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DEMPSEY’S DERBY DELIGHT AS BONUS WINNERS CONFIRMED

Michael Dempsey was the most nervous man in Shelbourne Park on Saturday, perhaps outside the owners and trainers of those with a finalist in the Derby, but the Shelbourne Racing Manager has no need to worry as everything went off without a hitch.

In fact, he and his team delivered one of the great nights of racing in recent years, culminating with the victory of The Other Kobe in the final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby itself.

We caught up with Michael yesterday and he sounded mighty relieved but also proud of how the classic unfolded. He also confirmed this year’s Derby bonus winners.

Storys Peewee picked up the bonus for the Derby Trial Stake winner to go farthest, while the three remaining bonuses were paid out to finalists. Well Met was the top owner trained greyhound netting John Jones the bonus, while Bockos Crystal was awarded the bonus for top bitch after finishing runner up to The Other Kobe.

There was also a well-earned bonus for Threesixfive as she was the top syndicate owned greyhound in the classic, finishing fourth.

Said Dempsey of the Derby itself, “From a racing office point of view it was a very successful renewal of the Boylesports Derby from the very first heat in the opening round to the Final. Everything went like clockwork.

“The Derby is a magical event and a lot of people put an awful lot of work into making sure it ran smoothly. I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their effort. I would also like to congratulate Jennifer O Donnell and the connections of The Other Koby.

“There were 156 greyhounds in the Derby at the start and I’d like to thank the connections of all entrants for making the Derby the success it was. And last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to Boylesports for their continued generous sponsorship of this great event.”

******

KOBE SAVES BEST FOR LAST

As we reflect on the brilliance of The Other Kobe’s Derby success at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night, it’s worth pointing out that in victory he posted the fastest third bend sectional of the entire classic.

Jenifer O’Donnell wouldn’t dare to dream that he could produce such a run on the biggest stage but his 16.85 return to the third turn was enough to secure a decisive advantage. It also means that through the whole competition he was the only greyhound to dip under the 17 second barrier, doing so twice.

His 16.88 in the quarter finals has been the fastest of this year’s competition but to better it in the final itself was incredible and, given the fact that he only won by a half-length, completely necessary. 

A breakdown of the entire competition:

*inseparable in their respective heat 

Leaders Clocks (Fastest to Slowest):

 

1st round

2nd round

3rd round

Q-Finals

S-Finals

Final

The Other Kobe

17.09

 

 

16.88

17.09

16.85

Music Glideaway

 

 

 

 

17.06

 

De Lahdedah

17.14

 

17.03

17.04

 

 

Bockos Crystal

17.09

 

17.11

17.24

 

 

Well Met

17.23

17.12

17.23

17.25

 

 

Mr Chelm

 

 

17.01

 

 

 

Tommy Hewick

17.17

 

17.03*

 

 

 

Bobsleigh Dream

 

 

17.03*

 

 

 

Droopys Bro

17.28

 

17.12

 

 

 

Scaglietti

17.17

17.12

17.17

 

 

 

Clonbrien Treaty

 

17.14

17.20

 

 

 

Glengar Martha

 

17.12

 

 

 

 

Jetara

17.23

17.20

 

 

 

 

Undisputed

17.14

17.20

 

 

 

 

Ballymac Marino

 

17.22

 

 

 

 

Newinn Port

 

17.22

 

 

 

 

Bens Teddy

 

17.24

 

 

 

 

Halo

17.54

17.25

 

 

 

 

Sober Glory

 

17.25

 

 

 

 

Ballymac Walt

 

17.27

 

 

 

 

Clona Duke

17.20

17.30

 

 

 

 

Carrigmore Logan

 

17.32

 

 

 

 

Another Holiday

17.01

 

 

 

 

 

Ballymac Finn

17.06

 

 

 

 

 

Ballyhimikin Rex

17.09

 

 

 

 

 

Good Maestro

17.11

 

 

 

 

 

Ballinabola Ed

17.12

 

 

 

 

 

Ryhope Beach

17.25

 

 

 

 

 

Optic Chico

17.27

 

 

 

 

 

Beepers Lariat

17.27

 

 

 

 

 

Hawkfield Blue

17.30

 

 

 

 

 

Cryptopunk

17.32

 

 

 

 

 

Bulletfromagun

17.38

 

 

 

 

 

Deadly Showtime

17.38

 

 

 

 

 

Disco Pants

17.38

 

 

 

 

 

******

KOBE KEEPS DERBY IN THE FAMILY

The Other Kobe is the 2023 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby champion.

Those were the words this lucky scribe announced to the packed Shelbourne Park stands on Saturday night soon after the brilliant tracker had produced one of the most perfect displays ever seen on the biggest stage of all.

For Jennifer O’Donnell, it was a case of déjà vu as her star emulated his brilliant litter brother, Born Warrior, by racing to Derby glory.

Owners Brian Clare, David L’estrange and Aidan Walsh purposely bought their star, on the recommendation of Teddy Hegarty, to win a Derby and their dream came true in the most emphatic fashion.

Bockos Crystal and Bens Teddy both played their part in making this a truly memorable contest but the Other Kobe was imperious on the night that mattered and his name will go into the record books as the fastest ever Derby winner.

TEDDY SENT OFF FAVOURITE

As expected, ahead of the off, there was huge support for Bens Teddy and he was actually returned the 11-4 favourite.

The Other Kobe was eventually sent off the 3-1 second favourite, just ahead of Music Glideaway on 7-2, while Bockos Crystal was next at 4-1. Well Met was a drifter on the evening, going to traps at 11-2. Threesixfive was the rank outsider and was eventually returned at 28-1.

A DRAMATIC BACK DROP

The fog began to descend on Shelbourne Park not long after racing got underway and it provided an almost mystical backdrop to another famous night.

The huge crowd that made the journey knew the significance of the start and when the traps opened The Other Kobe was first to show.

Showing his electric trapping ability and superb early speed, he was in the driving seat from the very outset. Bockos Crystal also went up fast with Well Met third but, even at this early stage, it was evident that The Other Kobe was going to take some catching. 

CRYSTAL PUSHES HARD

Bockos Crystal gave pursuit into the back straight and home, making this a contest right to the very finish but The Other Kobe was never going to be picked up.

The son of Ballymac Best and Mountaylor Queen was so purposeful in his movements.

A length to the good at the opening bend, he took the turn as though he was on skates. By the second bend he had almost three lengths in hand and he continued to lay it on thick. He increased his lead further to the third turn, going three and a half lengths clear but this was where Bockos Crystal began to close.

So too did Bens Teddy. After staying tight to the fence off the second bend to move fourth, he joined Well Met into the third turn and, for a brief moment, gave his supporters something to shout about. It wasn’t meant to be for Bens Teddy, however.

With Well Met coming back in towards the fence on the third turn, the pair bumped. It was to cost Bens Teddy valuable momentum and effectively end his chances.

THE RUN TO THE LINE

Instead, the focus was on the front two and more significantly, The Other Kobe.

After his electric start, he was on his way to Derby glory. Bockos Crystal closed the gap significantly and was still advancing when they hit the line but it was all too late.

Despite running an incredible race in defeat, she was to come up short. The Other Kobe, on the other hand, was to produce the greatest run of his career. Holding his rival to the line, he was greeted with a wall of noise as h emerged a half length winner in a stunning, fastest of all time, 29.11. Bockos Crystal was second, Bens Teddy just another length adrift in third, while Threesixfive ran on strongly to take fourth another three lengths adrift.    

It was another famous night for the O’Donnel family. Jennier was joined on the track by friends and well-wishers but it was particularly poignant to see her mother Frances join her and embrace her soon after the race. Between Jennifer, Frances and the late great Matt O’Donnell, there are six Irish Derby victories to speak of.

Jenna Boyle presents the trophy to David Lestrange after The Other Kobe won the final of the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Derby. Also included are joint owners Aidan Walsh and Brian Clare, trainer Jennifer O'Donnell and Frances O'Donnell.          Pic: Imelda Grauer

BLASTOFF LIVES UP TO HS NAME IN DERBY PLATE

Much like The Other Kobe, the final of the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate was won in superb trap to line style by Blastoff Mac.

Philip Buckley’s charge has improved steadily in recent weeks and the son of Grangeview Ten and Blastoff Apache chose the right night to produce a career best display.

Neither Beepers Lariat or Ballinabola Una, the big two in the betting, could get involved early after fluffing their lines at trap rise. In contrast, Blastoff Mac flashed from the outside box to set a strong gallop from the outset.

Neon Lights emerged as a big threat down the back straight but Blastoff Mac is very strong and he ran right through the line to emerge a fully deserving length victor in 29.50. 

JUNIOR’S CONSOLATION SUCCESS

The Peter Cronin trained Trinity Junior may have fallen short in the Derby, crashing out at the semi-final stages, but he claimed a tremendous victory in the Derby Consolation, showing a clean pair of heels to his rivals in the opening half of the contest.

Clonroosk Sydney flew home to close all the way to the line but Tim Slevin’s Trinity Junior held on to score. The hugely talented son of Laughil Blake and Oi Oi Upenalty held on to see off his rival by a half length in 29.42.

******

STAGE SET FOR THE GREATEST NIGHT IN THE SPORT

It’s finally time.

After weeks of incredible action, many shocks and some wonderful storylines, the 2023 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby will tonight come to a fitting conclusion.

A huge crowd is set to pour through the stiles for the greatest night in world greyhound racing, providing an atmosphere like no other with the knowledgeable Shelbourne Park crowd expected to act as a sound track to the drama unfolding on the track.

The RPGTV and Virgin Media cameras will be on track, providing pictures for those that can’t make it, but there really is nothing like being there. And the final itself should provide a fitting conclusion to what has been a wonderful competition. 

This is a race that everyone has an opinion on but the more prevalent view is that it is a wide-open contest. It’s hard to disagree. Certainly, anybody with a connection to the six finalists can dream of a scenario where their star lands the €125,000 winner’s purse.

In terms of the shape of the race, it’s pretty clear. The inside duo and the outside duo will all battle it out for early supremacy, while the two middle runners will be finishing at speed and will hope to take charge in the final yards.

It’s worth noting that no greyhound has come from further back than second to win the Derby since the Frances O’Donnell trained Skywalker Puma in 2012. Of course, Frances is mother to Jennifer O’Donnell, who is responsible for the favourite The Other Kobe, who is bidding to emulate his 2022 Derby winning litter brother Born Warrior.

KOBE BIDS TO SLAM ON RIVALS

The Other Kobe is favourite from trap two. A fast starter with outstanding early speed, huge pace down the back straight and the stamina to see out the 550yds, he is worthy of his position at the head of the betting.

He was good through the early rounds without producing his very best but that all changed in the quarter finals when posting a joint fastest of the Derby 29.15. A week later, he again dominated to win his semi-final in style.

He was actually purchased ahead of the 2022 Derby with a view to going deep in the classic only to stumble badly at traps in the opening round, losing all chance of progressing. Luckily, he has avoided such a catastrophe this year and goes into tonight’s final with obvious claims.

The presence of Well Met on his left is a concern but if he was to clear that rival in the opening exchanges, it could allow him make a bold bid for Derby glory. Certainly owners, Brian Clare, David L’estrange and Aidan Walsh are aware of what is needed from The Other Kobe.

If he repeats his quarter final display, he could potentially seize control from the very outset. How his owners would love to see him flash from trap two.

WELL MET READY TO PLAY A PART

Well Met has been tremendously consistent through the competition although others have gone faster on the clock.

Much like The Other Kobe, his chances depend on whether he can get to the head of affairs before the race develops into a battle.

The draw will certainly aid his claims. A professional with superb early dash and the draw to suit, John Jones will be praying he can contain The Other Kobe into the bend to lead the field into the back straight. If doing so, it would be game on as Well Met is notoriously difficult to pass.

There is certainly a jealous streak in the son of Ballymac Best and he will not give up his advantage without giving everything. For the Jones family, it must be wonderful to have another Derby finalist. Our Surprise successfully made the 2019 decider only to pick up an injury. It was so devastating for the family at the time for them to have a Derby finalist so soon after must seem almost surreal. Imagine if Well Met happened to come home in front?

THREESIXFIVE BIDS FOR FAIRYTALE SUCCESS

Threesixfive is the real fairytale story in the decider.

Trained by young Scott Phelan, who only has a training licence a year and a half, she has produced some superb runs through the competition, storming home to make the frame in each of the five nights to date.

She has yet to win a heat of the Derby and is a big price to do so tonight but she will not be short of support. Both Scott and his partner in crime Ciara Byrne are hugely popular and were the young couple to train a Derby winner, there would be a queue all the way back to Dunlavin to congratulate them.

And Threesixfive is no forlorn hope. This is a bitch with a speed and class to win a heat of the oaks over 525yds, the strength and power to star in the early round of the Corn Cuchulainn and the endurance and ability to progress to a Derby final. She may need help from others but have no doubt, she will be finishing fast. If she were to come home in front, her owners the Pint of Heino Syndicate would surely fill the trophy with their beloved vitamin H.

SUPER TED READY TO FLY

Some fourteen years after College Causeway came from out of the clouds to hand Pat Buckley a first, and to date his only, Derby title, Bens Teddy will attempt to emulate the flying black from trap three.

The powerful son of Droopy Sydney rally does fit the description of a true powerhouse.

Not the fastest in the early yards and often in need of a little luck around the opening two bends, he is as fast as any greyhound in training from the sprint boxes. That has been evident through this year’s Derby with clock waters left astounded by his times from the third bend to the winning line.

One suspects he will come in for strong support in the ring this evening and he could go to traps a far shorter price than what was available during the week. For his owners Sike Murphy, Nolan and Willem Byrne and Kim Prichard, a clear run for Bens Teddy is the dream scenario. Should he avoid traffic, it seems inevitable he will be bang in the mix at the line. Have no doubt, he is a serious player and were he to move into a challenging position around the last two bends, the crowd will likely raise the roof.  

MUSIC PLAYING THE RIGHT TUNE

Music Glideaway is the youngest and least experienced finalist but arguably comes into the race in the best form of all six finalists.

He has long been a hugely fast greyhound, showing real promise in his early outings if not always getting a clear passage.

That has changed in recent weeks. He clearly gained real confidence in a 575yd competition around Shelbourne Park in June, relishing the chance to get loose on the long run to the turn. While he still wasn’t trapping with great fluency at that time, it’s his improved starting that has seen him make the Derby final.

Certainly, that was the key to victory in the semi-finals. The brilliant son of 2020 Derby champion Newinn Taylor came through the bars to dictate from the outset in a 29.32 success. It was a serious run and one that his owner Bob Shanahan will pray he can repeat this evening.

If doing so, he could potentially hand his handler Pat Guilfoyle a second Derby victory after the 2017 success of Good News.

CRYSTAL CAN SHINE

Graham Holland is already one of the all-time great trainers but were Bockos Crystal to come home in front this evening, he would join the legendary Tom Lynch and Gay McKenna on a record four Derby wins.

His first victory came in 2016 with Rural Hawaii, but even he couldn’t have predicted that just seven years later he would be seeking a fourth win in the blue riband. Graham Box and Bev Lochead, the owners of Bockos Crystal are also seeking to win another Derby.

They were lucky enough to own Lenson Bocko in 2019 and there are many similarities between their Derby champ and Bockos Crystal. A fast starter with incredible pace and a real desire to win, she is a huge player in this evening’s contest.

Now seventeen weeks out of season, she is also coming to hand at the right time. Certainly, Graham Holland and her owners will believe she is ready to produce the biggest run of her already impressive career.

It certainly won’t need much for her to emerge triumphant. If producing her best start, there is a strong chance she could lead the field around the turn and as a bitch that has won over 600yds in a stunning 32.07, she would be mighty difficult to reel in.

Graham Holland and her many supporters will be hoping she can follow in the footsteps of Rural Hawaii, Lenson Bocko and Newinn Taylor and hand her handler a fourth Derby victory.

THE DERBY VERDICT

And so, to the verdict.

On first inspection, a trap five draw wouldn’t look ideal for Bocko Crystal but she should lead both Threesixfive and Bens Teddy to the turn. Well Met and The Other Kobe are likely to go up fast on the inside of the track but there is a chance they could rub shoulders.

Any bumping between that pair could hand the advantage to the pair on the outside, Bockos Crystal and Music Glideaway. Given the act that she is draw on the inside of Music Glideaway, Bockos Crystal could get first run and that could prove decisive.

Bens Teddy will certainly put the foot down from halfway and would be a serious threat if receiving a clear passage but the nod just goes to Bockos Crystal. It’s a wide-open Derby final and the most important thing is they come home safe and sound. If you are heading to Shelbourne Park, enjoy every moment and the best of luck to all with a runner.

UNA TO LAND DERBY PLATE

The Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate decider is the feature of a sensational undercard at Shelbourne Park.

It’s been a stake that has thrown up some strange results in recent weeks but it would be a surprise if the winner didn’t come from the front two in the betting, Beepers Lariat and Ballinabola Una.

The presence of the fast-starting Ballymac Pete on his immediate inside is a concern for Beepers Lariat and that throws the verdict the way of the powerful Ballinabola Una. She stormed home to win her semi-final in style and can again turn closer than normal from an ideal draw on the fence. If that is the case, she could be very difficult to contain. 

HOFFA FOR CONSOLATION

Coolavanny Hoffa can’t be opposed in the Boylesports Derby Consolation.

The Michael O’Donovan trained star will be a red-hot favourite from a kind draw in five and can assert before the turn to run out a facile winner. Trinity Junior is seen as the greatest threat.

