confident Rankin which won Heat 9 in 29.70 and his early pace will make him difficult to beat. In saying that, he has drawn a real “corker” in Thursday’s concluding heats where Camas Crash, Razldazl Bugatti and Tyrur McGuigan will be in opposition.
After Tyrur Sugar Ray had confirmed his undoubted ability in Heat 10 we then saw Mays Milan land a real shocker when winning the heat in which Razldazl Jayfkay finished last. The winner saw Fraser Black enjoy a perfect first round record as his only other runner was Droopys Jet!
Marie Gilbert’s Dusseldorf ran out a convincing winner of Heat 12 where Rockchase Bullet again ran below form. His trap one draw in the next round should prove a help and hopefully there will be better to come.
Some months back we warned that Sawpit Sensation could prove to be an interesting outsider for the Derby. Owner David Hunt brought him over from Gloucestershire to contest a midweek open at Shelbourne and he really caught the eye with his explosive finishing burst in finishing second behind Cambushmore.
He doesn’t get many chances across the water to run on galloping tracks like Shelbourne and he showed how he relishes the place with an explosive burst of pace down the back straight to challenge Razldazl Rioga into the third bend. He flew past and went on to win by two and a half lengths in 29.69. He is the only British raider (shame on them!) but a very worthy one and let us congratulate David Hunt on having the “bottle” to bring his dog over to challenge our best in their own back-yard.
THE REAL SPARTA TURNED UP
Sparta Maestro was a personal winter favourite for the Derby but little injury problems had delayed his return and then he ran a little “flat” in the Champion Stakes final.
We hadn’t seen his true form over 550 but Phil Gough assured me on Saturday that the dog was now back in form and ready to do himself justice in the opening heat of the weekend meeting.
Trouble was he had the Frances O’Donnell hotpot Skywalker Puma in opposition while Kingo was also in there. But when Sparta Maestro popped out of six trap in front we knew he was right back to his best. He cleared the bend from Airforce Harlem, which ran a great race, and went on to win by four from Skywalker in 29.54.
Don’t rule Skywalker out after this. He displayed his massive pace and he will have benefitted from this run. There’s more to come from this fellow.
Killbarry Rover gave Graham Holland his second winner in the heats when winning Heat 16 in 29.98 and then we saw Brendan O’Shea’s Crossfield Star use his strength to get the better of Swift Marathon in Heat 17.
On to Heat 18 where Tibetan Skies looked the proverbial good thing. How could we all have forgotten the old theory that big finishers are far better off up against flying early paced opposition so that they can make up their ground untroubled. It was proved again here and Tibetan kept running into problems and ended up just snatching third place behind Robert Gleeson’s Stay Thirsty in 29.75.
It is always nice to see young trainers winning heats of Derbys and Robert is firmly establishing his name on the trainers’ lists. He has clearly shown that he “knows the time of day” and is as adept as anyone in preparing a dog for a specific test. Hopefully, Robert will be turning out Derby heat winners, and perhaps Derby winners, in the many years ahead of him. By the way, keep an eye out for Declan Byrne’s Melodys Lucky in the future as he ran a huge race in second place for a dog having his first race out of A3 company. Mind you he has already run over 750 yards in his short career but if you recall, so did a dog called College Causeway! Not that I am suggesting here is another Causeway but he can certainly go on to cause a few ripples in high places.
AND THEN CAME BALLYMAC VIC
Derby champion Razldazl George was expected to become Dolores Ruth’s first winner of this year’s Derby but he also had to settle for a back seat view of the action up front. What we did see was a rank outsider Lisnakill Ross racing to victory.
Eamonn Finn has worked a great job with this dog owned by Michael O’Keeffe. He has won eight of his last ten races and since the turn of the year has won the Dowling Memorial at Tralee, returned to the same track to win the Droopys Stud Stake at Tralee and then won the two-run Derby qualifier at Limerick. He won totally on merit on Saturday and one imagines that Finn and his colleagues enjoyed the success to the limit that night and since!
We then came to the latest chapter of the Fahy story with young bitch Tyrur Wozniacki improving half a second in her previous 550 best in winning Heat 20 in 29.65 while then came the McGuigan show in the very next heat.
But one final trick had been kept up the sleeve … the appearance of ante-post favourite Ballymac Vic in the concluding race. He looked a certainty but there was an early shock when he was tardy out of box two and was immediately crowded as Forest Simon moved sharply to his right from the inside box.
But Vic shrugged it off, turned on the turbo, hit the bend a length and something ahead and then bade farewell to his rivals. He won by six and a half lengths in 29.51, thus equalling the time set by Tyrur Big Mike two nights earlier. Just as we wondered what time the Big Fella would have achieved if he didn’t give away so much on the bends, we must ask what time would Vic have done with a normal start?
Liam Dowling has a truly worthy Derby favourite in this home bred which will be making the long journey back from Tralee to Dublin on Thursday night.
The sampling menu was quite fantastic and now we look forward to enjoying the delights to come. If you can get to Shelbourne on Thursday and then for the next five Saturdays, grab the opportunity. You will see the greatest greyhound racing in the world, bar none!
*****************************************
VIC NOW A 5-1 FAVOURITE WITH THE SPONSORS
Ballymac Vic is now a 5-1 favourite for the Ladbrokes Irish Derby with the sponsors following that brilliant first round run on Saturday night.
He has close company in the market with Droopys Jet at 6-1 and Sparta Maestro at 7-1 the only other dogs in single figures.
