600 SEMIS THE FEATURE OF A TOP CLASS CARD AT HQ
Ian Fortune
A top-class card should attract plenty to Shelbourne Park this evening. For many years, the Shelbourne Open 600 has been one of the most popular competitions on the calendar and the semi-finals of the famous stake are the feature of the action.
GIZMO TO FOLLOW UP
Liam Dowling unveiled a potential superstar in the opening round with Ballymac Gizmo posting a fastest of the night 32.33 on his way to a facile success. He will be severely tested this evening, however, as he has been drawn again two of the fastest females in training Singalong Dolly and Fashion Model, in the opening semi.
Fashion Model was actually three lengths behind Ballymac Gizmo last week but did catch the eye, finishing with a real flourish in second. Were she to make a better start, she could certainly have a big say the finish.
Singalong Dolly was also beaten last week but excuses can be made for the Puppy Oaks, Champion Bitch Stake and Cesarewitch winner. She was denied the early lead and actually ran a big race in defeat.
Should she hit the ground running from an inside draw tonight, she would certainly have the pace and power to go close. Droopys Tico and Droopys Comrade both finished well last week and are also entitled to respect, while Ballinabola Jim is also capable of having a say should he burst from traps as he did seven days ago.
One suspects Ballymac Gizmo is very special, however, and that could make the difference. He has shown speed, power and the will to win in his short career to date and he remains the choice to come out on top, perhaps at the expense of Singalong Dolly and Fashion Model.
BEACH TO DELIVER AGAIN
Ryhope Beach probably had no right to win his opening round assignment after finding himself at the tail of the field in the early yards but such is his immense pace and power that he proved to strong for a top-class line-up.
His many supporters will be hopeful he can turn close to the pace in the second heat this evening. If doing so, there is scarcely a greyhound in training that has the power to match him.
That’s not to say he will have thing all his own way this evening. Pennys Lynx was impressive last weekend and would be a tough nut to crack if getting loose at the head of affairs, while Azurite was just a length and a half behind Ryhope Beach in the opening round.
She went up strongly last week and could again race prominently. Laughil Rocky and Kyanite Kate also posted a faster sectional than Ryhope Beach last week, meaning he could have quite a few rivals in his inner or in front to the turn unless finding his trapping boots.
Hanover Phantom has the best of the draw on the fence but needs to hit the ground running to make full use of it. It’s an intriguing contest but Ryhope Beach made it look so easy last week despite giving his rivals a head start. It’s difficult to see him suffering a defeat unless he finds traffic. Certainly, were he to get loose into the turn, should conditions allow, he could go very fast indeed and he is chosen to lead home Pennys Lynx and Azurite.
NORA AND METAPHOR APPEAL IN A0 525
The semi finals of the valuable Retired Greyhound Trust A0 525 are also on the card and both heats feature some talented trackers. Abbeyside Spice has superb early speed and is the most likely pace-setter in the opening heat but the John McGee trained Deelish Nora has the best of the draw on the fence. If she were to repeat her best UK form, she could emerge as the one to beat.
The exciting Droopys Metaphor has a tricky draw in five in the second heat but is undoubtedly fast enough to overcome the draw. He neds to clear Beepers Lariat in the early yards but is chosen to do so.