******

GLIDEAWAY PICKS THE RIGHT TIME TO GET LOOSE

There is no need for proof to acknowledge that Music Glideaway has come forward through the Derby but the fact that he led to the third turn for the first time in the year’s classic at the weekend is evidence of the fact.

Not only did he set the pace but he also set the standard with a 17.06 third bend return before going on to win in comfortable fashion in a fast 29.32.

The Other Kobe also set the pace in the other semi-final, the third time in the competition he has been in front at that point of the contest. After a sizzling 16.88 in the quarter finals, he posted 17.09 on his way to a semi-final victory.

It means that five of the six Derby finalists have led to the third turn at least once through the competition. The one exception is Threesixfive. Of the six finalists, The Other Kobe’s 16.88 quarter final return is the fastest on show.

Music Glideaway is next fastest (17.06), while Bockos Crystal is just behind with her opening round 17.09 return. Well Met failed to set the pace for the first time in this year’s competition at the weekend. His fastest third bend clock came in the third round when posting 17.12. Bens Teddy surprised a few by leading to the third turn in the second round when recording 17.24. 

Given how competitive the final is, it will be interesting to see which greyhound gets on the bunny and just how fast they will go.

A breakdown of the entire competition thus far. Included are the two semi-final third bend leaders:

*inseparable in their respective heat 

Leaders Clocks (Fastest to Slowest):

 

 

 

 

 

1st round

2nd round

3rd round

Q-Finals

Semis

Music Glideaway

 

 

 

 

17.06

The Other Kobe

17.09

 

 

16.88

17.09

De Lahdedah

17.14

 

17.03

17.04

 

Bockos Crystal

17.09

 

17.11

17.24

 

Well Met

17.23

17.12

17.23

17.25

 

Mr Chelm

 

 

17.01

 

 

Tommy Hewick

17.17

 

17.03*

 

 

Bobsleigh Dream

 

 

17.03*

 

 

Droopys Bro

17.28

 

17.12

 

 

Scaglietti

17.17

17.12

17.17

 

 

Clonbrien Treaty

 

17.14

17.20

 

 

Glengar Martha

 

17.12

 

 

 

Jetara

17.23

17.20

 

 

 

Undisputed

17.14

17.20

 

 

 

Ballymac Marino

 

17.22

 

 

 

Newinn Port

 

17.22

 

 

 

Bens Teddy

 

17.24

 

 

 

Halo

17.54

17.25

 

 

 

Sober Glory

 

17.25

 

 

 

Ballymac Walt

 

17.27

 

 

 

Clona Duke

17.20

17.30

 

 

 

Carrigmore Logan

 

17.32

 

 

 

Another Holiday

17.01

 

 

 

 

Ballymac Finn

17.06

 

 

 

 

Ballyhimikin Rex

17.09

 

 

 

 

Good Maestro

17.11

 

 

 

 

Ballinabola Ed

17.12

 

 

 

 

Ryhope Beach

17.25

 

 

 

 

Optic Chico

17.27

 

 

 

 

Beepers Lariat

17.27

 

 

 

 

Hawkfield Blue

17.30

 

 

 

 

Cryptopunk

17.32

 

 

 

 

Bulletfromagun

17.38

 

 

 

 

Deadly Showtime

17.38

 

 

 

 

Disco Pants

17.38

 

 

 

 

 ******

LARIAT AND UNA DOMINATE PLATE BETTING

After impressive semi-final displays at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night, Beepers Lariat and Ballinabola Una dominate the betting for the final of the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate. Beepers Lariat went faster in victory and is now just 11-8 with sponsors Boylesports.

Ballinabola Una continues to improve with each and every outing, culminating in a brilliantly powerful display in the semis when coming home clear in 29.61. She is the 2-1 second choice in the market.

Ballymac Pete is third choice in the betting at 5-1, while it’s double figures about the remainder. Neon Lights and Blastoff Mac are 10-1 with Pied Piper the outsider of the party at 14-1.

Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate

Boylesports Bet:

11-8   Beepers Lariat

2          Ballinabola Una

5          Ballymac Pete

10       Neon Lights

10       Blastoff Mac

14       Pied Piper

******

GLIDEAWAY AND KOBE SHINE IN DERBY SEMIS

And then there were six.

Those that tell you they predicted the final line-up in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby are telling porkies although there was nothing lucky about the manner in which each of the six progressed.

Ultimately the headlines will go to Music Glideaway and The Other Kobe, who took the bull by the horns and dominated in their respective semi-finals but there were so many superb displays behind them providing some incredible storylines ahead of the biggest race of the Irish greyhound racing calendar year.

GLIDEAWAY PLAYS A SWEET TUNE

The opening heat saw Trinity Junior going to traps the marginal favourite at 7-4 ahead of Well Met at 15-8.

Music Glideaway, despite his wonderful draw in the stripes was sent to traps the 5- third choice in the market and those that stayed loyal to the Pat Guilfoyle trained star were rewarded handsomely.

Behind the big there were Seven Beach and Clonroosk Sydney at 8-1, while Threesixfive was returned the 11-1 outsider of the field.

This was a race that was effectively decided in the opening two strides. Music Glideaway has always been a fast greyhound but has largely been inconsistent, if not tardy, at traps. That was not the case in the quarter finals and he again shot from boxes in the semis.

The Pat Guilfoyle trained star flashed from trap six and was soon in complete command despite the best efforts of Well Met in one. By the corner, the son of Newinn Taylor and Glideaway Magic was a couple of lengths clear and he increased his advantage to three lengths by the second turn.

Well Met was second with Threesixfive turning third. Clonrooske Sydney has cut inwards from trap five, leaving Tinity Junior with no room to race and both dogs suffered crowding. Seven Beach turned closest to those in the qualifying positions but was never going to be able to get by the powerful Threesixfive.

In reality, we knew our three qualifiers from as early as the second bend. Music Glideaway, owned by the Bob Shanahan led Pension Plan Syndicate, was on his way to a brilliant victory. Maintaining a relentless gallop throughout, Music Glideaway went on to see off Well Met by four lengths in a rapid 29.32. Threesixfive ran on well to finish just a half length behind Well Met in third. 

It wasn’t meant to be for Clonroosk Sydney, Seven Beach and Trinity Junior but each played thir part in making this a truly memorable Derby.

KOBE SLAM DUNKS ON RIVALS AGAIN

The second heat was also won by a 5-1 chance as The Other Kobe produced yet another flying exit to make every inch for Jennifer O’Donnell, emulating his litter-brother Born Warrior, who both made and won the 2022 Derby decider.

Here De Lahdedah and Coolavanny Hoffa dominated the market. De Lahdedah was 6-4 from an ideal draw on the fence, while Coolavanny Hoffa was just behind him at 2-1. Bockos Crystal was 7-1, Bens Teddy at 10s and Raha Mofo the rank outsider at 20-1.

But as with the opening heat, this was over in an instant. The Other Kobe, owned by Brian Clare and David L’estange, is clearly in the form of his career and after flashing from traps to hold the advancing Bockos Crystal into the turn, he was always in command.

De Lahdedah and Coolavanny Hoffa both missed the start but flew into the turn to sit third and fourth. Despite breaking fast, Raha Mofo was outpaced into the turn and stayed wide to allow Bens Teddy slip around in fifth.

The race was now on. It was clear The Other Kobe was going to take some catching once turning in front and so it proved by the race for the remaining qualifying places was wide open. Obviously, Bockos Crystal, after turning second, was going to be very hard to knock out of the frame but the battle for third was epic.

De Lahdedah was third into the back but edging off the fence, was forced to check across the heels of Bockos Crystal. It was to prove his undoing as Coolavanny Shot past him. De Lahdedah would suffer further crowding on the third turn, ending any hope of making it through. 

Coolavanny Hoffa and Bens Teddy were then left in a straight shootout for the third qualifying spot. The Other Kobe was on his way to victory, however. The brilliant son of Ballymac Best and Mountaylor Queen just kept on finding up front to repel Bockos Crystal before going on to score by three parts of a length in 29.58. The race was for second was ultra-competitive. In the end, neither Coolavanny Hoffa or Bockos Crystal could contain the late charge of Bens Teddy.

The latter absolutely flew home to see off Bockos Crystal by a length. Coolavanny Hoffa was a further three parts of a length adrift in fourth, sadly crashing out of the competition. De Lahdedah and Raha Mofo were next. Again, they can be proud of their efforts but luck was to desert them at the last hurdle.

Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate

UNA TOO STRONG

It paid to follow the runners in red in the semi-finals of the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate as both Ballinabola Una and Beepers Lariat obliged in tremendous fashion.

Brendan and Grainne Murphy’s Ballinabola Una has given the impression she will be a star over further than 550yds in the future but she was plenty sharp enough to turn second to Ballymac Pete in the opening semi.

Once doing so, it was a case of when, rather than if, she would go to the front. Ballymac Pete did all she could to repel the challenge of Ballinabola Una, but the daughter of Burgess Bucks and Dolls Lady was simply too strong.

Taking charge at the third turn, the Pat Buckley trained star quickly shot clear to eventually strike the line with four lengths to spare in 29.61. Ballymac Pete held on for second with Neon Lights running on well to finish just a length and a half further adrift in third.

LARIAT SHOWS A GREAT TURN OF PACE

Beepers Lariat looked a little leg-weary when picked up seven days earlier but he was a far fresher sight on Saturday as he emerged a superb winner of the second heat.

Trained by Jack Kennelly for Lenny O’Hanlon, the son of Droopys Sydney and Beaming Smasher actually mistimed the start but he displayed a wonderful turn of early dash to shoot past the fast starting Da Bold Freddie into the bend.

It was a decisive maneouvre. Blastoff Mac also improved his position into the turn to slip around in second but, unlike last weekend, he could never get to Beepers Lariat. This was a very different Beepers Lariat. One that meant business.

Maintaining a strong gallop to the line, the June ’21 whelp emerged a comfortable and most impressive three length scorer in 29.50. Blastoff Mac was second with Pied Piper staying on well to make the frame, two lengths further adrift.

******

THE DERBY DRAW

With five inside and a single wide seed progressing to the final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, the draw was always going to be of real importance.

Thankfully, the greyhound racing Gods were shining own on Shelbourne Park at 9.40pm as the draw has worked out as well as it possibly could.

Certainly the connections of Well Met, The Other Kobe and Music Glideaway have nothing to be worried about, while Bens Teddy and Threesixfive were always going to do things the hard way anyway so a middle draw won’t be a huge concern for their owners.

As the widest drawn of the five inside seeds, many will feel Bockos Crystal can feel aggrieved but the draw could be absolutely ideal for the flying female. With Theesixfive and Bens Teddy on her immediate inside, she could have rom to race into the bend and is capable of playing a big part.

It’s a hugely competitive Derby final and one to look forward to. The all-important draw can be seen below. Best of luck to all involved.

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Final Draw

1 WELL MET

2 THE OTHER KOBE

3 BENS TEDDY

4 THREESIXFIVE

5 BOCKOS CRYSTAL

6 MUSIC GLIDEAWAY (W)

 ******

KOBE FAVOURITE FOR DERBY GLORY

Sponsors Boylesports were fastest off the mark on Saturday night, pricing up the Derby decider seconds after the draw and the mantle of favouritism has fallen at the paws of The Other Kobe after another professional front-running display.

Less than a year after his litter brother Born Warrior captured the blue riband, the son of Ballymac Best is a 2-1 chance to land the €125,000 prize. Music Glideaway is just ahead of Well Met as the second choice in the betting. Music Glideaway is 100-30, while Well Met is just fractionally bigger at 7-2. It’s then 9-2 about the powerhouse Bens Teddy with Bockos Crystal at 5-1. Threesixfive is the rank outsider at 33-1.

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Boylesports bet:

2          The Other Kobe

10-3   Music Glideaway

7-2      Well Met

9-2      Bens Teddy

5          Bockos Crystal

33       Threesixfive

******

DERBY DRAMA EXPECTED AT SHELBOURNE PARK

The battle for a place in the final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby should provide real drama at Shelbourne Park this evening as the field is halved for the final time in this year’s classic.

Those venturing up the road to the famous Ringsend venue will a greyhound will be praying for a top three finish to keep their Derby dream alive.

Both semi-finals are truly outstanding but the second heat, in particular, is very special. Have no doubt, greyhound will showcase just how exciting it can be this evening with a place in the greatest race on Irish shores on the line.

JUNIOR MUST BE AT HIS SHARPEST

Trinity Junior has been installed a warm favourite for the opening semi-final but this is a contest fraught with danger.

Well Met and Seven Beach will likely go up fast from traps one and three, Music Glideaway finally got his trapping right last week and could also go up fast, while Threesixfive and Clonroosk Sydney will be finishing with real purpose.  

In reality, the outcome will most likely be decided into the turn with an early advantage expected to prove enough. Well Met, Seven Beach, Trinity Junior and, potentially, Music Glideaway can battle it out into the turn.

Well Met and Music Glideaway have the best of the draw and will have plenty of support but Trinity Junior might have the pace to clear the pair. That would mean avoiding Seven Beach and Clonroosk Sydney in the opening yards but that is very possible.  

Well Met will race up the fence to challenge and would be extremely hard to pass if managing to dictate but slight preference is for Trinity Junior to turn in front before going on to score. Those wishing to take on Trinity Junior and Well Met will likely look to the outside duo.   

Clonroosk Sydney will edge inwards from trap five and must avoid traffic but is certain to finish with a real flourish, although the value lies with Music Glideaway in six. The Pat Guilfoyle trained will have room to maneouvre and certainly has the engine to put it up to Trinity Junior and Well Met.

If Seven Beach is to return to winning ways, he must find a flying exit before turning in front. That is a big ask, while Threesixfive supporters will be hoping for traffic amongst the front ranks. She will finish fast and is most certainly capable of playing a part in a very competitive contest.

A CONTEST TO SAVOUR

To highlight just how special the second semi-final is, five of the top seven in the sponsor’s outright betting are crammed into the line-up.

To further highlight just how strong the field is, the one greyhound that isn’t in the top seven in the outright betting is the 2022 Oaks Champion, reigning Bitch of the Year and the Dundalk International winner Raha Mofo.

Any time a greyhound of such incredible ability is quoted at odds of 20-1, you can be certain it’s a very special contest. At the head of the market are the new Derby favourite De Lahdedah and the dog he usurped from the top of the betting, Coolavanny Hoffa.   

It’s a spectacular contest that also features the fastest quarter final winner The Other Kobe, the brilliant Bockos Crystal and the remarkably strong Bens Teddy. The Other Kobe was particularly brilliant last week, showing astounding early speed after a flying start to record a joint fastest of the Derby 29.15.

His reward for that run was a trap two draw on the outside of De Lahdedah. If he is to follow up, he needs to come away racing yet again, as clearing De Lahdedah into the turn is no easy task.

Bockos Crystal has been in great form and is likely to go up well but she may need a career best effort to even make the frame, let alone challenge. Bens Teddy will be finishing fast but a trap four draw could see him struggle to turn close enough to the pace.

The aforementioned Raha Mofo will also finish fast but she needs plenty to happen in her favour to land a telling blow. Perhaps a third placed finish is the best she can hope for.

It’s a spectacular race but the draw does favour the big two. De Lahdedah will wear his favourite red jacket, while Coolavanny Hoffa races in the stripes. That could and should swing things in their favour. The presence of the rails-seeking The Other Kobe on his right shoulder is a slight concern for followers of De Lahdedah and there is a scenario where the pair come into contact before the turn.

In contrast, Coolavanny Hoffa, if trapping on terms, should have far too much early speed for Raha Mofo and Bens Teddy on his immediate left and that could allow him the room he needs to get up to full stride.

Coolavanny Hoffa has suffered defeat in each of his last two outings but ran a far bigger race than most give him credit for last week and seems set to take off again very shortly. Have no doubt, if the Michael O’Donovan trained star does lead on the bend, which is very possible, there is no way he will be picked up.

De Lahdedah can emerge as the obvious threat, while the battle for the all-important third spot could go right to the wire.

TASTY ACTION EXPECTED IN PLATE

The starting prices of last weekend’s Michael Fortune Memorial Plate heat winners read 25-1, 10-1, 25-1 and 7-1.

With that in mind, it is perhaps best to proceed with caution ahead of tonight’s semi finals.

Certainly, both heats are every bit as competitive as the Derby action.

Pape Di Oro and Annagh Bailey renew rivalry in the opening heat with the former chosen to reverse last week’s form. He is the most likely pace-setter and will look to make every inch. Annagh Bailey is an obvious threat but it would also be brash to ignore the claims of the remaining quartet.

Ballymac Pete and Sogna In Grande can also challenge early, while Ballinabola Una and Neon Lights will finish at speed leaving the door open for a thrilling finish. The rapidly improving Ballinabola Una will finish with a wet sail and can sneak into the frame but the nod remains with Pape Di Oro ahead of Annagh Bailey.

CHICO TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

Optic Chico was beaten in each of his last three starts, never really looked like threatening in any but he remains the one to beat and has been installed a warm favourite with the layers.

If he manages to turn close, he would be difficult to contain.

Da Bold Freddie and Beepers Lariat are also greatly respected. Da Bold Freddie has returned to something close to his best in recent weeks and could set a strong gallop if getting across Beepers Lariat into the bend.

Press Unlock is perhaps best equipped of the remainder and could make the frame. Pied Piper and Blastoff Mac are not short of pace but need to do everything right from the draw. Optic Chico has been expensive to follow but is selected to come home in front of Da Bold Freddie. 