The top of the Ladbrokes betting list reads:
5 Ballymac Vic
6 Droopys Jet
7 Sparta Maestro
10 Confident Rankin
12 Skywalker Puma
14 Droopys Cain
20 Tibetan Skies, Razldazl Rioga
25 Tyrur Big Mike, Camas Crash, Tynwald Bolt, Sawpit Sensation, Cuil Cougar, Camas
28 Tyrur Sugar Ray, Broadstrand Lad
33 Dragon Shield, Razldazl Bugatti, Tyrur McGuigan, Laughil Billy, Cabra Millie.
40 bar
*****************************************
THREE CHANGES OF SEEDING
There were three seeding changes following the first round of the Derby.
Dusseldorf and Airforce Diva are now running as middle seeds while Forest Ralph has been changed to wide.
*****************************************
MAESTRO AND VIC IN SPARKLING FORM
We hadn’t really seen the very best of Phil Gough’s Sparta Maestro in recent outings but the brilliant Puppy Derby champion bounced back to his best form when racing home a clear cut winner of the opening Heat 15 of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby at Shelbourne on Saturday night in a time of 29.54. That time was bettered in the final heat as Ballymac Vic showed why he is the Derby favourite with a brilliant win in 29.51.
HEAT 15 - SPARTA A TRUE MAESTRO
Phil Gough’s Sparta Maestro (Crash/ Tinrah Kewell) turned in a brilliant performance in winning the opening Heat 15.
He came away better than in recent outings and the writing was on the wall when he led into the opening bend from fast starting Airforce Harlem with Kingo in third.
Down the far side Skywalker Puma began his customary move forward and he flew past Airforce into the third bend and briefly reduced the deficit. But there are few stronger at the business end than Sparta Maestro and he powered up the straight to win by four lengths from Skywalker Puma in an impressive 29.54 with Airforce Harlem two and a half lengths third in front of Kingo.
HEAT 16 – KILBARRY HAS TO DIG DEEP
Graham Holland’s Killbarry Rover (Westmead Hawk/ Free Kewell) went off favourite for Heat 16 but he gave his supporters some anxious early moments as he was tardy enough at traps as Grayslands Barny, Head For Fame and Swords Messi all came away pretty well together.
But Killbarry Rover made up rapid ground into the bend and as Swords Messi swept around the outside to lead, the favourite burst his way through on the inside to give pursuit ahead of Head For Fame. Swords Messi continued to show the way to the third bend where Killbarry went around him and shot clear to win by two lengths from Swords Messi in 29.98 with Razldazl Luke running on strongly from the rear to be three parts of a length third.
HEAT 17 – CROSSFIELD BATTLES HARD
The betting in Heat 17 suggested that it was a two-dog race between Killbarry Rover and Swift Marathon in the absence of Flandys Ryan.
It worked out that way in the end and Brendan O’Shea’s Crossfield Star (Droopys Scolari/ Vieris Surethin) came out on top after a struggle.
Hillcroft Lexie led from traps but Swift Marathon soon took it up but was headed on the bend by Crossfield Star. He led by a neck into the back and never got away from the challenger. Indeed, Swift Marathon actually edged ahead between the bottom bends but the strong staying Crossfield used his superior stamina to pull clear on the run-in for a two and a half length verdict over Swift Marathon in 29.95 with Hillcroft Lexie a length third.
HEAT 18 – THIRSTY GOOD NEWS FOR LAYERS
The first major shock of the night came in Heat 18 where Tibetan Skies went off an odds-on favourite but never looked like getting into the battle.
Lemon Velvet led up from Melodys Lucky and Stay Thirsty and the latter burst to the front on the corner while Tibetan Skies was back in fifth.
The Robert Gleeson trained Stay Thirsty moved a few lengths clear into the back from Lemon Velvet and Melodys Lucky. Between the final bends Melodys Lucky moved into second while Tibetan Skies had now arrived on the scene. But it was Stay Thirsty that romped raced home a length winner from Melodys Lucky in 29.75 with Tibetan Skies a length third, just pipping Lemon Velvet by a head for third spot.
HEAT 19 – LISNAKILL PROVES THE BOSS
There was another major upset in Heat 19 where defending champion Razldazl George and Captain Scolari dominated the betting but not the race.
From traps Lisnakill Ross showed immediately in front from Tyrur Domingo with Captain Scolari moving well to be a close third on the bend. Domingo checked wide and the Eamonn Finn trained Lisnakill Ross (Killahan Phanter/ Lisnakill Cindy) was clear into the back. There was quite a buckle down the back for second but Ballybough Hawke decided that when shooting the third bend and he challenged Lisnakill turning for home. Lisnakill refused to concede and bravely ran out a head winner from Ballybough in 29.93. It was then two lengths to Tyrur Domingo with Razldazl George a short head fourth.
HEAT 20 – WOZNIACKI SERVES AN ACE
There wasn’t a sign of Rory McIlroy at Shelbourne as Conor Fahy’s Tyrur Wozniacki (Top Honcho/ Tyrur Isabel) ran out a shock winner of Heat 20 and was a thoroughly deserving one.
Exocet was the favourite here but never got in a blow as Tyrur Wozniacki, Locnamon Royal and Hot Pursuit battled it out to the bend.
Tyrur asserted into the corner and was followed into the back by Hot Pursuit with Locnamon Royal back in third. They couldn’t gain an inch on the bitch down the back and she was two and a half in front at the third bend. Here Hot Pursuit began to make ground and he finished hard by Tyrur held on by half a length to give Conor Fahy his fifth heat winner in the first round. The time was 29.65 and it was five lengths to Locnamon Royal in third ahead of Rios Girl.
HEAT 21 – MCGUIGAN EMULATES BROTHER
What Tyrur Big Mike can do, litter brother Tyrur McGuigan (Brett Lee/ Tyrur Temptress) can also do.