******

DERBY THE FEATURE OF IRISH FOCUS

As things get tight in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, tonight’s Irish Focus will centre around the Derby action.

We will look back at the quarter finals of the classic as well as look ahead to Saturday’s semi-finals.

The same can be said for the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate.

Those wishing to tune in on SKY are reminded that RPGTV has switched to channel 427. It can be viewed from 6pm. For those that can’t watch it on television, it is also live streamed at https://www.sportystuff.tv/#about or watched via the Racing Post’s own site https://greyhoundbet.racingpost.com/

******

LAHDEDAH AND JUNIOR FANCIED IN DERBY SEMIS

Damien Lonergan of sponsors Boylesports yesterday reported that the greyhound attracting most attention after prices for the semi-finals of the Boylesports Derby went live was Trinity Junior.

Said Lonergan, “They couldn’t get enough of Trinity Junior. We put him up at 11-8 and were immediately hit with a few lumpy bets. We cut him to 5-4 and they kept coming so he is now 11-10 with us for the opening semi.”

Well Met is seen as the main threat to Trinity Junior and is 9-4 for heat glory, while Clonroosk Sydney, despite a tough draw in five, is third in at 6-1. Seven Beach and Music Glideaway are 8-1 with Threesixfive the outsider of the party at 25-1.

De Lahdedah is favourite for the second heat after being handed an ideal draw on the fence. The Liam Dowling trained star is just 6-4 o come out on top with Coolavanny Hoffa the standout threat at 2-1. After a sensational quarter final display, The Other Kobe is sure to have support at 9-2, while the same can be said for Bens Teddy at 8-1. Bockos Crystal is also running with real purpose and is 8-1. Reigning Bitch of the Year Raha Mofo is a remarkable 20-1 despite her incredible pace and power, highlighting the strength of this contest.

BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby

BoyleSports bet:

SEMI FINAL 1

9-4                  Well Met

25                   Threesixfive

8                      Seven Beach

11-10            Trinity Junior

6                      Clonroosk Sydney

8                      Music Glideaway 

SEMI FINAL 2

6-4                  De Lahdedah

9-2                  The Other Kobe

8                      Bockos Crystal

8                      Bens Teddy

20                   Raha Mofo

2                      Coolavanny Hoffa

 ******

CHICO FANCIED FOR SEMI-FINAL GLORY IN PLATE

Optic Chico has suffered three defeats in a row but is fancied to return to winning ways at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night with the Robert Gleeson trained powerhouse introduced at even money with Boylesports for his semi-final in the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate.

Beepers Lariat is seen as his main threat at 3-1, while Press Unlock at 9-2 and Da Bold Freddie at 5-1 could also attract support.

Annagh Bailey and Pape Di Oro couldn’t be separated in the betting for the opening heat. The pair line-up side by side and much will depend on which gets first run. Sogna In Grande is the third in at 4-1. The full betting can be found below: 

Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate

BoyleSports bet:

SEMI FINAL 1

6                      Ballinabola Una

6                      Ballymac Pete

14                   Neon Lights

2                      Papa Di Oro

2                      Annagh Bailey

4                      Sogna In Grande

SEMI FINAL 2

3                      Beepers Lariat

5                      Da Bold Freddie

16                   Pied Piper

16                   Blastoff Mac

9-2                  Press Unlock

1-1                  Optic Chico

******

LAHDEDAH THE NEW DERBY FAVOURITE      

It’s official.

After Saturday’s action in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, there I a new favourite for outright glory with De Lahdedah now sitting on top of the betting lists after another brilliant performance.

Sponsors Boylesports have introduced the Liam Dowling trained star their 2-1 clear favourite ahead of Coolavanny Hoffa at 7-2. The latter has been a red-hot favourite for Derby glory for some time but he was finally pushed of his perch by his younger, hugely exciting rival.

It is far from a two-dog competition, however. The Other Kobe produced a massive run in the quarter finals, clocking a joint fastest of the classic 29.15. As a result of that display, his price has been slashed to 6-1.

Next in after being handed a relatively kind draw in the semis is Champion Stakes winner Trinity Junior at 10-1. He is joined on that mark by the powerful, in-form, Bens Teddy. Bockos Crystal and Well Met are both available at 14-1, while Clonrooske Sydney is 20-1 despite winning once again.

To highlight the incredible quality left in the competition, Bitch of the Year Raha Mofo is 25-1, ahead of Music Glideaway and Seven Beach on 33-1. Threesixfive is the outsider of the field at 40-1.

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Boylesports bet:

2          De Lahdedah

7-2      Coolavanny Hoffa

6          The Other Kobe

10       Trinity Junior

10       Bens Teddy

14       Bockos Crystal

14       Well Met

20       Clonroosk Sydney

25       Raha Mofo

33       Music Glideaway

33       Seven Beach

40       Threesixfive

******

CHICO BACK ON TOP IN PLATE BETTING

Optic Chico may be on a run of three straight losses but he has been promoted to favouritism in the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate by sponsors Boylepsorts.

The Robert Gleeson trained powerhouse is just 3-1 to land the €7,500 prize on September 2nd with Tipperary Cup winner Pape Di Oro his nearest market rival at 4-1.

Annagh Bailey was a good winner on Saturday and is now the 6-1 clear third choice in the betting with Beepers Lariat next in at 8-1. The full market can be seen below:

Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate

Boylesports bet:

3          Optic Chico

4          Pape Di Oro

6          Annagh Bailey

8          Beepers Lariat

10       Sogna In Grande

12       Ballinabola Una

12       Press Unlock

12       Da Bold Freddie

16       Ballymac Pete

16       Neon Lights

33       Blastoff Mac

33       Pied Piper

 ******

KOBE BREAKS 17 SECONDS TO THIRD BEND

It will come as no surprise that the Other Kobe became the first greyhound to break the 17 second barrier to the third turn in his exceptional quarter final victory in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby on Saturday night.

Posting a stunning 16.88, he sent out a loud and clear warning to his rivals that he was in the form of his career in a 29.15, joint fastest of the Derby, return.

De Lahdedah was also hugely impressive in victory, dominating in the opening heat to win in 29.31. He posted 17.04 to the third turn, just one spot slower than he went a week earlier.

Bocko Crystal didn’t win her heat but continues to step forward with each outing after seasonal rest. While Bens Teddy came through to score, Bockos Crystal was in front to the third turn sectional mark, clocking 17.24.

It is somewhat surprising that Well Met was slowest of the four third bend leaders with a 17.25 return in the last of the heats. 

A full breakdown of the third bend leaders for each of the 8 third round heats can be found below:

*inseparable in their respective heat 

Leaders Clocks (Fastest to Slowest):

 

 

 

 

1st round

2nd round

3rd round

Q-Finals

The Other Kobe

17.09

 

 

16.88

De Lahdedah

17.14

 

17.03

17.04

Bockos Crystal

17.09

 

17.11

17.24

Well Met

17.23

17.12

17.23

17.25

Mr Chelm

 

 

17.01

 

Tommy Hewick

17.17

 

17.03*

 

Bobsleigh Dream

 

 

17.03*

 

Droopys Bro

17.28

 

17.12

 

Scaglietti

17.17

17.12

17.17

 

Clonbrien Treaty

 

17.14

17.20

 

Glengar Martha

 

17.12

 

 

Jetara

17.23

17.20

 

 

Undisputed

17.14

17.20

 

 

Ballymac Marino

 

17.22

 

 

Newinn Port

 

17.22

 

 

Bens Teddy

 

17.24

 

 

Halo

17.54

17.25

 

 

Sober Glory

 

17.25

 

 

Ballymac Walt

 

17.27

 

 

Clona Duke

17.20

17.30

 

 

Carrigmore Logan

 

17.32

 

 

Another Holiday

17.01

 

 

 

Ballymac Finn

17.06

 

 

 

Ballyhimikin Rex

17.09

 

 

 

Good Maestro

17.11

 

 

 

Ballinabola Ed

17.12

 

 

 

Ryhope Beach

17.25

 

 

 

Optic Chico

17.27

 

 

 

Beepers Lariat

17.27

 

 

 

Hawkfield Blue

17.30

 

 

 

Cryptopunk

17.32

 

 

 

Bulletfromagun

17.38

 

 

 

Deadly Showtime

17.38

 

 

 

Disco Pants

17.38

 

 

 

******

KOBE STARS AS DERBY FIELD REDUCED TO FINAL TWELVE

Twelve of Ireland’s fastest greyhounds will take their place in the semi finals of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby next weekend after four exceptional quarter finals at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.

Each of the four heat winners won in superb fashion but The Other Kobe took the headlines with a stunning trap to line success in a joint fastest of the Derby 29.15. De Lahdedah, Bens Teddy and Clonrooske Sydney all came home in front in their respective heats and we can now look forward to halving the field for the final time just a few days from now.

Heat 1 – DE LAHDEDAH

Liam Dowling and the Garsun Syndicate came up the road praying their wonderful puppy, De Lahdedah, would come away racing in the opening heat and their prayers were certainly answered.  

The brilliant son of Lenson Bocko and Ballymac Sarahjo shot from trap three and quickly hit the front. Raha Mofo and Seven Beach also came away well to chase de Lahdedah into the bend but there was no such luck for Scaglietti, who was sent off favourite.

For the first time in the stake, the brilliant tracker missed the kick and could never get involved once doing so. In contrast, De Lahdedah was relentless up front. Easing right away to the third turn, he put the result beyond doubt in the style of a greyhound on a mission.

Seven Beach may have tired a little on the run in but he held on for second with Raha Mofo third but De Lahdedah took the headlines with a wonderful seven length victory in a rapid 29.31. Seven Beach contained Raha Mofo by a head to finish runner-up. The winner really franked his obvious Derby claims.

Heat 2 – SUPER TED TAKES FLIGHT

Bens Teddy had the draw, the engine and, as it transpired, the start to win the second heat in mighty impressive fashion for Kim Prichard and Pat Buckley.

Sent to traps the 2-1 favourite, his many followers were in clover after the son of Droopys Sydney and Beechgrove Bell flashed from the inside box to lead early.

He was soon headed by Bockos Crystal and Clonbrien Treaty but remained far too close for comfort. Showing great track craft and pace, he moved second, past the wide running Clonbrien Treaty, on the second turn before setting his sights on Bockos Crystal.

Bockos Crystal did all she could to hold her advantage but Bens Teddy was just too strong. Forcing his way upsides and past Bockos Crystal between the last two bends, he eased on to score by an ever-widening four and a half lengths in 29.39. Bockos Crystal was second with Threesixfive finishing at real speed to grab third, just a length further adrift.   

Heat 3 – KOBE SLAMS ON HIS RIVALS

The Other Kobe had hinted at a big run in a couple of his recent outings but his Derby challenge really came alive in the third heat as the son of Ballymac Best and Mountaylor Queen left a brilliant field trailing in his dust. This was the ultimate statement-like display.

Flashing from traps, posting a fastest of the Derby 3.38 and a sizzling 16.88 (also fastest of the Derby) to the third turn, the Jennifer O’Donnell trained star emerged a comfortable winner in a joint fastest of the classic 29.15. Plenty more was happening in behind but The Other Kobe was simply different class up front.

Trinity Junior and Coolavanny Hoffa went up side by side in second with the latter looking likely to move second on the corner only to get a couple of bumps from his nearest rival. It meant that Trinity Junior was second into the back straight but he could never threaten the pace-setter.

The Other Kobe, owned by Brian Clare and Davi L’estrange, increased his lead into the third turn before staying on to secure a comfortable three length victory. Meanwhile, Trinity Junior continued to race in second with Coolavanny Hoffa pushing hard into the third turn. Exploring the option of going up the inner, Coolavanny Hoffa decided it wasn’t the right moment and checked his stride in a move very similar to what happened him in last year’s semis. This time, however, he recovered, driving the third turn to cut off the advancing Mr Chelm. It was enough to secure him third, a length and a half behind Trinity Junior.

Heat 4 – SYDNEY COMES OUT ON TOP IN A WONDERFUL FINISH

Clonrooske Sydney was one of the best backed greyhounds of the entire round and he duly obliged at 3-1, although he needed every inch of the 550yd trip.

There was a staggered start with Bobsleigh Dream, Millridge Levi and Undulation all missing the start.

In contrast, Music Glideaway and Well Met came away racing with Clonrooske Sydney also gong up well in third. Music Glideaway actually held a narrow lead into the turn but Well Met drove through gap on the fence to bump his rival out of the way.

Importantly, Clonrooske Sydney, trained by Matthews Harte for Ray Conroy and Ollie Dunne, was close in behind in third and it was inevitable the powerful son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Matilda was going to have a big say.

The battle for the lead continued to the third turn with Well Met just repelling Music Glideaway but Clonrooske Sydney was now closer and moving with real purpose. In a driving finish, Clonrooske Sydney hugged the fence to launch his challenge.

Well Met rallied on the run in but Clonrooske Sydney was just too strong and he emerged a head winner in 29.55. Well Met ran his heart out again to contain Music Glideaway by a neck in third.   

******

NEON LIGHTS IT UP

The opening heat of the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate saw a shock winner in the form of Neon Lights as he came storming home to score for Alan Byrne and Paul James.

Here Ballymac Pete came away fastest to set a strong gallop only to be joined and briefly headed by the wide-running Magical Kuba at the third turn.

While all this was happening, Neon Lights was stalking the pair in third after slipping through on the fence around the opening two bends. The son of Ballymac best and Ballymac Natalie was in the perfect position to strike as the front two began to tire. In a driving finish, Neon Lights stormed home to grab the lead in the dying strides for a length verdict over Ballymac Pete in 29.69. The staying on Optic Chico grabbed third, some two lengths further back.

FREDDIE WITH A BOLD EFFORT

Craig Day and Vicky Dobson’s Da Bold Freddie returned to winning ways, some six months after his most recent victory, showing tremendous early speed to make all in the second quarter final of the Derby Plate.

He was pursued by Sogna In Grande and Pied Piper into the back straight but neither could get back on terms.

Pied Piper emerged as the main threat in the latter stages but the Paul Hennessy trained Da Bold Freddie (Ballymac Bolger/ Ballymac Belle) kicked again to emerge a length and a half winner in 29.76. Sogna In Grande also safely negotiated his way into the semis, a further three lengths back in third.

MIGHTY MAC DOUBLES TALLY

Despite showing plenty of ability in his subsequent starts, Blastoff Mac hadn’t won a race since his debut but he put that right in the third heat of the plate.

Philip Buckley’s son of Grangeview Ten and Blastoff Apache chased Beepers Lariat into the turn, leaving him in the perfect position to strike down the back straight.

Showing tremendous pace to the third turn, he shot up the inside of Beepers Lariat to strike the front. Press Unlock ran on strongly to finish just a half-length adrift in second with Beepers Lariat recovering from his third bend bump to qualify in third, two lengths further back.    

BAILEY TOO STRONG

After a big display behind fastest opening round scorer Ballymac Run, Dan and Peter Stackpoole’s Annagh Bailey claimed his place in the semi-finals of the plate with a fine victory in the last of the four heats.

There was a pretty level start but Pape Di Oro and the Rachel Wheeler trained Annagh Bailey emerged from the pack to challenge for the lead into the turn.

Cheque For Sir was also prominent but was left short of room and forced to check wide. This left the front two clear of the chasing pack. Pape Di Oro had a narrow lead but Annagh Bailey (Droopys Sydney/ Bellmore Fantasy) bridged the gap into the third turn before edging on at this point.

He quickly put over a length between himself and Pape Di Oro before going on to secure a two-length verdict in 29.71. Ballinabola Una flew home to grab third, four lengths further back.  

******

NO ROOM FOR ERROR IN DERBY QUARTER FINALS

With just seven races remaining in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, progression is the order of the day as the final twenty-four line up in the quarter finals of the classic at Shelbourne Park this evening.

A place in the final twelve is the goal, although nothing will come easy with tonight’s heats packed with quality. Coolavanny Hoffa and Bobsleigh Dream will be warm favourites for their respective heats, while De Lahdedah and Scaglietti dominate the market in the opening heat. In contrast, Heat 2 looks a wide-open affair with three or four potential favourites.

A heat by heat guide to tonight’s session:

LAHDEDAH AND SCAGLIETTI CLASH

The clash of De Lahdedah and Scaglietti is the perfect way to start tonight’s Derby action.

De Lahdedah is the nearest rival to Coolavanny Hoffa in the outright market but he faces a tough test with Scaglietti bidding to maintain his unbeaten record in the classic. 

Both have been so impressive through the early rounds. De Lahdedah posted the fastest time of the competition last week, showing wonderful pace and track craft to lead into the back straight before going on to stop the clock in 29.15.

A slight concern for his backers is a trap three draw. He missed the start in the second round from trap four before edging across to the fence. If he were to miss the kick again, he could potentially find Seven Beach in his way.

The latter has yet to break from the inside of the track but he does have fine early speed and tends to move of the fence.

Liam Dowling’s De Lahdedah star is improving with each outing, however, and it’s probably safe to expect a faster start this evening. Scaglietti remains a huge threat. He has been ultra consistent through the stake, winning in 29.26 twice before posting 29.27 on a slightly slower surface last weekend.

He is likely to go up fast and would be near-impossible to pick up if turning in front.

It is far from a two-dog affair, however. Bitch of the Year Raha Mofo will certainly be finishing fast but needs to find a way to turn a little closer. Tommys Hewick has been in the form of his career and looks certain o race prominently. Garfiney Blaze will finish fast but needs to comes away on terms.

De Lahdedah gets the nod but his chance is dependent on getting first run on Scaglietti, who is seen as the main threat.

A REMARKABLY OPEN CONTEST

Heat 2 is the most open of the four each of the six runners holding strong claims.

Bens Teddy has been installed a marginal favourite with the off-course layers during the week but there is a chance he will be third or fourth choice in the betting this evening with Droopys Bro, Bockos Crystal, Droopys Nice One and Clonbrien Treaty all likely to attract support.

Threesixfive completes a top-class line-up and she too could potentially have a say as a noted big finisher. Droopys Bro is still a puppy but his progression in recent weeks has seen him become a serious Derby challenger.

Tonight’s assignment is his toughest test yet but he can have a huge say, especially if making a slick exit. If he were to get the better of Bens Teddy into the turn, he could find himself in a perfect position to strike.

Bens Teddy has massive pace throughout but is vulnerable to the turn. If he were to come away on terms, he too could make a bold bid.

Bockos Crystal lowered the colours of Coolavanny Hoffa last week and is coming forward in leaps and bounds after seasonal rest. Her dates are now far more favourable and she can improve further on recent efforts and is seen as a big player.

A noted fast starter, expect the Graham Holland trained star to race prominently and emerge as a leading player. Droopys Nice One and Clonbrien Treaty met last week with the former picking up her more fancied rival.

Droopys Nice One continues to run with real purpose and is more than capable of coming out on top, while Clonbrien Treaty needs to find his very best form. The Kirby Memorial champion has exceptional pace but must trap on terms.

It’s a truly exceptional contest and one that provide a great spectacle. The nod just goes to Droopys Bro. If finding room to maneouvre in the early yards, the Murt Leahy trained star can make the most of his inside draw to see off Bockos Crystal to the bend. No matter the result, three big names will make their exit in this red-hot contest.

HOFFA OUT TO ATONE FOR LATEST DEFEAT

Despite a long odds-on reversal last week, Coolavanny Hoffa remains a clear favourite for outright honours and his claims will be put to the test in Heat 3 where he faces some of the fast trackers in training.

This is a really special contest with Trinity Junior, Mr Chelm, Ballymac Marino and The Other Kobe all holding claims. Coolavanny Hoffa has again been handed his favoured striped jacket and so much depend on whether he can return to his sensational best.

It would be no surprise to any if the Michael O’Donovan trained star was to rocket to the bend before going on to clock close to 29.10 but, after his latest defeat, it would equally be no surprise if he were to suffer another reversal.

The perfectly housed The Other Kobe will be looking for a favourable early picth on the fence, while Trinity Junior will bid to turn in front again. he failed to contain his kennel mate Mr Chelm to the third turn last week and must again set the pace.

Mr Chelm has returned to his very best but must show a little more early speed or he could find himself tight of room. Ballymac Marino ran a fine race in defeat behind Scaglietti last week and is clearly a big player but he must be at his very sharpest in the opening yards.

The fact that all the main dangers to Coolavanny Hoffa are drawn side by side on the inside of the track may work in his favour. If there is any rubbing of shoulders on the inside, Coolavanny Hoffa can take advantage and he is selected to bounce back. He can assert into the turn before going on to lead his rivals home. The Other Kobe has the draw to qualify, while the battle for third could go right to the wire.

DREAM TO OBLIGE

Bobsleigh Dream will trade at short odds in the final heat and, if repeating her latest performance, will be very difficult to contain.

This is a hot enough contest, however, and any errors could see her be forced to pull out all the stops.

Well Met has been in wonderful form and looks the likely pace-setter from four. He is notoriously hard to pass and was beaten just a head by Bobsleigh Dream in the second round when rallying at the finish. He will certainly have support in the ring and can’t be dismissed.

Clonroosk Sydney is one that is likely to go to traps a shorter price than those available during the week. An immensely strong running tracker. He has the perfect draw on the fence, although he must get the better of Bobsleigh Dream into the turn to come out on top.

The same can be said for Undulation and Music Glideaway. Both are very strong, are running well at present and have strong claims of making the frame but need a little luck into and around the opening turn.

One suspects, Bobsleigh Dream will turn close enough to the pace before picking up Well Met and she can claim her place in the semis on the back of another tremendous victory. 

 ******

DUKE TO REIGN IN PLATE HEATS

The Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate is no less competitive and should provide some thrilling action.

Daleroad Duke has been installed favourite to win the competition and looks the part in the opening heat.

Thomas O’Keeffe’s puppy is rapidly developing into a top-class tracker and he can get first run on his rivals from a trap three draw before going on to claim another impressive success. Optic Chico is the main threat, although he must negotiate a passage around the wide-running Magical Kuba.

EXPECT A GRANDE RUN FROM SOGNA

Clonbrien Ollie has been withdrawn from Heat 2, leaving the selection Sogna In Grande with even more room to race.

 With Da Bold Freddie likely to cut inwards from four, Sogna In Grande will have plenty of racing room in the opening yards from trap five and he can assert before containing Gaytime Hugo.

BEEPERS CHOSEN

The same can be said for his kennel mate Beepers Lariat in Heat 3.

The Jack Kennelly trained tracker wears red and, if holding Deadly Showtime into the turn, can lead throughout. the withdrawal of Ballymac Johnjo is a bonus to the selection.

ROCKO TO SLIP CLEAR

Ballymac Run will be favourite to follow up her wonderful opening round success but needs to be at her sharpest in the opening exchanges as there is plenty of early speed in this contest.

Cheque For Sir, Pape Di Oro and Clona Rocko will all go up fast and whichever gets loose could be hard to pick up.

Annagh Bailey is also running well and is respected but slight preference is for Clona Rocko. He is in buoyant form and might have the early dash to slip around in front. Ballymac Run is nominated as the main threat.

DERBY THE FEATURE OF IRISH FOCUS

As you would expect, the weekend action from the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby will be the feature of this evening’s Irish Focus on RPGTV.

We will look back on all 8 third round heats, while also looking ahead to Saturday quarter-final heats.

The Irish Focus will commence after 6.30pm. There is plenty to discuss and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact the show via email or twitter and we’ll do our best to answer them.

Those wishing to tune in on SKY are reminded that RPGTV has switched to channel 427. It can be viewed from 6pm. For those that can’t watch it on television, it is also live streamed at https://www.sportystuff.tv/#about or watched via the Racing Post’s own site https://greyhoundbet.racingpost.com/

******

HOFFA ODDS ON FOR QUARTER FINAL DESPITE DEFEAT

The defeat of Coolavanny Hoffa came as a real shock in last weekend’s third round of the Derby but sponsors Boylesports clearly feel it was just a one-off as the Michael O’Donovan trained star has been installed at odds-on to get back to winning ways despite drawing the hottest quarter final heat. 

The brilliant son of Droopys Sydney is just 8-11 to come out on top in a contest that is packed with quality. Trinity Junior, Mr Chelm and Ballymac Marino are next in at 5-1, while the ideally housed The Other Kobe is available at 8-1. If you fancy backing a 50-1 shot, Dromana Dano completes the line-up and has been running very well but his price is evidence of just how hot this contest is.

The clash of De Lahdedah and Scaglietti looks an intriguing one in the opening heat and Boylesports can’t separate the pair in the betting. Both are available at 11-8 with Raha Mofo at 6-1.

Heat 2 is wide open but Bockos Crystal has been installed a marginal favourite after her exploits last weekend when lowering the colours of Coolavanny Hoffa. She is a 5-2 chance ahead of Droopy Bro and Clonbrien Treaty at 3-1. Bens Teddy is 4-1 with Droopys Nice One at a generous looking 5-1.

Bobsleigh Dream is clearly loving life at present and she is favourite to win the final heat at 4-5. Her nearest market rival is Well Met at 7-2, although Clonroosk Sydney and Undulation will both have supporters at 6-1. Th full markets can be found below:

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby – Quarter finals

Boylesports bet:

Heat 1

12       Seven Beach

33       Garfiney Blaze

11-8    De Lahdedah

11-8    Scaglietti

6          Raha Mofo

8          Tommys Hewick

Heat 2

4          Bens Teddy

3          Droopys Bro

20       Threesixfive

5-2      Bockos Crystal

5          Droopys Nice One

3          Clonbrien Treaty

Heat 3

8          The Other Kobe

5          Trinity Junior

5          Mr Chelm

5          Ballymac Marino

50       Dromana Dano

8-11   Coolavanny Hoffa

Heat 4

6          Clonroosk Sydney

4-5      Bobsleigh Dream

20       Millridge Levi

7-2      Well Met

6          Undulation

10       Music Glideaway

******

DUKE THE NEW THE PLATE FAVOURITE

The rapid rise of Daleroad Duke continued at Shelbourne Park on Friday night as he emerged a tremendous winner of his opening round assignment in the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate.

As a result, sponsors Boylesports have installed him their new favourite for Plate glory.

Thomas O’Keeffe’s son of Good News is now 9-2 ahead of Friday’s fastest opening round heat winner Ballymac Run on 6-1. She is joined on that mark by the original outright favourite Optic Chico. The early paced duo of Pape Di Oro and Clona Rocko come next at 10-1, while it’s 12-1 about Ballymac Johnjo, Beepers Lariat and Magical Kuba. The full market can be seen below:

Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate

Boylesports bet:

9-2      Daleroad Duke

6          Ballymac Run

6          Optic Chico

10       Pape Di Oro

10       Clona Rocko

12       Ballymac Johnjo

12       Beepers Lariat

12       Magical Kuba

14       Annagh Bailey

16       Deadly Showtime

16       Gaytime Hugo

16       Sogna In Grande

20       Ballinabola Una

25       Millroad Bolger

25       Da Bold Freddie

25       Press Unlock

33       Swords Fudge

33       Cheque For Sir

33       Ballymac Pete

33       Clonbrien Ollie

40       Blastoff Chase

50       Neon Lights

66       Blastoff Mac

66       Pied Piper

******

PLATE BOOST AS PRIZEMONEY INCREASED

Word came through yesterday that the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate will see the prizemoney for first place boosted to an impressive €7,500.

Initially worth €5,000 to the winner, it means there will be added jeopardy in Saturday’s quarter finals of the competition.

Ballymac Run set the standard in the opening round, posting a rapid 29.34 but she faces a tough test in the last of the four quarter finals.

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LIVE TV COVERAGE CONFIRMED FOR IRISH GREYHOUND RACING CLASSIC ON VIRGIN MEDIA THREE

Coverage of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park in Dublin will return to national television next weekend. 

The Quarter Finals (8-9pm, August 19th), Semi Finals (9-10pm, August 26th) and Final (9-10pm, September 2nd) of the most prestigious greyhound racing competition in the country will be broadcast live from Ireland’s premier greyhound stadium on Virgin Media Three and will once again be hosted by Ivan Yates.

Pic shows At the announcement of details of live TV coverage for the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2023 from Shelbourne Park Greyhound stadium on Virgin Media Three on Saturday 19th, Saturday 26th August and Saturday 2nd September were programme host Ivan Yates and Leon Blanch of Greyhound Racing Ireland with racing dog Miami King

At the announcement of details of live TV coverage for the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby 2023 from Shelbourne Park Greyhound stadium on Virgin Media Three on Saturday 19th, Saturday 26th August and Saturday 2nd September were programme host Ivan Yates and Leon Blanch of Greyhound Racing Ireland with racing dog Miami King 

“The development and growth of our sport continues on and off the track, and we are all delighted to welcome Virgin Media Television back to Shelbourne Park,” commented Frank Nyhan, Chair of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.

For the greyhound community and the wider public, final night at Shelbourne Park in September is an iconic fixture,” he added. “Once again, there will be an electric atmosphere as crowds gather to watch who will succeed last year’s winner, Born Warrior, in claiming the title. Winning this Classic is the pinnacle of any trainer or owner’s career, and it is the one title that everyone in our sport aspires to win.”

According to RCÉ Interim CEO John Tuohey, “We have received a huge field of entries to this year’s Derby following what was one of the most exciting classic events in many years in 2022. We very much look forward to showcasing one of the most popular racing classics in international greyhound racing to a national audience here in Ireland and worldwide through RPGTV.”

Meanwhile, the prize money for this year’s showcase event on the greyhound calendar has been increased from €266,300 to €300,000, representing a rise of 13% on 2022.

“The change to the prizemoney structure involves an increased spread from the overall runner-up right down to unplaced second round entrants,” explained Mr. Tuohey. “There will be an overall greater spread of prize money making the Derby an even more attractive proposition for trainers and owners right across the country.”

Round 1 of Irish greyhound racing's flagship event commenced on July 28th and 29th, with Rounds 2 and 3 took place on August 4th/5th and August 12th respectively.  The Quarter Finals and semi-finals will be held on August 19th and August 26th respectively, followed by the final on Saturday, September 2nd.

Click here to visit the Shelbourne Park website for more on the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

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MR CHELM JUST FASTEST TO THIRD TURN

The table below will tell you that Mr Chelm was the fastest greyhound to the third turn in the third round of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night but it was certainly only marginal.

Not only were De Lahdedah, Bobelsigh Dream and Tommys Hewick just behind him with a 17.03 run but Trinity Junior was only inches behind at the third bend sectional mark against Mr Chelm in their respective heat. Indeed, Trinity Junior probably clocked 17.02 but the table below is only for those that led at the where the sectional is recorded.

You may also notice the asterisk beside both Bobsleigh Dream and Tommys Hewick as the pair were inseparable in the opening heat of the round.

Bockos Crystal was razor-sharp at boxes in her victory over Coolavanny Hoffa in Heat 4 and she recorded 17.11 to the third turn, while Droopys Bro got loose early to post 17.12. Scaglietti is the only greyhound to lead at the third turn in each of his three assignments to date as he posted 17.17, while Clonbrien Treaty (17.20) and Well Met (17.23) led to the third turn in the two remaining heats.

A full breakdown of the third bend leaders for each of the 8 third round heats can be found below:

*inseparable in their respective heat 

Leaders Clocks (Fastest to Slowest):

 

 

 

1st round

2nd round

3rd round

Mr Chelm

 

 

17.01

De Lahdedah

17.14

 

17.03

Tommy Hewick

17.17

 

17.03*

Bobsleigh Dream

 

 

17.03*

Bockos Crystal

17.09

 

17.11

Droopys Bro

17.28

 

17.12

Scaglietti

17.17

17.12

17.17

Clonbrien Treaty

 

17.14

17.20

Well Met

17.23

17.12

17.23

Glengar Martha

 

17.12

 

Jetara

17.23

17.20

 

Undisputed

17.14

17.20

 

Ballymac Marino

 

17.22

 

Newinn Port

 

17.22

 

Bens Teddy

 

17.24

 

Halo

17.54

17.25

 

Sober Glory

 

17.25

 

Ballymac Walt

 

17.27

 

Clona Duke

17.20

17.30

 

Carrigmore Logan

 

17.32

 

Another Holiday

17.01

 

 

Ballymac Finn

17.06

 

 

The Other Kobe

17.09

 

 

Ballyhimikin Rex

17.09

 

 

Good Maestro

17.11

 

 

Ballinabola Ed

17.12

 

 

Ryhope Beach

17.25

 

 

Optic Chico

17.27

 

 

Beepers Lariat

17.27

 

 

Hawkfield Blue

17.30

 

 

Cryptopunk

17.32

 

 

Bulletfromagun

17.38

 

 

Deadly Showtime

17.38

 

 

Disco Pants

17.38

 

 

******

HOFFA DERBY FAV BUT RIVALS GETTING CLOSER

Coolavanny Hoffa remains favourite for Boylesports Derby glory with the sponsors despite suffering defeat on Saturday night.

Boylesports have the Michael O’Donovan trained star at 3-1 at the head of the market but De Lahdedah is now a realistic challenger in the betting at 5-1 after posting a fastest of the classic 29.15.

Scaglietti also continued his march through the Derby and is now an 8-1 chance to lift the trophy on September 2nd. M Chelm also put his name firmly in the mix on Saturday and has been cut to 12-1 as a result, alongside Bobsleigh Dream, who seems certain to continue progressing.

Ballymac Marino, Droopys Bro and Bens Teddy are all on the 14-1 mark, while Clonbrien Treaty is on his own at 16-1. Despite lowering the colours of Coolavanny Hoffa on Saturday, Bockos Crystal can be backed at 20-1. So too can Trinity Junior, The Other Kobe and Well Met. 

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Boylesports bet:

3          Coolavanny Hoffa

5          De Lahdedah

8          Scaglietti

12       Mr Chelm

12       Bobsleigh Dream

14       Ballymac Marino

14       Droopys Bro

14       Bens Teddy

16       Clonbrien Treaty

20       Trinity Junior

20       The Other Kobe

20       Bockos Crystal

20       Well Met

25       Raha Mofo

25       Droopys Nice One

33       Undulation

33       Tommys Hewick

33       Clonroosk Sydney

40       Seven Beach

50       Threesixfive

50       Music Glideaway

100     Garfiney Blaze

100     Millridge Levi

100     Dromana Dano

******

DERBY SPRINGS TO LIFE

The third round of the Boylesports Derby provided the most exceptional racing at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night with so many brilliant displays, a number of shocks and plenty to think about ahead of next weekend’s quarter finals.

The night began with a bang as Bobsleigh Dream produced a massive run but the headlines went to De Lahdedah, who again sent out a clear warning that he is a serious Derby contender with a sensational 29.15 victory.

On top of that, the hot favourite for outright honours Coolavanny Hoffa suffered a long-odds on defeat, giving hope to those that made it through to the final twenty-four.