The 2010 Derby champion gave an exhibition befitting a dog of his stature as he dominated Heat 21 when stopping the clock in 29.76, thus providing Conor Fahy with his sixth heat success.
The story of the race is easily told as Tyrur McGuigan flew from traps and led up from Coolykereen Imp which was within a length and a half turning into the back. But McGuigan extended the advantage down the back and strode home imperiously to win by five and a half lengths from Headleys Charly with Coolykereen Imp a neck third.
HEAT 22 – VIC IN CHAMPION STYLE
Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Vic (Kinloch Brae/ Ballymac Vicky) was a raging odds-on favourite for the final heat but the ante-post favourite gave his supporters some anxious moments as he didn’t pop the traps and was crowded between Forest Simon and Cian Jamie in the early yards as Katies Quadrigo led up the outside.
But Vic got into full gear half way up, raced to the front before the bend and from here it was procession time. He extended his advantage all the way and certainly justified his position at the top of the markets as he raced home a six and a half length winner from Katies Quadrigo in a joint best of the round 29.51. Uncle Eoin was back in third just ahead of Cian Jamie.
SUPPORTING RACES
The night commenced with an Open 575 and the Gerry Whyte owned and trained Fridays Scolari (Droopys Scolari/ Ballerin Lass) gained an overdue success when coming home in 31.43.
From a level start Fridays Scolari nosed ahead into the bend, rode a bump at that point with Forest Gent and led by a few lengths into the back. Fridays then raced on to win by four and a half lengths from Locnamon Bridie which caught Forest Gent on the line for second.
The other two races on the undercard were heats of the Night of Stars Dual Distance over 525 yards and in the first heat the Paul Hennessy trained Priceless Rumble (Ace Hi Rumble/ Woodside Spark) broke fast and led up. He was chased into the back by the well supported debutant Ask Peter but Killinan Tommy moved second at the third bend and briefly looked a threat but Priceless Rumble pulled out more on the run-in for a two length margin in 28.71.
The other heat went to the Larry Mason trained Alberta Bound (Head Bound/ Madam Hero) which came into the second semi as a reserve. It was very close to the bend but Alberta Bound burst his way through on the inside to lead Kilmessan Bound by a few lengths into the back. They could make no impact on Alberta and he raced home a three length winner from Kilmessan Bound in 28.74.
*****************************************
VIC AND THE CHAMPS MAKE THEIR DERBY BOW
We have had two great sessions of racing in the Ladbrokes Irish Derby thus far and there is terrific anticipation in advance of tonight’s final session which features the remaining eight heats and sees ante-post favourite Ballymac Vic and the past two Derby winners Razldazl George and Tyrur McGuigan swinging into action.
SPARTA CAN PIP PUMA
Heat 15: It could be spectacular as SPARTA MAESTRO and Skywalker Puma come head to head and with Kingo and rising young star Liveanddangerous also figure. Sparta Maestro has exceptional pace and he gets the marginal preference due to his favourable outside draw. Skywalker Puma looks the quintessential Shelbourne dog and he will be flying from halfway. It could be very close. Dual Betfair 600 winner is no slouch over 550 either but is drawn a little far out while Liveanddangerous is an improving young dog with all round pace. Airforce Harlem is also strong but Cooleyhane Hero faces a difficult task.
Suggestion: Maestro to foil the Puma.
ROVER’S EXPERIENCE VITAL
Heat 16: Razldazl Luke is an exciting young prospect but has yet to open his account. It is not far removed but the draw in this race certainly favours the experienced Killbarry Rover. He goes well from the inside and has taken very nicely to Shelbourne in previous outings. This pair can dominate a race where Grayslands Barny represents Cork but is entering new territory. That comment could also ap0ply to Mikeys Guest while both Head For Fame and Swords Messi are good early pacers but are drawn very far out.
Suggestion: Rover from Luke
STAR IN MARATHON TEST
Heat 17: The defection of the dehydrated Flandys Ryan is unfortunate as he would have been a major fancy. Either Course I Can or Helmet Henry will come in as reserve. Swift Marathon is now a likely leader but he would appreciate an inside draw and CROSSFIELD STAR may get into a strong position. He starred in the Betfair 600 and is also capable of holding his own over this trip. Deanridge Viking ran in last year’s Derby and has returned from the UK for this. He can figure. Hillcroft Lexie also stays strongly while Burberry Bucks is inexperienced and takes a big step up in class.
Suggestion: Crossfield looks the part.
REACH FOR THE SKIES
Heat 18: The hugely pacey TIBETAN SKIES doesn’t win as often as he should, principally because of his lack of early pace. He is one of the fastest finishers in the business, has an ideal draw and will be a banker in the multiples. Northern bitch Lemon Velvet doesn’t know how to run a bad race and is entitled to be there or thereabouts. Melodys Lucky faces a step up from A3 company but is very strong over the second half. Well drawn Stay Thirsty has mixed with the best and has prospects. Croom Star performed brilliantly last year while Tyrur Stefani is a very progressive early paced inside runner.
Suggestion: What can hold Tibetan Skies?
DIFFICULT TO OPPOSE THE CHAMP
Heat 19: Hail the champion. RAZLDAZL JAYFKAY begins his defence of the title and you can sense the excitement in Dolores Ruth’s voice as she expects a big run. He will need to get away well with Northern Ireland Derby winner Captain Scolari on his inside. This fellow is another very strong tracker. You can’t dismiss Produce Stakes runner-up Ballybough Hawke as doesn’t know how to run a bad race. Tyrur Domingo is a classy performer with big all-round pace and he is a tempting price. Abbeyville Tipp has been flying over further and cannot be ignored. Lisnakill Ross is consistent but has a big task.
Suggestion: George should win but Domingo is capable.
EXOCET IN LAUNCH MODE
Heat 20: If EXOCET can repeat the level of his June 16th defeat of Camas he would probably win this doing handstands. It is still a tricky contest with Fridays Carroll a very useful performer, though has failed to raise a flag recently. Rios Girl displayed huge pace in the Oaks and this trip should suit her even better. Hot Pursuit is a very likely sort and is improving rapidly. If he has settled in his new kennel he will play a role. Locnamon Royal has a fine northern record while inside loving Tyrur Wozniacki could easily reach the frame.
Suggestion: Exocet looks hot but Pursuit could be hot.
MCGUIGAN CAN DO A BIG MIKE
Heat 21: His litter brother Big Mike showed the way on Thursday and 2010 champion TYRUR MCGUIGAN can repeat the act this time. He has not been performing at his best in recent outings but he probably needed the outings and looks a very likely leader. The big danger would appear to be Coolykereen Imp which is a fast starter and was a semi-finalist last year. Razldazl Barack is definitely better over longer distances and is drawn a bit far out. Similarly, Cesarewitch winner Subway Ruth would also be better over further but can go up well. Forest Ralph is a rapidly improving young tracker while Headleys Charly faces a tough test.
Suggestion: Go with the old fellow.
A BALLYMAC VICTOR
Heat 22: We had a huge shock on Thursday when Razldazl Jayfkay failed to qualify and it would be an even bigger surprise if BALLYMAC VIC fails to win this one. He won’t make up the punters but he should have far too much firepower for these rivals. Improving Forest Simon is developing into a very useful tracker but even more is required here. Last year’s Champion Stake winner Uncle Eoin hasn’t approached that level of form this year but he is well housed. Cian Jamie also ran well last year while Glenanore Shaw and Katies Quadrigo will need to improve significantly.
Suggestion: Vic set for a romp.
*****************************************
Don't forget you can also watch Michael & Ian Fortune's video reports on our Derby Video Gallery
*****************************************
BIG MIKE THE STAR ON A NIGHT OF SENSATIONS
It was a night of sensations at Shelbourne on Thursday night with a series of spectacular runs in the second session of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby second round. But the shining star of them all was that remarkable veteran as he clocked 29.51 and provided Conor and PJ Fahy with their fourth heat winner so far in the classic.
Heat 7 – DRAGON PREVAILS, BUT ONLY JUST
Dave Lonergan’s Dragon Shield (Cabra Cool/ Dragon Crash) made a winning start to his Derby campaign in Heat 7, although he had to dig deep to contain the late charge of Airforce Frankie.
The decisive point in the contest came in the race to the turn as Dragon Shield held off the early challenge of Barefoot Allstar.
Once doing so the Pat Buckley trained Dragon Shield always had the measure of the Scottish Derby winner. Instead Airforce Frankie emerged as the main threat. The latter flew down the back straight to close on the leaders and while he had to ease his stride slightly at the third turn after finding little room, he still managed to launch a challenge on the run in.
Dragon Shield had done enough however and he dug deep to repel the advancing Airforce Frankie by a neck in 29.95, while Barefoot Allstar was a further length and a half back in third.
Heat 8 – MILLIE ENTERS HISTORY BOOKS
Having gone agonisingly close in both the Oaks and Dundalk International, Cabra Millie is certainly entitled to a big prize and she couldn’t have made a better start to her Derby challenge as she became the fastest bitch to cover the 550yds trip at Shelbourne Park when posting 29.60.
The Graham Holland trained daughter of Westmead Hawk and Cabra Dancer was one of the first to show at traps and once heading rank outsider Ferdia Oscar before the turn she was never going to be headed.
In contrast the warm favourite Razldazl Bugatti missed the kick completely and was lucky to eventually qualify in fourth. This was all about Cabra Millie however and she dominated throughout to run out a thoroughly convincing five length scorer over Newlawn Tock, who ran well to grab second a half length ahead of Ferdia Oscar.
Heat 9 – RANKIN WRAPS IT UP EARLY
Early speed is clearly Confident Rankin’s most potent weapon and he produced yet another professional effort to run out a very comfortable winner of Heat 9.
The Owen McKenna trained star faced a potentially tricky draw in four, but made light work of his task after a slick exit.
Once moving to the front before the turn, the Jeremiah Kerins owned speedster ran a fantastic bend to increase his lead over the fast starting Tyrur Willyjoe into the back straight. The latter tried his hardest to stay in touch, but Confident Rankin (Premier Fantasy/ Swift Rush) was at his imperious best as he emerged a facile two and a half lengths scorer in 29.70. Tyrur Willyjoe took second spot, three and a half lengths clear of Hillcroft Joe in third.
Heat 10 – SUGAR RAY LANDS A LEFT HOOK
Despite what was billed as a nightmare draw in trap five, the tight railing Tyrur Sugar Ray produced a wonderful effort to run out a very impressive winner of Heat 10.
Starting far better than he had in recent outings, PJ Fahy’s powerful galloper disputed the early lead with the favourite Cuil Cougar.
Cuil Cougar moved to the front on the turn, but the writing was on the wall for his supporters as Tyrur Sugar Ray was simply too close for comfort.
Once straightening up into the back straight, the Conor Fahy trained Tyrur Sugar Ray (Top Honcho/ Maireads Fantasy) moved through the gears to shoot past the leader on the inside rail at the third turn. From there he maintained a powerful gallop all the way to the line to win by an extending two and a half lengths from Cuil Cougar in 29.65 with Barefoot Duke two lengths back in third.