Heat 1 – DREAM RUN FROM BOBSLEIGH

Bobsleigh Dream is already a dual classic winner for Pat Buckley and Willie Joe Murphy but she clearly has her sights set on a third success if her display in the opening heat is any indication. Flashing from traps, the brilliant daughter of Droopys Sydney and Bobsleigh Jet led in the early yards but was soon headed by Tommys Hewick, who displayed huge early speed, on the wide outside.

The decisive moment came on the turn. With Sober Glory on the inside of Bobsleigh Dream, so much could have gone wrong but she wasn’t having it. Charging at the turn, she cut across her rival to turn second.

Once doing so, there was a real inevitability about the result. Bobsleigh Dream flew down the back straight to challenge and head Tommys Hewick before the final turn. From there she eased right away to win by three lengths in a fast 29.29.

The race for second went right down to the wire with Music Glideaway staying on strongly to deny the gallant Tommys Hewick by a short head. Sadly for connections of Sober Glory, he lost out by just a length in fourth.

Heat 2 – LAHDEDAH SO SMOOTH

A return to red saw De Lahdedah return to his imperious best as he produced one of the finest displays of this year’s Derby for Liam Dowling and his lucky owners, the Garsuns Syndicate. Undisputed came through the bars to lead the field into the corner but De Lahdedah overcame a moderate start to move second. He ran a remarkable bend to challenge on the inside of the leader at the second turn and shot through the gap with real purpose.

It was a race-winning manoeuvre. Showing track craft and ability beyond his years, the hugely exciting son of Lenson Bocko and Ballymac Sarahjo eased into a three lengths advantage to the third turn. Undisputed briefly closed at this point but De Lahdedah kicked again to eventually come home three lengths clear in a sensational fastest of the Derby 29.15. There was quite a battle for the remaining qualifying places. Clonrooske Sydney ran on stoutly to take second in the closing yards, just a short head to the good over another big finisher Bens Teddy. Undisputed ran her heart out but was cruelly denied by a half length in fourth.

Heat 3 – MR CHELM IS BACK

He may only be back with Peter Cronin a few weeks but it’s clear the Irish air has done wonders for Mr Chelm.

The 2022 English Derby runner up and Derby Plate Champion has shown real promise in his runs since his Irish return and Lee Harris’ star got back to winning ways in Heat 3 at the expense of his kennel companion Trinity Junior.

Trinity Junior was sharpest in the early yards, leading Mr Chelm into the turn and it quickly developed into a two-dog affair. Trinity Junior continued to race hard down the back straight but Mr Chelm really put the foot to the floor into the third turn and swept around the outside of his kennelmate.

It was a race winning move with the brilliant son of Droopys Sydney and Palermo going on to score by three lengths in a superb 29.21. Trinity Junior also ran a fine race in second with Garfiney Blaze finishing at speed to take third, some two lengths further adrift.   

Heat 4 – CRYSTAL SHOCKS HOFFA

Coolavanny Hoffa was sent off the 1-6 favourite for Heat 4 but this was a rare disappointing display from the Derby favourite as Bockos Crystal repelled him throughout.

Now fourteen weeks out of season, Bokos Crystal was razor-sharp yet again.

Flashing from trap four, she led the favourite into the turn and dug in to repel him on more than one occasion. Nothing else could land a blow with the front two racing clear of the pack. Trained by Graham Holland for Bev Lochead, the brilliant Bockos Crystal stayed on much better than seven days earlier to hit the line in front.

The daughter of Droopys Sydney and Vigorous Hilary saw off Coolavanny Hoffa by three parts of a length in 29.45. Seven Beach another four lengths further back in third. 

Heat 5 – BRO RUNS RIOT

The Murt Leahy trained Droopys Bro was one of the most impressive winners of the round, taking charge on the bend to see off a talented field with minimum fuss.

Owned by the Sweeney Todd Syndicate, the son of Malachi and Droopy Cake is certainly happiest when on the fence and he made full use of the draw,

Going up fast, he disputed the lead into the turn with Raha Mofo, at which point he asserted. Millridge Levi forced his way into second but was never going to challenge the pace-setter. Showing great acceleration into the back straight, Droopys Bro shot clear to halfway before coasting home a facile four length scorer in 29.42. Millriodge Levi ran a fine race in second with Raha Mofo staying on back in third, just a head behind the runner-up.  

Heat 6 – SCAGLIETTI CONTINUES TO MOTOR

With the inside draw in his favour, the Pat Guilfoyle trained Scaglietti was always going to take some beating in Heat 6 and he duly obliged for his many supporters despite Ballymac Marino pushing him hard throughout.

The latter broke on terms and challenged Scaglietti into the turn but the inside line made the difference for the favourite.

Once going to the front, the powerful son of Magical Bale and Outdoor Roller was so fluent and galloped relentlessly to the finish. Ballymac Marino did all he could to get back on terms but was always facing an uphill task.

Cheryl Sutcliffe’s Scaglietti ran right to the line to emerge a tremendous two and a half length winner in 29.27. Ballymac Marino lost nothing in defeat in second while Undulation ran another remarkable race, finishing fast to take third another four lengths adrift.

Heat 7 – WELL MET KEEPS FINDING

Well Met displayed real bravery as well as a touch of class to win Heat 7 or John Jones.

The early paced son of Ballymac Best and Corduff Flame broke fastest and held a narrow lead into the turn over The Other Kobe.

Driving the bend, Well Met moved into what seemed likely to be a decisive lead only for Clona Duke to run a brave corner to slip around in second. Importantly, Clona Duke was forced to check on heels early in the back straight losing valuable momentum.

The Other Kobe then put in a real charge to the third turn to challenge on the inside of Well Met only for the leader to again close the door. This time it really was the decisive moment in the contest.

Once turning for home in front, the talented tracker stayed on well to score by two lengths in 29.62. The Other Kobe ran a big race in second while Dromana Dano came home fast to qualify in third, a length back, despite being available at big odds ahead of the off. Clona Duke, Ryhope Beach and Ballyhimkin Rex were big name casualties in this contest.

Heat 8 – MORE THAN JUST A NICE ONE

Droopys Nice One ensured that Murt Leahy had a night to remember in the final heat, handing him a second winner of the night after the earlier success of Droopys Bro.

Kirby Memorial champion Clonbrien Treaty was sent off the warm favourite but, despite his best efforts off the front, he could never shake off Droopys Nice One, who outstayed her rival.

Clonbrien Treaty was again a little flatfooted at boxes but flew up the outside of the track to take charge. Importantly Droopys Nice One got the better of Romeo Magico to turn second and this left her in the perfect position to launch her challenge in the atter stages.

Clonbrien Treaty continued to lead the field into the home straight but could never shake off his rival. Despite steering her traditional wide path off the final turn, Droopys Nice One flew up the straight to deny the long-time pace-setter.

John Coleman’s daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Dance went on to score by a neck in 29.64. Clonbrien Treaty was second with Threesixfive finishing with a real flourish to sit in third on the line, just a length behind the runner-up.

******

EARLY START AT SHELBOURNE FOR RPGTV

Tonight’s action at Shelbourne Park is set to be televised live on RPGTV and as a result there is an earlier start than normal.

Those planning on watching the action or making the journey to Shelbourne should note that the opening heat of the Derby, which is the first race on the card is due off at 7.20pm. 

******

THINGS GETTING SERIOUS IN THE DERBY

For the first time in this year’s Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, as with any other, all of the remaining greyhounds will be in action on the same night for the first time in tonight’s third round at Shelbourne Park.

The incredible depth in this year’s classic is very evident when you look through the eight heats, although Coolavanny Hoffa shines like a beacon as the one to beat. He faces yet another pretty straightforward task in Heat 4 but the same can’t be said for his main rivals in the outright betting with each of the remaining seven heats looking wide open.  

A heat by heat guide to tonight’s session:

A WONDERFUL CLASH TO START

The evening’s action gets underway with a wonderfully intriguing contest.

The eye is understandably drawn to the inside duo, Sober Glory and Bobsleigh Dream. The duo have disputed favouritism all week and that will likely continue right up to the off.

Much will depend on whether Sober Glory can hold his rivals into the turn. If doing so, he is sure to make a bold bid but Bobsleigh Dream is twice a classic winner for a reason. Few can match her for pace and power and she is selected to get her neck in front in the latter stages.

If the big two were to fluff their lines, Tommy Hewick has possible pace-setter claims. He is running out of his skin at the moment and could get first run on the likes of Music Glideaway and Storys Cashout. He is seen as the main danger to the big two but the nod remains with Bobsleigh Dream to claim another memorable success.

LAHDEDAH HAS THE DRAW

The second of this evening’s heats is right up there with the best contests in this year’s Derby with three of the six amongst the top ten in the sponsor’s betting for Derby glory.

De Lahdedah is the shortest priced of the trio at 12-1 and he has the best of the draw in trap one.

He missed the start and had to work hard to even qualify last week but looks certain to leave that display behind him. If returning to his fast-starting ways, he could easily get first run on his rivals into and around the turn.

Both Undisputed and Another Holiday can go up fast but they are drawn well off the fence and needs to go up at least a length faster than De Lahdedah to turn in front. That is a big ask. Both Bens Teddy and Clonroosk Sydney will be going as fast as any from the second turn but need to come away racing, while the progressive Newinn Port needs another career best effort to land a blow.      

One suspects a return to red could see the best from De Lahdedah and he is a confident choice to lead home a talented group of rivals. The race for the remaining qualifying places is wide open.

JUNIOR JUST GETS THE NOD

There are plenty of questions to be answered in Heat 3 where Trinity Junior, Ballymac Walt, Mr Chelm and Hawkfield Blue will all have their supporters.

Champion Stakes winner Trinity Junior went up fast to set a strong gallop last time only to fade in the latter yards.

Haad that contest lasted another ten strides, he would have crashed out of the competition. He remains a leading hop for Derby glory, however, and will no doubt head the betting. If he is to justify his market position, an early advantage seems imperative.

Mr Chelm has been showing all sorts of speed down the back straight and is no doubt as fast as ever but must find his trapping boots. It seems only a matter of time before he gets loose into the turn and he would likely increase his advantage to the third turn if doing so. For that reason, he is seen as a serious player.

Champion Plate winner Ballymac Walt was lengths faster than his rivals to halfway last week but failed to hold a clear advantage, eventually going down by almost four lengths. He must again hit the front early and stay on better to return to winning ways.

The same can be said for Hawkfield Blue. He is very fast but must turn in front to threaten. It’s a very tricky contest and the temptation was to select Mr Chelm but the pin eventually fell on Trinity Junior. But for tiring last weekend, he would be unbeaten in the Derby and has been in the form of his career. He can lead home Mr Chelm and Ballymac Walt.

HOFFA TOO HOT

Coolavanny Hoffa hasn’t needed to be at his very best in his two previous wins but he has still been so impressive in despatching his rivals.

Expect another exhibition from the Michael O’Donovan trained superstar in Heat 4. 

With Callaway Masters likely to edge in early, Coolavanny Hoffa will have plenty of room to get up to full stride into the turn and he is expected to go clear. Bockos Crystal tied up last week but is now fourteen weeks out of season and will likely come on for her latest effort.

She is in need of plenty of luck to worry the favourite but can make the frame, while it would be no surprise if Capitan Garfio and the aforementioned Callaway Masters got involved either. But the choice for third is Seven Beach. He again wears the red jacket of trap one and, were he to come away on terms, could turn second.

Coolavanny Hoffa is currently around the 3-1 mark for outright glory. If he produces what he is capable of, his price could be even shorter in the morning, especially if one or two of the bigger names exit in more competitive heats.

MOFO TO TURN CLOSER

Bitch of the Year Raha Mofo will be a warm favourite in Heat 5 but the layers may choose to take her on after her latest defeat.

That could prove to be a foolish decision but an understandable one given her style of racing. If anything, she was too well away last week, finding traffic on the turn.

Tonight, her supporters will be hoping she can turn a little closer in a contest that isn’t bursting with early speed. Droopys Bro has an ideal draw on the rail and will have support, as will Glengar Martha. A 28-1 winner in red-hot company last week, she won’t be anyway near that price and, were she to repeat her latest form, would be a big player.

Burj Khalifa has an ideal draw on the fence but must show more urgency at traps, Millridge Levi has fine pace throughout but needs a slick exit from three, while Mcneill will finish fast. If Raha Mofo manages to turn close to the pace, it would be very difficult to contain her and for that reason she gets the nod, just ahead of the rapidly progressive and strong running Droopys Bro. Glengar Martha and Burj Khalifa are also respected in what looks a pretty competitive contest.

SCAGLIETTI FACING HIS TOUGHEST TEST

Scaglietti has been one of the undoubted stars of the Derby thus far and many will expect him to continue his winning ways in Heat 6 but this is a tougher test for the Pat Guilfoyle trained star with Ballymac Marino, Undulation and Jetara to contend with.

Scaglietti has dominated after a flying start in both his two Derby outings and will bid to do the same again this evening, although he has more early paced rivals to contend with on this occasion. Importantly, they are all on his right side. Should Scaglietti produce another fast start, he could easily go on to justify favouritism but Ballymac Marino and Jetara, in particular, are capable of going up fast. Undulation can also break smartly although she is more of an all-rounder. If she is to score, she will need a flying exit from trap five.

Jetara and Ballymac Marino look more likely to challenge Scaglietti to the turn but the likelihood is the last named will turn in front. If doing so, he would take some catching. Ballymac Marino is a serious rival and were he drawn inside Scaglietti, may well have been the selection but on this occasion is chosen to come home in second. Undulation can outstay Jetara to take third.

KOBE DUE A START

Heat 7 is quite the conundrum with any number of possible outcomes.

So much will depend on whether Clona Duke can start on terms from trap two. If doing so, he is likely to take some stopping but any errors, however small, could prove costly with The Other Kobe likely to edge inwards from trap three.

Ballyhimkin Rex is running very well and has a decent draw on the fence but he too needs to show urgency at traps. Well Met will likely go up fast from four and has to be seen as a possible pace-setter on current form, while the immensely fast Ryhope Beach could find the race being run to suit.

While strong claims should be made for Clona Duke, The Other Kobe just about gets the nod. He has been running without making one of his famed flying starts. If he were to come away racing, he will edge across to the fence but has the speed to get loose. In such an open contest, he just gets the nod to lead home Clona Duke and Ryhope Beach.

TREATY TO TRIUMPH

The absence of Droopys Got It in the final heat is obviously a disappointment but the extra space could favour Clonbrien Treaty on the wide outside.

The Kirby champion was electric last week, showing exceptional early speed to go clear. He still needs to sort out his trapping but it was wonderful to see him in full stride.

A week on, he again wears the stripes and need only get the better of Droopys Nice One into the turn to find himself in pole position as none of the inside trio seem to have the early speed to match him. Droopy Nice One is running at the top of her game at present and has wonderful pace and power but she needs a flying start to contain Clonbrien Treaty into the turn.

Romeo Magico is perhaps the value alternative. The 2022 English Derby champ still has huge pace but hasn’t been blessed with luck in recent outings. A rails pitch with the two stayers, Threesixfive and Hanover Phantom, on his immediate outside could play to his strengths but he too needs to find his landing gear.

In short, if Clonbrien Treaty comes away on terms, he should have too much pace for his rivals and is selected to come home clear of Droopys Nice One and Romeo Magico.

******

PLATE ACTION OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY

The Michael Fortune Memorial Derby late got underway at Shelbourne Park on Friday night and the resulting action of was of the highest quality.

In fact, a few of those in action would have to be respected if they were still in the Derby itself.

Faetest heat winner was Ballymac Run as she posted a rapid 29.34, while Daleroad Duke was also hugely impressive as he left his rivals standing on a way to a 29.42 success.

DUKE REIGNS

The upward trajectory of Daleroad Duke is showing no sign of halting.

Thomas O’Keeffe’s talented son of Good News and Burgess Sarah made an unlucky exit from the Derby last weekend but returned to winning ways in some style, winning the opening heat of the Plate by a wide margin.

This was an utterly dominant display from the September ’21 whelp. Breaking on terms, he quickened into a clear advantage by the corner and proceeded to go further and further clear for the easiest of victories. Daleroad was never under a moment’s pressure as he emerged a facile nine and a half length scorer in 29.42. Da Bold Freddie was second, a short head to the good over Millroad Bolger.

BALLYMAC CAN RUN

Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Run was always the one to beat in the second heat when coming away racing from trap four.

Getting across those on her inner before the turn, the daughter of Bull Run Bolt and Jaytee Pearl was always in the perfect position.

Annagh Bailey challenged her into the turn but was on the wrong side of his rival and entered the back straight a length adrift. Ballymac Run really started to turn the screw into the third turn to move on by three lengths and she continued to lay it on thick up the home straight to emerge a mighty impressive three lengths scorer in a fastest of the round 29.34. Annagh Bailey was second with Blastoff Chase another five lengths adrift in third.

EXCITING UNA ARRIVES LATE

There was an unbelievable finish to Heat 3 with Ballinabola Una coming home with a wet sail to get up in the final strides at the expense of Ballymac Pete and the very wide running Magical Kuba.

The latter seemed certain to score when comfortably clearing the bend but he continued to throw away ground on the bends and was vulnerable off the final turn.

Ballymac Pete gave chase throughout and seemed best placed to take advantage but Ballinabola Una came with a massive finish to lead late. Trained by Pat Buckley for Grainne Murphy and Aoibheann O’Leary, the daughter of Burgess Bucks and Dolls Lady was only fifth into the turn but moved fourth at that point.

Tiptoeing closer down the back straight, he moved third before the final turn to launch her challenge up the straight. Finishing with a real flourish, the December ’21 puppy got up in the closing yards to win by a head from Ballymac Pete in 29.72 with Magical Kuba another half-length back in third. It seems safe to say Ballinabola Una could develop into a real star over further in the future and she is one to keep a close eye on.