Heat 11 – SENSATION AS JAYFKAY EXITS
The shock fo the classic to date came in this heat where Razldazl Jayfkay was slowly into stride and paid the ultimate penalty. When he was involved in trouble on the first bend as Star Head was pushed wide his problems were accentuated and he failed to recover.
Meanwhile the Fraser Black trained Mays Milan (Ace Hi Rumble/ Magpie Tango), which had been the subject of a sizeable bet at 6-1, flew from the four box and led up from Mines A Pint and Star Head.
Down the back it was still Mays Milan at the head of affairs but Tyrur Micko had now moved second ahead of Clydal Spirit. Nothing ever looked like getting to Mays Milan and he race home a two and a half length winner from Clydal Spirit in 29.83 with Tyrur Micko just a head third.
Heat 12 – DUSSELDORF LEADS THEM HOME
Rockchase Bullet and Broadstrand Lad were the market leaders for this one but it was the Marie Gilbert trained Dusseldorf (Head Bound/ Bluetoon Megan) which flew to the corner to lead around from Stage Gold Gary and Broadstrand Lad.
Dusseldorf quickly went four lengths clear and in all truth never looked like being troubled. Broadstrand Lad moved second around the bottom but it was Dusseldorf home and hosed by four and a half lengths in 29.89 with Stage Gold Gary a length fourth. Favourite Rockchase Bullet qualified in fourth.
Heat 13 – SAWPIT A REAL SENSATION
It had been a bad night so far for Dolores Ruth but Razldazl Rioga was expected to rectify matters somewhat in this heat and things looked good as he broke fast and led up from Puddens Lad. He led by a few lengths into the back but then the race changed quite dramatically.
The David Hunt owned and trained English raider Sawpit Sensation (Head Bound/ No Joke Sherry) is renowned for his pace from the second bend and he went into overdrive as he raced into second and then took Razldazl Rioga between the bottom bends. Sawpit flew up the straight to win by two and a half from the strong finishing Airforce Diva in 29.69 with Razldazl Rioga a similar distance third.
Heat 14 – BIG MIKE IS A PHENOMENON
Well into his fifth year but still one of the fastest greyhounds in training, Tyrur Big Mike (Brett Lee/ Tyrur Sensation) proved himself a real phenomenon as he gave an outstanding display of pace and power in winning Heat 14 in 29.51.
The story of the race is very easily told. Big Mike flew out of three, led by almost three lengths into the bend from Laughil Billy. He ran wide here but drew clear again into the third bend. Despite drifting very wide as usual off the final bend he powered up the straight to win by two lengths from Laughil Billy with Razldazl Dmagio six and a half lengths third.
*****************************************
IT COULD BE DOLORES’ BIG DERBY SESSION
Dolores Ruth launches many of her top contenders in tonight’s second session of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby at Shelbourne this evening and can end up with multiple winners.
A four-timer is very much on the card but you cannot rule out any of her six runners in this evening’s eight heats. But, then, winning one Derby heat needs luck, so can it last out through the session?
Banker among her runners tonight can be Razldazl Jayfkay but let us look at the individual heats.
DRAGON CAN PROVE HIS POTENTIAL
Heat 7: A race where Scottish Derby winner Barefoot Allstar is faced by some of the best of the younger talent. He has yet to recover top form but has top early pace and can lead. Dragon Shield is very lightly raced but has looked a rare talent. He has excellent early pace and if he leads he’ll take beating. Razldazl Apollo is a rapidly improving young dog and does it extremely well at both ends. Clonmel qualifier North Bound is well housed while Airforce Frankie is also well drawn on the inside and is a very strong runner. Exit Milan will need a very fast start in this contest.
Suggestion: Dragon Shield to lead all the way from Razldazl and Barefoot.
REV UP WITH BUGATTI
Heat 8: This has all the ingredients for a thriller with two classic winners, a classic runner-up and three useful supporting cast. In the circumstances the dash to the bend will be absolutely vital and few can go up faster than Dolores Ruth’s Razldazl Bugatti. A bonus is that he is drawn inside of the “big four”. Produce Stakes winner Power Of God has excellent all round pace and is sure to be prominent while southern star Newlawn Tock is noted for his explosive early running. Cabra Millie is one of our top bitches with a rich mixture of early pace and stamina. Patterdale Rocco and Ferdia Oscar will be outsiders.
Suggestion: Early pace can decide it for Razldazl Bugatti.
CONFIDENCE IN RANKIN
Heat 9: Confident Rankin is probably Owen McKenna’s number one hope and he is the one to beat here. He can fly to the bend and doesn’t concede easily when in front. Tynwald Bolt impressed at Wimbledon and he has sparkled in trials. He would probably prefer a longer run to the bend but his trial form suggests he could be special. Tyrur Willyjoe is a real talent, particularly when he makes one of his faster starts. Hillcroft Joe is very consistent but Barefoot Missile and Late Owl will likely struggle.
Suggestion: Difficult to oppose Confident Rankin but Tynwald and Tyrur won’t be far away.
COUGAR GETS NOD OVER QUAIL
Heat 10: Dundalk International winner Quail Hollow is probably the form dog but the 550 here could be a test for him. He flies to a corner and is a likely leader. But can he get around Cuil Cougar to the bend? The Cougar recaptured his best form with a powerful victory here last time. Tyrur Sugar Ray is a brilliant prospect but he badly needs the inside to be seen at his best. Heady Days is a very strong runner and will be motoring down the back. Barefoot Duke is very much on the upgrade but Glanmire Jet needs to step up.
Suggestion: Cougar can just take the Quail.
JAYFKAY LOOKS A BANKER
Heat 11: If there’s a banker on the night then Razldazl Jayfkay is probably it. The draw will suit and he should have the early pace to clear the bend and go on to victory. Mines A Point did fine racing in the past from the inside box and he can be involved. Mays Milan is capable of a big run and can go up strongly. Northern challenger Star Head is a big performer at Drumbo and has excellent all round pace. Tyrur Micko goes up fast and stays strongly while Clydal Spirit is another with the class to figure.
Suggestion: Jayfkay looks the night’s banker.
SIDE WITH THE BULLET
Heat 12: Last year’s Derby favourite Rockchase Bullet has taken time to recover top form but recent runs suggest he is getting there. On his best form he would win this. Veteran Broadstrand Lad has few peers when on song and this draw won’t harm his prospects. He is returning from an injury lay-off but is reported to be fine. Tyrur Blanche is a young bitch that can fly the lids and takes the paint from the rails. The older bitch Caretaker Jo can also fly up. Dusseldorf needs a flying start to show his class while Stage Gold Gary will be an outsider.
Suggestion: Go with the Bullet to beat Broadstrand.
RIOGA CAN SEIZE IT EARLY
Heat 13: There will be support for four of these but the early paced Laurels and Race of Champions winner Razldazl Rioga will take all the beating. There are few that can lead him when he hits it and he stays adequately. Captain America has a huge reputation which is backed up by some brilliant trial form but he has yet to show it in competitive action. Sawpit Sensation is the solitary UK flag bearer and packs a powerful finish. Airforce Diva has slipped a little recently but is high class at her best. Future Gem and Puddens Lad have difficult assignments.
Suggestion: Early pace to decide it in favour of Rioga.
AGE DOESN’T ALWAYS STOP THEM
Heat 14: Two years ago he went off favourite to win the final and ended up second behind litter brother Tyrur McGuigan, now Tyrur Big Mike is back again and still going strong. The Easter Cup winner depends on a fast start these days but if he leads he will take some catching here. Laughil Billy is a young dog climbing the ranks and with the early pace to figure. Razldazl Dmagio is a six bend star but not devoid of middle pace. Pagani has a big run in him and must be respected here while Olympic Rockstar is always capable of a big run.
Suggestion: Age doesn’t always stop them, go with Big Mike.
*****************************************
JET AND CRASH IN FLYING DERBYFORM
Conor Fahy was quick off the mark in the first session of the Ladbrokes Derby with Tyrur Monica and Tyrur Justin giving him a double in the first three heats. However the big talking points of the opening session were the performances of Droopys Jet and Camas Crash as they scored brilliant victories in the manner of dogs with a very big part to play in this classic.
Heat 1 – MONICA TOO STRONG
The Conor Fahy trained Tyrur Monica (Lughill Lord/ Lughill Emily) landed the first blow in the Ladbrokes Derby when storming home to win the opening heat in determined fashion.
PJ Fahy’s talented bitch came away racing to lead early, but she found her self in second spot after taking a bump on the turn when just avoiding an opening bend pile up that saw Minefield and Lolos Joe bowled over.
Lahern Dancer forced his way through on the fence to lead, but he was always under serious pressure as the strong running Tyrur Monica stalked him down the far side. Monica made her move between the last two bends and struck the front as they turned for home. Once doing so she motored up the home straight to record a comfortable three and a half length victory in 30.12, with Laharn Dancer just holding Fairway Fusion by a short head for second.
Heat 2 – CAMAS JUSTIFIES FAVOURITISM
In the second heat the Owen McKenna trained Camas (Head Bound/ Accelerate) was the favourite but he didn’t come away from traps too well as Lisnakill Jack broke fast from four and led up from Danmar Benny with Camas in third.
Danmar Benny slipped through into the lead on the opening bend with Camas going second on the outside. Down the back Camas closed the gap relentlessly and was on terms into the bottom bends. It wasn’t until the run-in that Camas hit the front but he ran on wide and fast to open up a length and a half winning margin over Danmar Benny in 29.86. It was then four lengths to Slick Seattle which ran on strongly from the rear to finish third.
Heat 3 - JUSTIN COMPLETES TYRUR DOUBLE
Conor Fahy completed a heat double when Tyrur Justin (Premier Fantasy/ Cabra Midget) got the better of a very closely contested race. Justin, a star puppy last season, hadn’t found that level of form this year and was challenged for favouritism by Jimmy Boy.
It was Tyrur Justin that broke fastest and led up from Jimmy Boy and Krelco. Jimmy Boy was a clear second heading into the back and he motored up to challenge Tyrur Justin on the third bend. By the fourth he was disputing the lead but then faded on the run-in. Tyrur kicked again but was quickly challenged by the reserve Sawdust Terry and in a driving finish held on for a neck verdict in 30.14 with Krelco three parts of a length back in third.
Heat 4 – A SHOCK AS TREE SPROUTS
In Heat 4 Larry Dunne’s Climb A Tree (Honcho Classic/ Catunda Serena) came into the inside as reserve for Lady Blackpool and gladly accepted the invitation by springing a surprise – but a thoroughly deserved one. Climb A Tree flashed out of the inside box and led up from the favourite Robbiesgoneagain.
Into the back Climb A Tree had a few lengths in hand of Robbiesgoneagain with Tyrur Thomas now moving into third. Nothing could make any impression on Climb A Tree to the bottom bends where Tyrur Thomas briefly moved second. However Climb A Tree raced on independently to win by three and a half lengths from Robbiesgoneagain with Tyrur Thomas a half length third.
Heat 5 – DROOPYS IS JET PROPELLED
Fraser Black’s Droopys Jet (Slip The Lark/ Droopys Mo) certainly brought the classic to life with an outstanding performance in Heat 5 as he flew from traps and led all the way in a brilliant 29.52.