LARIAT LEADS THROUGHOUT

Beepers Lariat was the even money favourite for Heat 4 and he duly obliged for Lenny O’Hanlon and Jack Kennelly.

Not always the most fluent at traps, he got away racing and was soon in command. The chasing pack never let him get far away but the son of Droopys Sydney and Beaming Smasher kept on galloping out front. 

Press Unlock stayed on strongly to take second but was never going to get to the pace-setter. Beepers Lariat emerged a comfortable two length winner in 29.73. Swords Fudge was third, another length adrift.

ROCKO TOO SHARP FOR RIVALS

Early speed is the key weapon in the arsenal of Clona Rocko and he used it to great effect in Heat 5 where he left a decent field standing.

Daniel Kerr’s son of Ballymac Bolger and Bellmore Lucy came away on terms and quickly moved through the gears to hit the front into the bend.

Cheque For Sir gave chase throughout but couldn’t match the pace-setter for pace and strength. Trained by Michael Taggart, the front-running Clona Rocko eased right away to win with a fair bit in hand. The son of Ballymac Bolger and Bellmore Lucy emerged a six and a half length winner in 29.61. Cheque For Sir was second and Blastoff Mac took third another three parts of a length back.  

PAPE GETS LOOSE

Early speed was also the key to success in the final heat as he bettered Deadly Showtime into the corner before racing to a comfortable victory over the strong running Optic Chico.

Javier Jarne’s Tipperary Cup winner broke on terms from four and quickened into the turn to assert.

Deadly Showtime remained in second but was never threatening in the pace-setter. Optic Chico then began to make a move but Pape Di Oro was never going to be picked up. The Pat Buckley trained son of Droopys Sydney and Trusted Exile emerged a four-length winner in 29.72. Optic Chico came powering through for second, two lengths clear of Deadly Showtime.  

******

PLATE TO SERVE UP THRILLING RACING

The 2023 Michael Fortune Memorial Plate gets underway this evening and there should be some exceptional racing with a number of high-profile trackers taking their chance in the competition after making an early exit from the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby.

DUKE TO REIGN

Daleroad Duke has gained plenty of admirers in recent weeks and he has the draw to return to winning ways in the opening heat.

The son of Good News can hold his position into the turn along the fence before asserting. Millroad Bolger, Sogna In Grande and Da Bold Freddie can offer the most resistance but Daleroad Duke is a confident selection.  

BAILEY AND RUN GO HEAD TO HEAD

Ballymac Run was desperately unlucky to make her exit from the Derby last weekend, challenging Trinity Junior to the final turn where she was kept wide before losing out by a short head for third.

She is in tremendous form at present and looks certain to make a bold bid in Heat 2.

Annagh Bailey is a notable rival, however, and may have the better of the draw. Much will depend on the start, but slight preference is for Anagh Bailey who is guaranteed room to race in the early yards from trap five with Ballymac Run likely to edge inwards from four.  

MAESTRO CHOSEN TO PLAY THE RIGHT TUNE

In terms of overall strength, Heat 3 is perhaps the hottest of the round with Gaytime Hugo, Good Maestro and Magical Kuba all capable of producing a big run.

Good Maestro was one of the fastest opening round winners in the Derby only to lose out by a short head for qualifying a week later.

If he can hit the ground running, he will be hard to stop, although his kennel companion Magical Kuba would be a huge danger if returning to anything like his best. Gaytime Hugo posted 29.26 in his penultimate start and is clearly one to consider also.

LARIAT TO HOLD JOHNJO

Beepers Lariat has the draw to land Heat 4, although his supporters will be taking a glance back off the second turn to see how close Ballymac Johnjo is.

It’s far from a two-dog affair but could end up that way if Beepers Lariat finds a way to turn in front.

From an ideal draw on the fence, Beepers Lariat should have the early speed to hold his position into the turn and that could make the difference. Ballymac Copper, Kapuka Warrior and Press Unlock will also look to turn close but picking up Beepers Lariat wouldn’t be an easy task. Ballymac Johnjo will finish at speed and can emerge as the main danger.  

ROCKO TO MAKE ALL

Heat 5 is another competitive affair, although the bookends have the best of the draw.

Champion Unraced winner Carrick Fergie got little chance to run in the opening round of the Derby but has a far better draw on the fence this time.

If he were to turn close, he could make a bold bid or glory. The most likely pace-setter is Clona Rocko, however. He was very close to leading around in a red-hot second round heat in the Derby only to be badly baulked.

From his favourite draw in the stripes, the Michael Taggart trained star can dictate on this occasion and would take some catching if doing so. Carrick Fergie is nominated as the main threat, although Cheque For Sir is also respected.

CHICO CAN POUNCE

In terms of pure pace, Optic Chico is perhaps the fastest dog in the Plate although he is vulnerable to the opening turn.

He stands out as the one to beat in the final heat, although he may have Pape Di Oro and Deadly Showtime to pick up.

With a clear passage on the outside of the track, Optic Chico might have too much pace and strength for his rivals and is chosen to emerge on top at the expense of Pape Di Oro.

******

CHICO AND MAESTRO HEAD PLATE MARKET

Boylesports were quick to price up the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate and they have installed Optic Chico and Good Maestro the joint favourites at 6-1.

Daleroad Duke is next in at 8-1, just ahead of Magical Kuba on the 10-1 mark.

Theres a talented trio on the 12-1. They are Ballymac Run, Ballymac Johnjo and Beepers Lariat, while Annagh Bailey, Pape Di Oro, Clona Rocko and Gaytime Hugo are 14-1. The full market can be seen below:

Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate

Boylesports Bet: 

6          Optic Chico

6          Good Maestro

8          Daleroad Duke

10       Magical Kuba

12       Ballymac Run

12       Ballymac Johnjo

12       Beepers Lariat

14       Annagh Bailey

14       Pape Di Oro

14       Clona Rocko

14       Gaytime Hugo

16       Deadly Showtime

16       Carrick Fergie

16       Sogna In Grande

25       Millroad Bolger

25       Ballymac Copper

25       Ballinabola Una

25       Savana Hero

25       Da Bold Freddie

33       Cheque For Sir

33       Press Unlock

33       Swords Fudge

33       Kapuka Warrior

33       Clonbrien Ollie

33       Bulletfromagun

40       Ballymac Pete

40       Blastoff Chase

50       Sunshine Dream

50       Lotto Other News

50       Carrigmore Logan

50       Kilcolgan Zeus

50       Neon Lights

66       Pied Piper

66       Blastoff Mac

100     Strike It Syd

100     Volcano Canelo

 ******

GOT IT OUT OF DERBY

It was reported this morning that Ian Reilly has pulled Droopys Got It from the Derby.

Droopys Got It was due to race from trap four in Heat 8. That trap will now remain vacant.

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A COMPETITIVE DERBY PLATE TO LOOK FORWARD TO

The 2023 Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate will get underway at Shelbourne Park on Friday night and it is a competitive renewal.

Of the talented entry, the likes of Optic Chico, Ballymac Johnjo, Deadly Showtime won their opening round assignments in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, while Good Maestro was one of the stars of the first weekend, posting a rapid 29.24.

There are many more talented trackers in the Plate including Champion Unraced winner Carrick Fergie, the exciting Daleroad Duke, Millroad Bolger, Sogna In Grande, Ballymac Run, Annagh Bailey, Gaytime Hugo, Magical Kuba, Beepers Lariat, Clona Rocko and Pape Di Oro amongst others.

The full draw or the Derby Plate can be found at: https://www.grireland.ie/racing/upcoming-race-cards/upcoming-race-card-summary/?track=SPK&id=106654&date=11-Aug-2023

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HOFFA 1-4 TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS IN DERBY

Coolavanny Hoffa remains a clear favourite for outright glory in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby and the sponsors clearly feel he will have another straightforward task in the third round as he has been installed the 1-4 favourite to land Heat 4.

Boylesports have released their third-round prices and their prices highlight the open nature of the action with only the aforementioned Coolavanny Hoffa and Kirby Memorial champ Clonbrien Treaty installed at odds-on.

Even Clonbrien Treaty is just a shade of odds-on in the final heat at 10-11, meaning he could easily be returned at evens or bigger is support comes for one of his talented rivals.

The full breakdown of the third round heat prices can be seen below: 

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Third round prices

Boylesports bet:

Heat 1

6-4      Sober Glory

6-4      Bobsleigh Dream

10       Storys Cashout

33       Sporty Bigman

7          Music Glideaway

9-2      Tommys Hewick

Heat 2

2          De Lahdedah

3          Bens Teddy

10       Clonroosk Sydney

4          Undisputed

3          Another Holiday

10       Newinn Port

Heat 3

16       Garfiney Blaze

4          Hawkfield Blue

40       Freeway Charlie

5-2      Mr Chelm

13-8    Trinity Junior

11-4   Ballymac Walt

Heat 4

8          Seven Beach

33       Scotty Scheffler

20       Capitan Garifo

5          Bockos Crystal

14       Callaway Masters

1-4      Coolavanny Hoffa

Heat 5

5-2      Droopys Bro

7-2      Glengar Martha

14       Millridge Levi

16       Mcneill

5-4      Raha Mofo

6          Burj Khalifa 

Heat 6

11-8   Scaglietti

33       Drombeg Ten

2          Ballymac Marino

10       Halo

5          Undulation

9-2      Jetara 

Heat 7

4          Ballyhimikin Rex

6-4      Clona Duke

4          The Other Kobe

5          Well Met

25       Dromana Dano

7-2      Ryhope Beach

Heat 8

5          Romeo Magico

8          Threesixfive

16       Hanover Phantom

5          Droopys Got It

4          Droopys Nice One

10-11  Clonbrien Treaty

******

THE HOFF IS NOW 11-4 FOR DERBY GLORY

Sponsors Boylesports are in no doubt that Coolavanny Hoffa is the greyhound to beat in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby.

After another near-perfect display on Saturday night, clocking a joint fastest of the night 29.31, the Maichael O’Donovan trained star has been cut to 11-4 to claim the trophy on Saturday, September 2nd

To highlight his standing in the market, his nearest market rival, Clona Duke, is available at double figure odds with the Select Stakes and Juvenile Derby champion on the 10-1 mark. De Lahdedah and Scaglietti come next at 12-1. The former actually suffered defeat but displayed real character to qualify in third, while Scaglietti was the fastest second round heat winner as he dominated to post 29.26.

Impressive second round winners Sober Glory and Ballymac Marino come next at 14-1, while there is a full team of five on 16-1. These include Ryhope Beach who left it late to grab the third qualifying spot in his latest outing.

Also at 16-1 are Pat Buckley’s two impressive second round scorers Bobsleigh Dream and Bens Teddy, the Kirby memorial champion Clonbrien Treaty and fastest opening round scorer Another Dream.

Raha Mofo is on her own on the 20-1 mark after leaving it late to qualify. The top of the market can be seen below or click on the link to go straight to Boylesport’s full market: https://www.boylesports.com/sports/greyhounds/future-dogs/shelbourne/boylesports-irish-greyhound-derby-2023

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Boylesports bet:

11-4   Coolavanny Hoffa

10       Clona Duke

12       De Lahdedah

12       Scaglietti

14       Ballymac Marino

14       Sober Glory

16       Another Holiday

16       Bens Teddy

16       Bobsleigh Dream

16       Clonbrien Treaty

16       Ryhope Beach

20       Raha Mofo

25       Undisputed

25       Ballyhimkin Rex

25       Mr Chelm

25       The Other Kobe

25       Trinity Junior

25       Well Met

33-1   bar

******

HOFFA THE THIRD BEND KING

It will come as no surprise to any that Coolavanny Hoffa was again the fastest runner to the third turn in the second round of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby.

The brilliant son of Droopys Sydney clocked a rapid 17.01 to go a full ten spots faster than the next quickest, Trinity Junior (17.11).

Just behind Trinity Junior on 17.12 were the talented trio of Glengar Martha, Scaglietti and Well Met while Clonbrien Treaty finally got loose around Shelbourne Park to post 17.14 in his victory. Next quickest were Undisputed and Jetara, both of whom hit the third turn in 17.20.

A full breakdown of the third bend leaders for each of the 16 second round heats can be found below:

Friday runners marked with (F).

Leaders Clocks (Fastest to Slowest):

 

 

1st round

2nd round

Coolavanny Hoffa

17.08

17.01

Trinity Junior

17.12

17.11

Glengar Martha (F)

 

17.12

Scaglietti (F)

17.17

17.12

Well Met (F)

17.23

17.12

Clonbrien Treaty

 

17.14

Jetara (F)

17.23

17.20

Undisputed

17.14

17.20

Ballymac Marino

 

17.22

Newinn Port (F)

 

17.22

Bens Teddy

 

17.24

Halo

17.54

17.25

Sober Glory

 

17.25

Ballymac Walt (F)

 

17.27

Clona Duke (F)

17.20

17.30

Carrigmore Logan (F)

 

17.32

Another Holiday

17.01

 

Ballymac Finn

17.06

 

The Other Kobe

17.09

 

Bockos Crystal

17.09

 

Ballyhimikin Rex

17.09

 

Good Maestro

17.11

 

Ballinabola Ed

17.12

 

De Lahdedah

17.14

 

Tommy Hewick

17.17

 

Ryhope Beach

17.25

 

Optic Chico

17.27

 

Beepers Lariat

17.27

 

Droopys Bro

17.28

 

Hawkfield Blue

17.30

 

Cryptopunk

17.32

 

Bulletfromagun

17.38

 

Deadly Showtime

17.38

 

Disco Pants

17.38

 

******

HOFFA AND TEDDY FASTEST AS DERBY DOWN TO 48

And just like that there were 48 left in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby.

The opening two rounds of the classic flew by.

Less than a third of the original entry remains and, while we have lost some big names, it remains a renewal of real depth.

On Saturday night, the second round came to a thrilling conclusion. There was heartache for a number of runners, while there were also some exceptional displays, none more so than Coolavanny Hoffa as he cemented his place at the head of the market, while Bens Teddy matched him on the clock.

The other heat winners also impressed with Sober Glory, Undisputed, Undulation, Clonbrien Treaty, Ballymac Marino and Halo going into the draw for the next stage as second round winners. Below is a full breakdown of how the action unfolded. 

Heat 9 – GLORY FOR SOBER

Sober Glory is just the most likeable greyhound.

Things didn’t fully go to plan in the opening heat but he displayed great pace, power and determination to emerge a good winner for Karol Ramsbottom and Sean Malone.

This race was affected by the moments before the start with a number of runners charging boxes. Ryhope Beach missed the kick on the outside of the track and was badly baulked on the turn, leaving him with a mountain to climb to even qualify.

In contrast, Dromana Dano got loose into the turn after a slick exit but his fate was sealed when Sober Glory charged into the turn, slipping up the inside of Da Bold Freddie to move second. Once turning as close as he did, it was only a matter of time before the powerful son of Droopys Sydney and Calzaghe Jan got to the pace-setter.

Dromana Dano continued to stride on down the back straight but was headed on the third turn by Sober Glory, who proceeded to power on for a three length victory in 29.42. Dromana Dano ran a big race in second while Ryhope Beach flew home to claim the all-important third qualifying spot, some eight lengths behind the runner-up. 

Heat 10 – UNDULATION ARRIVES WITH A RUSH

Brendan Matthews’ Undulation didn’t look a likely winner for much of the way in Heat 10 but she really put her head down in the second half of the contest to come storming through.

The daughter of Pestana and Unlock Unlock was actually disputing the lead into the turn, only to lose her position between rivals.

It didn’t dent her confidence or sense of purpose, however. The hot favourite and Champion Stakes winner Trinity Junior shot up the inside to take charge just before the turn and looked a very likely winner once doing so, although he was pressed hard by Ballymac Run.

Indeed, as the pair battled it out down the back straight with Hanover Phantom attempting to close in third, it seemed the winner had to come from the front three. But, as they hit the third turn, Undulation began to make giant strides, forcing her way past Hanover Phantom before charging at the leaders.

With Trinity Junior starting to tire a little out front, keeping Ballymac Run a little wide, Undulation made her move up the inside of the track. Storming up the straight, she led inside the final fifty yards to record a very deserving and mighty impressive winner by a length in 29.53.

There was a real battle for the remaining qualifying places with Trinity Junior just holding off Hanover Phantom and Ballymac Run by a neck and a short head. Your heart has to go to Ballymac Run as she lost out by the narrowest of margins.

Heat 11 – TREATY GETS LOOSE

Clonbrien Treaty was simply too good for his rivals in Heat 11, showing all the pace that saw him emerge a brilliant winner of the Con & Annie Kirby memorial earlier in the year.

The son of Pestana and Clonbrien Millie again gave his rivals a start but quickly moved through the gears to take over into the turn.

It was a procession thereafter. Scotty Scheffler did all he could to stay close to the pace setter but it was futile. Clonbrien Treaty raced right away to add another victory to his card for Jim and Muireann Murphy, eventually hitting the line seven and a half lengths clear in 29.57. Scotty Scheffler took second, a length to the good over Drombeg Ten in third. Millroad Bolger was agonisingly close in fourth but sadly made his exit. 

Heat 12 – AN UNDISPUTED STAR

After the victory of her litter sister Undulation just a couple of races earlier, Undisputed produced a massive run to beat a top class field in Heat 12, following up her wonderful opening round effort. There is no doubt Pat Guilfoyle has the daughter of Pestana and Unlock Unlock in the form of her career and she was a more than worthy winner of this contest.