His price varied between 2-5 and 1-3 but it was 20-1 bar as he raced around the first bend with a nice lead over Allen Master.
From here it was exhibition stuff as he pulled further and further ahead and all eyes were concentrated on the clock as he crossed the line a seven length winner. The time was a brilliant 29.52. Allen Master ran a good race in second and he had three and a half lengths to spare over Ruthless Man in 29.52.
Heat 6 – CAMAS ALMOST EQUALS THE JET
Last week we eulogised over the performance of Camas Crash after he had clocked 28.15 for the 525 yards. Well Rachel Wheeler’s son of Crash and Marys Opel produced another stunning performance in winning the final heat of the night in 29.56.
He was actually led to the bend by Toms Brett with Droopys Cain losing ground after a reasonable start and the latter had it all to do entering the back as he was back in fourth place. Entering the back Camas Crash was already piling it on and he just left his rivals for dead to win by seven lengths in 29.56. Droopys Cain finished with his usual flourish to take second a length in front of Tinas Nova.
*****************************************
DADDY & BLACKPOOL OUT OF DERBY
Smooth Daddy and Lady Blackpool have been withdrawn from tonight’s Ladbrokes Irish Derby heats at Shelbourne.
Smooth Daddy has been withdrawn from trap five in Heat 3 and may be replaced by Sawdust Terry.
Lady Blackpool was due to race from the inside box in Heat 4 and her place may now go to Climb A Tree.
*****************************************
THE DAY HAS ARRIVED
It’s the day we have been waiting for all year, the commencement of the 2012 Ladbrokes Irish Derby and the scene is set for a great evening at Shelbourne. The first six of the twenty-two first round heats will be run and gracing the scene will be recent Townviewfoods.com Champion Stakes winner Droopys Jet.
Indeed, tonight’s session will see two of the overall favourites in action with Droopys Cain contesting the last of the qualifiers. It will be a most interesting session and should draw a very healthy Wednesday night attendance to the track. We’ll look at the heats in order of running:
MONICA COULD SURPRISE
Heat 1: It will hardly be the biggest betting heat of the round with doubts surrounding the form of the likely favourite Paradise Martini. On his best form he would win this but a best price of 7-4 with the firms is not over appealing. Lolos Joe is a real model of consistency and will be thereabouts while the ideally housed Tyrur Monica could represent value at a best price of 9-2. Fairway Fusion is a bit of a mystery but in her few races across the water she ran well against top opposition. Lahern Dancer is stepping up from A3 company while Minefield hasn’t run for a while but was a very useful bitch at her best.
Suggestion: Tyrur Monica e.w.
CAMAS CAN BE TOO SLICK
Heat 2: Camas is one of my long odds selections for the classic. He has the perfect outside draw, goes up well and is very strong from halfway. He is good value with Ladbrokes at 15-8. Slick Seattle is a flying machine at his best but he has been absent for some time. However his trial was good. Danmar Benny and Eabhas Fantasy are likely to have a battle up the inside for the lead. Lisnakill Jack can also go up well but he ran extremely wide at Harold’s Cross in the Corn Cuchulainn and we must wonder how he will run this track. Deenside Brae had a lengthy break but is well capable of a big run. Suggestion: Camas to win from Slick Seattle.
DADDY COULD SNEAK IT
Heat 3: Tyrur Justin has been disappointing this year and hasn’t lived up to his puppy form when he was known as Cabra Noel. If he can recapture that form he would win this on his own but in the circumstances the 6-4 on offer is not appealing. They value may be on the outside with both Smooth Daddy and Jimmy Boy offered at 4-1. Smooth Daddy caught the eye with a nice return run at Kilkenny while Jimmy Boy has been holding his own in hot company and is well housed. Krelco is a young dog on the upgrade and goes up well but Lolos Hope and the badly drawn Drumurrer Vixen have it all to do.
Suggestion: Smooth Daddy e.w.
TOCHAR CAN BE MASTER
Heat 4: A difficult race to assess. Robbiesgoneagain looked a hot prospect when winning in 28.37 in March but hasn’t repeated the performance and was disappointing on Saturday last over 575. Can he recover his best form? An Tochar Master is very consistent and has settled in well with Larry Mason. He goes up well and stays and is set to run a very big race. Tyrur Thomas is a lightly raced young dog that is guaranteed to improve. Lady Blackpool has been running well at Harold’s Cross but like Bulls Bolt and Rushwee Record appears to have a bit to find. Power’s 11-4 about An Tochar Master may be the best idea.
Suggestion: An Tochar Master to win from Robbiesgoneagain.
JET CANNOT BE OPPOSED
Heat 5: The banker for all tonight’s multiples will be Droopys Jet and he will be very short. The firms range from 4-6 (Hills) to 2-5 (Power) in their assessment of Fraser Black’s Champion Stakes winner. He flies up and the red jacket is absolutely ideal. It’s surely a case of barring accidents! Ruthless Man is consistent but will surely struggle early while Allen Master will need a career best start if heis to keep Droopys in his sights. Razldazl Amy is taking a massive leap in class as is Sheepwalk Shaw but Kokoro is definitely on the upgrade and could be forecast material.
Suggestion: Droopys to win easily from Allen Master.
DROOPYS CAN CAIN THEM
Heat 6: We have another hot favourite here in John Linehan’s Droopys Cain and he varies between 8-11 (Bet365) and 4-7 (Betfred & Ladbrokes). He is a particular favourite of mine but the trap four draw is no help as this fellow is not the fastest up and he craves for the inside. When he gets there he goes into overdrive. Camas Crash is a serious contender and was most impressive when clocking 28.15 last week. He is very strong from half. Tinas Nova has top class early and is a possible leader while Rockburst Saint ran a blinder in the Barry A1 final last week. Toms Brett and Beany Tunes are very consistent but face a huge task.
Suggestion: Droopys Cain to win narrowly from Camas Crash.
*****************************************
WHERE TO PLACE THE DERBY MONEY
The betting markets on the Ladbrokes Irish Derby finally began to settle down yesterday evening with all the retired and taken out of the various lists. What was also confirmed was that four dogs would be very close together at the top of the betting – Ballymac Vic, Sparta Maestro, Droopys Cain and Droopys Jet.
It is difficult to totally disagree with this quartet but I would find it difficult to leave the likes of Skywalker Puma out of my list. Indeed my “short list” of nine has all those five along with Cuil Cougar, Camas, Confident Rankin, Tyrur Sugar Ray and Dragon Shield. Among the “reserves” are Razldazl Apollo and Captain America.
But let us go straight into our lists which we break into Top Four, Four For Value and the Wonder Kids.
TOP FOUR
BALLYMAC VIC (10 Power)
DROOPYS JET 14 (Bet365)
SKYWALKER PUMA (20 Blue Square)
SPARTA MAESTRO (12 (Power)
FOUR FOR VALUE
CAMAS (50 Betfred)
CAMAS CRASH (50 General)
CAPTAIN AMERICA (40 Ladbrokes)
CUIL COUGAR (33 General)
WONDER KIDS
DRAGON SHIELD (40 Ladbrokes)
RAZLDAZL APOLLO (50 General)
TYRUR SUGAR RAY (40 Ladbrokes)
*****************************************
PUMA AND MAESTRO CLASH AS 132 CHASE DERBY GLORY
The list of contenders for the Ladbrokes Irish Derby settled at 132 this morning and so there will be 22 heats run over Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights.
A notable late withdrawal was Ollie Bray’s Royal Patrol which was reported injured this morning but all the other major fancies figured in the draw which was made by Ladbrokes’ representative Sean Lynch at Shelbourne this morning.
Generally the major fancies all fared pretty well in the draw but there are a few dodgy trap draws and a couple of really interesting clashes. The major clash will be in Saturday’s opening Heat 15 where Skywalker Puma, Kingo and Sparta Maestro look the big three.
Reigning champion Razldazl George will begin his defence in Heat 19 where he will wear the blue jacket with Bettor Northern Ireland Derby winner Captain Scolari on his inside and the Produce Stakes runner-up Ballybough Hawke in five.
The 2010 winner will run in Heat 21 where his main rivals will include Cesarewitch winner Subway Ruth and the Champion Stakes finalist Razldazl Barack.
Droopys Jet will be well suited by the trap one draw in Heat 5 but Droopys Cain is far from ideally boxed in four in a hot Heat 6. Each heat has its own appeal and we are set for some fantastic racing over the three nights, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Five dogs will qualify from eight heats and four will make it through from the remainder to guarantee a 96 dog second round.
WEDNESDAY DERBY ACTION ON INTER TRACK & LIVE STREAMING
Wednesday's action at Shelbourne featuring the first six heats of the Ladbrokes Irish Derby will be shown live on Inter Track while Live Streaming will also be available on www.igb.ie
Inter Track will be available at the tracks which race on Wednesday, Kilkenny and Galway and any other tracks which open to facilitate local greyhound enthusiasts.
*****************************************
LADBROKES AGAIN BACK THE 2012 IRISH DERBY
For the third year Ladbrokes will sponsor this year’s Irish Greyhound Derby which will kick off in five weeks at Shelbourne Park.
The 2012 Ladbrokes Irish Derby was officially launched at Shelbourne Park on Monday afternoon and the company’s PR spokesperson Hayley O’Connor confirmed that there will be a €225,000 prize fund, of which the winner will receive €120,000.
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of Guidless Joe’s victory in the first official Irish Derby which was run back in 1932 at Shelbourne Park. In all those years only one greyhound managed to win the Derby more than once and that was Spanish Battleship which was successful in 1953, ’54 and ’55.
This year there could be two greyhounds bidding for a second success with reigning champion Razldazl George being joined by the 2010 champion Tyrur McGuigan.
Dolores Ruth confirmed at the Launch that she will be running George again but he has a prior date in the Boylesports International at Dundalk on July 12th. He will be just one member of a very strong Ruth team which could be seven or eight strong.
Minister Shane McEntee rushed back from an earlier engagement in Wexford to the launch where gave the premier greyhound event his official blessing. He said that “it is the ambition of every greyhound owner to have a Derby runner. It is one of the great sporting events of the year in Ireland and this year’s Derby looks like being an exceptional event”.
The first round heats will be run on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, August 1st, 2nd and 4th and the final will be run at headquarters on Saturday, September 8th.
The Derby final will again be shown live on RTE 2 and will be on air between 8.30 and 9.30 pm with the race itself due to go off at the earlier than normal time of 9.10 pm.
The Derby Launch took place in the Oaks Suite where all the guests got a great view of the work being carried out on the racing surface. The diggers moved in on Saturday night immediately after racing to remove the top three inches of sand and it will be replaced by new sand in time for Wednesday night’s meeting.
Pictured at the launch of the 2012 Ladbrokes Irish Derby are Patrick Flynn Sales and Operations manager Shelbourne Park, Richard Harkness Bets Compiler Ladbrokes, Minister Shane McEntee and Phil Meaney Chairman IGB.
MCGUIGAN BIDS FOR ALL-TIME RECORD