Making a flying start from four, she held a narrow advantage in the early yards over Another Holiday before driving the bend to dictate the pace into the back straight. It was to prove a decisive manoeuvre.

Another Holiday was forced to check wide and, while he retained second spot, his chance was gone. Undisputed is every bit as strong as she is fast and Wayne McCarthy and Paul Prendergast’s star ran right to the line to emerge a brilliant five length winner in 29.48.

Another Holiday ran another big race in second with The Other Kobe also running with real credit, after failing to lead, to finish third some two and a half lengths further back.

Heat 13 – MAGIC MARINO      

Ballymac Marino made light work of his task in Heat 13, returning to winning ways with a trap to line success.

The Liam Dowling trained son of Vulturi and Jamaica Joy was sharpest at traps, leading Droopys Got It into the bend before making every inch thereafter.

Droopys Got It ran a big race to the third turn, staying within two and a half lengths of the leader but he tired a little on the run in, allowing Music Glideaway to come through for second. Ballymac Marino was too good, however. Staying on strongly, the brilliant tracker, who is owned by the Metinthehalfway Syndicate, ran out a three lengths corer in 29.52. Music Glideaway was second with Droopys Got It third another length further back.

Heat 14 – HOFFA SETS A STRONG STANDARD

Pat Daly’s Coolavanny Hoffa is a hot favourite for Derby glory for a reason.

He may have been having just his second start of the year in Heat 14 but it was scarcely evident as he left his rivals standing once again.

Showing electric pace off a moderate start, the Michael O’Donovan trained superstar was a couple of lengths to the good over Bockos Crystal into the bend and he quickened away from his rival down the back straight in the style of a greyhound that meant business.

Posting a fastest of the Derby 17.01 to the third turn, he continued to pile on the pressure turning for home before emerging a nine length winner in a joint fastest of the night 29.31. Rank outsider Freeway Charlie ran a huge race, staying on well to grab second off the tiring Bockos Crystal in the closing yards. The latter held on to qualify despite the attentions of her kennel companion Romeo Hotshot, who was rewarded with two qualifying trials after the race.  

Heat 15 – READY, TEDDY, GO!

Bens Teddy equalled the clock of Coolavanny Hoffa in the very next heat.

Not known as an early pacer, it was curtains for his rivals when he powered up the fence to lead on the corner.

Raha Mofo broke fastest and led into the turn but she was surrounded and was forced to ease her stride. It nearly cost her a place in the Derby but she rallied in the closing yards to grab third on the line.

Instead, Tommys Hewick gave chase down the back straight but he was never going to threaten the pace-setting Bens Teddy. Trained by Pat Buckley for Kim Prichard, the son of Droopys Sydney and Beechgrove Bell was different class from the third turn.

Bens Teddy eased on to win by an ever-widening six lengths from Tommys Hewick in 29.31. There was a further four length gap to the fast finishing Raha Mofo in third as she denied the gallant Boylesports Vic by a

Heat 16 – HALO SHINES BRIGHT

Early speed was the key to success for Halo in the final heat of the round.

A costly loser in the opening round when heavily backed in the ring, he made no mistakes on this occasion, shooting clear into the bend before holding Hawfield Blue in a tremendous finish.

Hawkfield Blue was forced to check his stride on more than one occasion as he and the pace-setter chased the same racing line. Add to that the fact that Halo kept on giving for his owners Basil and Bernadette Holian and handler Matthew Harte and he wasn’t headed.

In a driving finish, Hawkfield Blue made one last gallant effort but the line came in time for Halo and he held on for a deserving short head victory in 29.72. Hawkfield Blue had two and a half lengths to spare over the staying on Callaway Masters in third.

******

TWO MORE DERBY NON-RUNNERS AS DIVA AND BOY RULED OUT

There are two further non-runners in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park this evening with the withdrawal of Docktechnik Diva from Heat 14 and Ballymun Boy from Heat 15. Both traps will remain vacant.

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BIG GUNS TO FIRE AGAIN IN DERBY

Twenty-four greyhounds are already in the hat for the third round of the Boylesports Irish Derby after a wonderful opening session of second round heats on Friday evening and the battle for the remaining places should ensure come sensational action at Shelbourne Park this evening as the second round comes to a close.

One man hoping to have more than a couple in the draw for the third round is Michael O’Donovan, who aside from sending out the hot favourite for outright glory, Coolavanny Hoffa, is also responsible for two others favourites in Ryhope Beach and Another Holiday.

Others expected to start short prices for their respective heats this evening include Trinity Junior, Clonbrien Treaty, Ballymac Marino and Raha Mofo.

A heat by heat guide to tonight’s session:

BROTHERS TO GO HEAD TO HEAD

Brothers Ryhope Beach and Sober Glory will dominate the market in Heat 9, the first of this evening’s session, with the former certain to start a hot favourite after a stunning opening round effort.

If coming home in front, Ryhope Beach could potentially set up Michael O’Donovan for another huge night.

Sober Glory is no slouch, however. He overcame early crowding to emerge a comfortable opening round scorer, showing massive pace from halfway. The Karol Ramsbottom trained powerhouse will need to find a way to turn close to the pace. Neither Stonepark Syd and Millroad Girl, who are drawn on his inner, are seen as fast starters and Sober Glory could potentially get across them early.

He will still need to hold the rail-seeking Da Bold Freddie but that is possible. Dromana Dano completes the line-up in five. He ran well after coming in as a reserve last week but needs a career best effort to land a telling blow.

In truth, Ryhope Beach could be very difficult to stop. He will certainly need to lead his brother but from an ideal draw in the stripes that is very possible. He posted 29.34 on a track that seemed to have turned slow last week and it would be no surprise if he were to go close to 29.10 with a clear passage.

For that reason he is selected to follow up last week’s brilliant victory by leading home Sober Glory and Stonepark Syd.

JUNIOR CAN CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

Despite his obvious talents, Trinity Junior was largely undervalued last year but that has most certainly changed in 2023 with the Champion Stakes winner showing a lot more consistency at traps and, as a result, establishing himself as one of the very best in training.

He will be tested once again in the second heat this evening but looks likely to emerge a good winner. His opening round victory was so professional and looked so easy that he is impossible to oppose. There is no doubt he faces some very talented rivals this evening but from a favouable draw on the fence, The Peter Cronin trained favourite should get first run.

The flying females Ballymac Run, Undulation and Droopys Onestop all have the pace to make a bold bid but needs to be at their very sharpest in the opening yards, while both Hanover Phantom and Ballymac Johnjo will be finishing fast but Trinity Junior would be a very tough nut to crack if he were to get his own way out front. For that reason, he is chosen to come home clear of Ballymac Johnjo and Ballymac Run.

TREATY NEEDS A START

Clonbrien Treaty will be a hot favourite for Heat 11 and in normal circumstances you would expect him to win four times out of five but he has been so tardy at traps in recent outings that punters will proceed with caution.

The fact that there are no real superstars in opposition will work in his favour but Millroad Bolger will be no pushover. The duo will take up a great percentage of the market and Clonbrien Treaty should win but it would be great to see him starting a little faster.

Should he come away on terms, this could turn into something of a procession but likewise, were he to miss the start again, Millroad Bolger would be very tough to reel in. The remaining quartet will need a career best effort to land a telling blow.

A RED-HOT AFFAIR

Heat 12 is up there with the hottest contests of the Derby thus far.

Another Holiday is set to tart favourite from an inside pitch but with The Other Kobe, Undisputed, Pape Di Oro and Optic Chico in opposition, any mistakes will be magnified.

So much will depend on the opening exchanges. If Another Holiday comes away racing, he could potentially get loose at the head of affairs again but were he to miss a beat, The Other Kobe could steal his ground immediately from trap two.

Undisputed is amongst the fastest females in the land and comes into the contest on the back of a fine victory. Were she to hit the ground running, she could emerge as a big player. The same can be said for Pape Di Oro. He will need to set the pace but any crowding on the inside of the track could allow him do so from trap five.

And then there is Optic Chico. Blessed with immense pace from the second turn, he will be hoping to capitalize on any mistakes from the early paced quartet. He could arrive late and fast to snatch the victory.

Stefans Rock completes the field and will be a huge price. If he is to cause a major upset, he needs to return to his very best 2022 form. Another Holiday just gets the nod but this is a tremendous contest and the advice is to proceed with caution as any of the five aforementioned runners could come out on top.

MARINO READY TO SHINE

Ballymac Marino ran a bit better than his latest form would suggest and he is selected to come home in front in Heat 13.

The brilliant Juvenile Classic winner has tremendous pace from start to finish and a rails pitch should afford him the opportunity to use his many strengths.

Droopys Got It is still returning to his very best and would be a big threat of getting loose into the bend, while Easy Razzle, Disco Pants, Millridge Bryce and Music Glideaway all have plenty of ability but Ballymac Marino is truly exceptional when on song and can’t be opposed.

Expect Liam Dowling’s son of Vulturi to come away racing, hold his line before asserting down the back straight. Of his rivals, Droopys Got It is nominated as the main threat although any of the remaining four could progress.

HOFFA TOO HOT TO HANDLE

Hot favourite for outright glory, Coolavanny Hoffa will be an unbackable price to win Heat 14 after a superb comeback run eight days ago.

Bockos Crystal I seen as the only conceivable threat, although she will again need to be at her very best to land a telling blow.     

Storys Peewee, Romeo Hotshot and Docktechnik Diva will all b finishing fast but a qualifying position is the best they can hope for, as Coolavanny Hoffa is chosen to go ballistic in the early yards, build a clear advantage and coast home clear. Expect his price in the outright betting to contract even further after this evening. Bockos Crystal can chase him through into the third round draw.

MOFO TO FIND THE GAPS

Raha Mofo will be retired to the breeding paddocks in the very near future so we should appreciate her while she is around.

The brilliant Dundalk International, 2022 Oaks champion and reigning Bitch of the Year wil be favourite to win Heat 15 but she faces a tough test with Bens Teddy, Brookside Richie, Boylesports Vic and Tommys Hewick to contend with.

Raha Mofo is in the form of her career, however. Her pace and power from the second turn really is something to behold and if she finds the gaps at the right time, she could again take some containing this evening.

Much will depend on which of her five runners, if any get loose at the head of affairs. Brookside Richie missed the start last week but can fly to the turn and is a possible pace-setter. He is set to outrun his price and could represent real value, while Tommy Hewick ran a huge race last week, showing superb early dash. He too represents value.

Boylesports Vic no doubt has the pace to figure but a trap our draw is a major concern. Bens Teddy will be looking for the same gaps as Raha Mofo in the second half of the contest and is respected but the favourite remains the choice. It would be no surprise if she were to turn a little closer to the pace this evening before making her superior strength count from halfway.  

EXPECT A GRANDE DISPLAY

The second round ends with a very competitive affair. Hawkfield Blue, Halo and Sogna In Grande are all pretty sharp and can race prominently, while Callaway Masters won’t be far away in the early yards.

Picking a likely winner from the quartet is not easy but slight preference is for Sogna In Grande on the outside of the track as he seems likely to receive rom to race.

The Jack Kennelly trained speedster has been going up fast and is clearly in fine heart. He ran a big race behind Clona Duke last week and can get first run on his rivals. Hawkfield Blue can chase him throughout with the strong running Calaway Masters hard to keep out of the frame.  

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SCAGLIETTI IN CRUISE CONTROL AS DERBY CONTINUES

There were some real shocks at Shelbourne Park on Friday evening as the second round of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby got underway but there were also some magnificent performances including that of Scaglietti who made it look so easy as he emerged a comfortable four length scorer in a best of the night 29.26.

The real surprise on the night was the shock elimination of Ballinabola Ed, while English Derby champion Gaytime Nemo was another big-name casualty. Below we take you through all eight heats.

Heat 1 – PORT ON TOP AS NEMO MAKES EXIT

There was something of a shock in the opening heat as English Derby Gaytime Nemo again found plenty of traffic before crashing out behind his kennel companion Newinn Port.

The latter was always close to the pace, turning second to Capitan Garfio before making his move down the back straight.

Taking charge between halfway and the third turn, the Graham Holland trained son of Kinloch Brae and Delboys Cushty was always going to be difficult to reel in. Capitan Garfio did stick to his task in second but Newinn Port emerged a two length winner for his owners, the Hill of Port Syndicate, in a decent 29.53.

Capitan Garfio was second with Millridge Levi qualifying in third, some three lengths further back. Sadly, it just didn’t happen for Gaytime Nemo as he found the traffic spots before finishing fifth.

Heat 2 – DUKE SHOWS HIS METAL

Graham Holland completed a quick double in the second heat with Clona Duke proving that he isn’t just about pace and power. He is also a very determined tracker with a huge will to win.

That was certainly evident as he displayed great bravery on the bend.

In doing so, he seemed certain to guarantee himself a comfortable victory but Mr Chelm had other ideas. Clona Rocko actually led to the turn but was given no chance when Clona Duke barged his way through along the fence to take up the running.

Mr Chelm was left second and he displayed huge back straight to join and briefly head Clona Duke at the third turn. Clona Duke is very strong, however, and he was soon back on terms before powering clear on the run in. Kevin O’Brien’s Juvenile Derby and Select Stakes champion went on to win by an ever-widening two lengths in 29.55.

Heat 3 – DREAM HUNTS DOWN WELL MET

Well Met made a bold bid from the front in the third heat only for dual classic winner Bobsleigh dream to show exactly what she is about.

The former actually opened a clear advantage into the back straight and seemed for a few strides as though defeat was very unlikely.

That quickly changed when Bobsleigh dream slipped onto the fence to move second. Once entering the back straight with daylight in front of her, Bobsleigh Dream was always going to hunt down the leader.

Trained by Pat Buckley for Willie Joe Murphy, the wonderfully fast Bobsleigh Dream closed right up to the third turn before making her move along the fence. Once going to the front, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Bobsleigh Jet may have been expected to stretch on but Well Met rallied on the run in. You always got the sense Bobsleigh Dream would hold on by she only did so by a head, albeit in a fast 29.36. Garfiney Blaze found himself in third at the third turn and he ran on well to finish just five lengths further back. 

Heat 4 – SYDNEY SWOOPS TO CONQUER

Clonrooske Sydney, owned by Ray Conroy and Ollie Dunne, came with a swashbuckling run in Heat 4 to win for the second week running, maintaining his unbeaten record in the classic.

Ballymac Walt was a warm favourite and duly set a strong gallop, but his fate was sealed when Clonrooske Sydney got the better of the two inside runners into the turn to slip around in second from trap three.

Closing the gap down the back straight, he made up eye-catching ground around the last two bends to move to the front. It was all pretty straightforward once he hit the front. The Matthew Harte trained son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Matilda was now in full stride and he eased on to win by three lengths in 29.61.

McNeill came through for second, while Ballymac Walt was a little disappointing in third. If he is to go any further, he may need to return to his best Champion Plate form. As for the winner, there is little doubt he is short of a yard of pace to the turn but his engine is there for all to see and it is currently firing on all cylinders.     

Heat 5 – SCAGLIETTI CONTINUES TO PURR

One would assume that Scaglietti is named after the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, a car with a top speed of 199mph.

If that is the case, the canine version is doing justice to the name as he continued to impress in the Derby with a brilliant success in Heat 5 for Cheryl Sutcliffe and Pat Guilfoyle.

The son of Magical Bale and Outdoor Roller was a warm favourite despite the presence of some hugely talented rivals and he made light work of the task. Ballyhimikin Rex moved into second on the turn and chased hard throughout, once again showing his many qualities but Scaglietti is relentless on the lure and he kept turning the screw.

Clocking 17.12 to the third turn, he continued to pile on the pressure, easing on up the run in to eventually score by four lengths in 29.26, identical to his opening round clock. ON current form, Scaglietti is without question a huge player in the Derby.

Ballyhimkin Rex was a fine second with the battle for third going right down to the wire. Burj Khalifa just did enough to contain Good Maestro to take the final qualifying spot, four and a half lengths behind the runner-up. 

Heat 6 – MARTHA SPRINGS A SHOCK WITH A SUPERB DISPLAY

Glengar Martha was a tremendous winner of Heat 6. If you take the success at face-value, she was amongst the easiest and most straightforward winners on the night but that doesn’t tell half the story.

Of course, the Pat Buckley trained daughter of Droopys Sydney and Glengarbadminton was returned at a massive 28-1 with her kennel companion Ballinabola Ed sent of the 4-5 favourite, just ahead of De Lahdedah at 7-4. It wasn’t meant to be for the big guns in this contest, however. Both the front two in the betting badly missed the start and were always struggling to land a blow.

Instead, 2022 finalist Droopys Nice One emerged as the only real threat to the pace-setter. Glengar Martha entered the back straight with a near four length lead and this was to prove decisive. Despite the best efforts of Droopys Nice One, William Wood’s Glengar Martha ran out a ready and thoroughly deserving length scorer in 29.48.

Behind the front two, De Lahdedah, despite cutting inwards in the early yards, forced his way through the gaps to go third where he was to finish, some two and a half lengths behind Droopys Nice One.  Ballinabola Ed, after his missed start, had rushed into the turn before finding traffic. He did run on well but there was no catching De Lahdedah and he made his exit in fourth.         

Heat 7 – A WINNING CASHOUT FOR STORYS

As soon as the draw was made, Heat 7 was circled as one of the most confusing and difficult to predict contests of the entire round.

The race itself seemed to follow a similar pattern with each and every runner having a say at some point.

In the end the success went to Storys Cashout, who after showing fine track craft, was in the perfect position to strike off the final turn. Carrigmore Logan and Hello Mom took them on for much of the way but the pack were always on their heels.  

Storys Cashout stayed tight to the fence on the turn to enter the back straight right behind the front two. This was to make all the difference. Trained by Murt Leahy for Gavin O’Mahoney, the powerful son of Tullymurry Act and Droopy Hunch got first run at the leaders.    

Moving second behind Carrigmore Logan on the third turn, he eased slightly to ensure the door wasn’t closed on him before launching his challenge off the final turn. By this point Press Unlock had joined in the battle on the wide outside, while Threesixfive and Sporty Bigman were flying in behind. 

Storys Cashout is mighty strong, however, and he drove on to take the verdict by a length from the fast-finishing Threesixfive in 29.68. Sporty Bigman also ran on strongly to finish just two lengths further adrift. 

Heat 8 – JETARA HAS AN ACCELERATOR

Jetara may have been a big drifter in the betting for the final heat of the night but he seems to be getting to grips with Shelbourne Park and those that stayed loyal to the son of Droopys Sydney and Jetstream Lynx were richly rewarded as he engaged the accelerator after a few strides to charge to the front into the turn.

Goldirocks Magic and Seven Beach initially gave chase but it was Droopys Bro that emerged as the only realistic threat entering the third turn. He closed rapidly to the final turn but, once turning for home, Jetara kicked again.

It was enough to secure Peter Comerford’s charge came home in front. Owen McKenna is clearly not rushing his young star and better is certain to come. He eventually hit the line two lengths to the good over Droopys Bro in 29.69. Seven Beach was five lengths further adrift in third.

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ANOTHER EARLY START AT SHELBOURNE

Once again, owners, trainers and punters are warned that tonight’s action at Shelbourne Park will tart a little earlier than the norm.

The opening race, which happens to be the first of the second-round heats of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, is set to go to traps at 7.14. So, make sure to allow time to get to Shelbourne Park in time. You don’t want to miss a thing.   

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IRELAND’S BEST GO AGAIN IN DERBY

After a marathon opening round of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, packed with tremendous performances and the odd shock, it’s time to do it all again at Shelbourne Park as the second round gets underway with eight heats this evening.

This evening’s opening session is competitive to say the least. Even the warmest favourites on tonight’s card have plenty to think about and it should make for fascinating viewing. Five of the top ten in the ante-post betting lists are in action this evening including Clona Duke, Ballinabola Ed, De Lahdedah, Good Maestro and Scaglietti.

In fact, there is a couple of clashes amongst the five, adding real spice to proceedings. Below we will run through each of the eight heats.    

A heat by heat guide to tonight’s session:

TIME FOR NEMO TO FIND HIS FEET

Brendan O’Connell and Graham Holland were forced to wait to see if their English Derby champion Gaytime Nemo would progress as a fastest fourth place finisher in the opening round but he can tonight start proceedings off with a bang.

In what was his first start since capturing the Derby crown on July 1st, the brilliant son of Droopys Sydney was prominent into the corner only to find bad traffic. The fact that he finished close enough to qualify is testament to his determination and ability.

With a similar start this evening, he really should have too much ammunition for his rivals which include the early paced duo of Capitan Garfio and Millridge Levi and the strong running trio of Faypoint Angry, Savana Hero and Newinn Port.

From the make-up of tonight’s contest, Gaytime Nemo is a very possible pace-setter but looks certain to turn close. If doing so, he can emerge a comfortable scorer at the expense of his kennel companion Newinn Port and Faypoint Angry.

NO ROOM FOR ERROR IN RED-HOT SECOND HEAT

Heat 2 would do justice to any classic final with all six capable of performing on the biggest stage.

Of course, Clona Duke and Romeo Magico have already tasted classic success, Mr Chelm ran up an English Derby and reached the final of a Kirby Memorial in his youth, while Deadly Showtime, Annagh Bailey and Clona Rocko have the ability to go deep in the competition. 

Given the strength on show, any errors could prove very costly. Clona Duke is set to start a warm favourite from a rails draw. The Juvenile Derby and Select Stakes champ may want a little closer to the middle but, from where he is housed, he can determine his own fate.

If he makes a fast start, he is very likely to get to the corner in front which would also certainly see him come home in front. Things could get tight on the inside, however. Mr Chelm can go up fast from two, while Deadly Destroyer is also certain to go up well from three and may edge inwards.

That could potentially favour Romeo Magico in four, although he needs to find his trapping boots to take advantage. Annagh Bailey has the ability to get involved but needs a fast start, while Clona Rocko is perhaps the best drawn dog in the contest. If the last named were to get loose into the turn, he could represent real value at the prices available.

It’s impossible to predict the outcome of this contest with any real certainty but, until he makes a mistake, it’s impossible to oppose Clona Duke. He gets the nod ahead of Clona Duke and Mr Chelm, who displayed real pace in defeat last week and seems to b returning to his very best.    

GET SET FOR ANOTHER TONGUE TWISTER

Bobsleigh Dream and Boylesports Bob renew rivalry in Heat 3 after causing a certain commentator a nightmare in the opening round.

Throw in Beepers Lariat and Bulletfromagun and there’s potential for another tongue twister this evening.

Well Met and Garfiney Blaze complete a high-class field and one that could provide quite a spectacle. The early exchanges will no doubt have a big say in the outcome. Beepers Lariat, Well Met, Boylsports Bob and Bulletfromagun are all capable of going up well, while Bobsleigh Dream does have a fast start in her locker.

Very little separated the five on the clock in the opening round but Well Met and Bulletfromagun managed to win. If either are to follow up, they may need to set the pace again. If not, they will be vulnerable.

Bobsleigh Dream is the one to beat. The dual classic winner flew home to be narrowly beaten last week and will be difficult to contain with a clear passage. Boylesports Bob is hugely exciting. Despite losing ground on a couple of the bends last week, he wasn’t beaten far and seems certain to go considerably faster in the near future. He is seen as the main threat to Bobsleigh Dream, while Beepers Lariat has tremendous pace and might just get the better of Well Met.

WALT TO SEE OFF DUKE

Outside of Ballymac Walt and Daleroad Duke, there seems to be a shortage of 550yd early speed on show in Heat 4 and that will certainly favour the named duo.

Ballymac Walt was brilliant in the Champion Plate and a repeat of that sort of form would see him emerge as the one to beat.  

Daleroad Duke is a rapid improver with a huge future. He is a worthy adversary and can really put it up to Ballymac Walt. The pair look likely to race clear of their rivals in the early yards. Mcneill and Clonrooske Sydney will finish at speed and can emerge as the main dangers but it’s difficult to see past the big two with Ballymac Walt chosen to make every inch for Liam Dowling. 

SCAGLIETTI CAN MAKE MOST OF EXTRA ROOM

The withdrawal of Ballymac Finn from Heat 5 is a real blow to the classic and the contest.

In his absence, Scaglietti, Good Maestro, Ballyhimkin Rex and Burj Khalifa are set to battle it out. Scaglietti and Good Maestro were amongst the fastest opening round scorers with the latter going just two spots quicker.

Balyhimkin Rex was just a length slower and must also enter calculations. So much will depend on the opening yards. Scaglietti will have a little bit of extra room with trap four vacant and that could make the difference. He is drawn on the right side of Good Maestro and that could allow him turn in front of his rival.

Ballyhimkin Rex would prefer a middle berth but is also respected as he too can go up fast. Burj Khalifa has fine pace throughout but needs to sharpen up at traps to add to his tally. This one could be hugely competitive throughout but the nod goes to Scaglietti to just get the better of his kennel companion Good Maestro with Ballyhimkin Rex chosen for third.

A CLASH TO SAVOUR

Ballinabola Ed is a true superstar, of that there is no doubt, but he faces a notable and perhaps worthy adversary in Heat 6 where De Lahdedah will take him on. Throw in 2022 finalist Droopys Nice One and it’s quite a contest.

Ballinabola Ed will be a hot favourite but this is one of his greatest tests of the year thus far. He needs to come away on terms. If doing so that would allow him to find a perfect pitch into the corner. His tendency to edge across to the fence approaching the bend is a slight concern but if he were to clear Droopys Nice One on the run un, that may not be a big problem.

Instead, the greatest threat comes from the rapidly improving De Lahdedah. He was a thoroughly professional winner in the opening round and has the pace to challenge any dog left in the classic. He needs to come through the bars, however, as this is the toughest test of his short career to date.

Given his brilliance and favourable draw, Ballinabola Ed is chosen to come home in front but have little doubt, both De Lahdedah and Droopys Nice One could give him plenty to think about. 

A COMPETITIVE AFFAIR

Heat 7 is a mighty competitive affair.

The versatile Threesixfive has been introduced as favourite but she needs to be at her sharpest to oblige for her supporters. She had the speed to win a heat of the Oaks and has the stamina to be amongst Ireland’s best stayers.

Those two factors should see her make a bold bid but she needs to negotiate a clear passage around the turn. Hello Mom is certain to go up fast from the inside draw and is a possible pace-seter. She could represent value, while Storys Cashout and Sporty Bigman will both be finishing fast.

Press Unlock is well housed on the outside as a wide runner but needs to be at her sharpest. If forced to pick a winner, Threesixfive seems the most likely scorer but the chances of Hello Mom, Storys Cashout and Sporty Bigman at a big price aren’t dismissed.

CAN JETARA FINALLY TAKE OFF IN DUBLIN?

It doesn’t get any easier to pick a winner with any real confidence in the Heat 8, the last of tonight’s opening session.

Droopys Bro saw off a top-class field in the opening round and seems to be progressing with each start.

He faces a trickier draw this evening in four and needs to again com away racing. Jetara looked a potential superstar in the Denis Linehan Solicitors Open Unraced at Cork. He has yet to produce his very best around Shelbourne but it does seem to be coming.

From an ideal draw in the stripes, he is just selected ahead of Droopys Bro. Of the remainder, Seven Beach and Cheque For Sir make most appeal. Seven Beach is drawn tight to the fence for the first time in his career. It will be interesting to see how he handles an inside pitch.

He ran a fine race in defeat last week and can go up considerably faster. He is the value angle. Cheque For Sir is likely to race prominently but may need to set the pace, which won’t be easy with the fast- starting Goldirocks Magic and the aforementioned Seven Beach drawn on his inner. This is a five dog affair as Cryptopunk has been withdrawn from trap five.  

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BALLYMAC FINN OUT OF DERBY

The news came through just after lunchtime on Wednesday that Ballymac Finn is out of the Derby after picking up a hock injury.

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CRYPTOPUNK WITHDRAWN FROM DERBY

Cryptopunk was yesterday afternoon withdrawn from the Derby.

The 2022 Consolation Derby winner was due to race in Heat 8, the last of Friday’s eight. It means trap five will now be vacant.

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HOFFA NOW 6-1 FOR DERBY GLORY

After A layoff of over ten months, it was wonderful to see the exceptionally talented Coolavanny Hoffa back on track at Shelbourne Park on Friday night.

He may not have been at his explosive best but he certainly wasn’t far off it and with the promise of so much more to come, it’s no surprise to see sponsors Boylesports cut his price for Derby glory to 6-1.

Clona Duke and and Ballinabola Ed also won in fine style and they are now the 12-1 joint second favourites in the market. Ryhope Beach was one of the big movers after his opening round romp. One of the fastest greyhounds in the land, it was encouraging to see him get loose before going on to win by a huge margin. As a result, he has been cut to 14-1 for Derby success and that may yet look big if he continues to perform in the same manner.

Joining him on the 14-1 mark is De Lahdedah. Liam Dowling’s rapidly progressive tracker was pretty flawless on Saturday night. There is a hugely talented quintet on 16-1. These include brilliant fastest of the round scorer Another Holiday, Friday’s fastest heat winner Good Maestro and 2022 runner-up Ballymac Finn, who was as impressive as any in victory on Saturday. Add to these Clonbrien Treaty and Ballymac Marino and it’s quite a group.

Impressive opening round scorers Sober Glory, Raha Mofo, Trinity Junior and Scaglietti are available at 20-1, alongside English Derby hero Gaytime Nemo who progressed as one of the fastest fourth placed qualifiers. The top of the market can be found below:

Boylesports Irish Derby

Boylesports bet:

6          Coolavanny Hoffa

12       Clona Duke

12       Ballinabola Ed

14       Ryhope Beach

14       De Lahdedah

16       Good Maestro

16       Another Holiday    

16       Ballymac Finn

16       Ballymac Marino

16       Clonbrien Treaty

20       Sober Glory

20       Scaglietti

20       Raha Mofo

20       Trinity Junior

20       Gaytime Nemo

25       Optic Chico

25       Ballymac Walt

25       Bens Teddy

25       Bobsleigh Dream

25       The Other Kobe

25       Mr Chelm

25       Bockos Crystal

25       Ballyhimkin Rex

33-1   bar

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HOLIDAY SHARPEST TO THIRD BEND

As has become tradition, we will take time to reflect on the third bend clocks after each round of the Boylesports Derby and the champion as regards the opening round was Another Holiday, who took off in the opening heat on Saturday, clocking 17.01 on his way to a wonderful fastest of the round 29.23.

Of course, he was one of the names that would have been put forward ahead of the competition to go fast to the third turn but to go faster than some real stars is a real achievement. Just three parts of a length slower was Ballymac Finn.

Last year’s Derby runner-up came roaring back to form posting a sizzling 17.06 despite not exploding from traps. On that sort of form he could be a big payer yet again. Coolavanny Hoffa, a kennel companion to Another Holiday and the ante-post favourite did little wrong in his success, blowing away the cobwebs with a thoroughly professional display.

He posted 17.08 to the third turn and is likely to go faster in the coming weeks. It’s worth noting he clocked a fastest of the competition 16.80 in the second round last year and also clocked the second fastest time of the classic in the quarter finals with a 16.88 return.

The Other Kobe, Ballyhimkin Rex and Bockos Crystal also went very fast to the third turn with each posting 17.09. Good Maestro was the fastest heat winner on Friday, winning in 29.24, and his third bend sectional was a quick 17.11.

A full breakdown of the third bend leaders for each of the 26 opening round heats can be found below:

Leaders Clocks (Fastest to Slowest):

 

 

 

1st round

 

 

Another Holiday

17.01

Ballymac Finn

17.06

Coolavanny Hoffa (F)

17.08

The Other Kobe (F)

17.09

Bockos Crystal

17.09

Ballyhimikin Rex

17.09

Good Maestro (F)

17.11

Ballinabola Ed (F)

17.12

Trinity Junior (F)

17.12

De Lahdedah

17.14

Undisputed

17.14

Scaglietti

17.17

Tommy Hewick

17.17

Clona Duke (F)

17.20

Jetara

17.23

Well Met (F)

17.23

Ryhope Beach

17.25

Optic Chico (F)

17.27

Beepers Lariat

17.27

Droopys Bro (F)

17.28

Hawkfield Blue (F)

17.30

Cryptopunk (F)

17.32

Bulletfromagun (F)

17.38

Deadly Showtime (F)

17.38

Disco Pants

17.38

Halo

17.54

******

MORE INCREDIBLE ACTION ON OFFER IN DERBY

The opening round of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby came to a conclusion at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night and the session certainly provided plenty to talk about.

There were some stunning displays from our canine stars but the headlines went to Liam Dowling, Pat Guilfoyle and Michael O’Donovan. The first two named recorded hat tricks, while O’Donovan sent out the standard setter Another Holiday and the easiest winner of the entire opening round, Ryhope Beach.

Heat 14 – A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY

Young Jack Roche would have been delighted with the display of his star Another Holiday in the first of Saturday’s heats as he left his rivals chasing shadows.

The Michael O’Donovan trained son of Dorotas Wildcat and Vigorous Lindsey was at his razor sharp best, showing huge early speed to dominate from the outset.

In what was his first outing over a trip in excess of 525yds, he looked a natural staying on well to contain the always second Papa Di Oro by four and a half lengths in a stunning, fastest of the Derby thus far, 29.23. Papa Di Ora had a length in hand on Hanover Phantom in third with Mcneill progressing in fourth.

Heat 15 – DISCO FEVER

Disco Pants may have needed the run after a short layoff but he did what was needed to win Heat 15 in fine front running style for John Breen, Conor Healy and handler Michael Daly.

The versatile son of Kinloch Brae and Bling Bling Lola shot from the inside trap and was always in the perfect pitch.

Once containing Carrigmore Logan, he quickly went about building a decisive lead. Romeo Hotshot was to push him hard in the closing yards after showing big pace to close around the last two bends but Disco Pants held him off by a half-length in 29.82. Carrigmore Logan stayed on for third, some three lengths adrift.   

Heat 16 – REX RUNS RAMPANT

The Shelbourne Champion 500 winner earlier in the summer, Ballyhimkin Rex ran riot in Heat 16 as he shot from trap four to dictate throughout.

Available at some very generous prices during the day considering his CV, the son of Ballyhimkin Jet and Slaneyside Poppy quickly seized control and was always going to be difficult to stop.

Top stayer threesixfive did give it a good go, however. Closing from the third bend all the way to the line, she again displayed her versatility but there was no stopping Ballyhimkin Rex. Billy and John Dunne’s talented charge coasted home a most impressive two length winner over the strong running Threesixfive in 29.33. Faypoint Angry made up plenty of ground to qualify, four lengths further back in third.

Heat 17 – SOBER DISPLAY FROM GLORY

Sober Glory provided Karol Ramsbottom with his second heat winner of the round in Heat 17, showing great pace and strength from halfway to reel in long-time leader Tommys Hewick.

This was billed as a match between Sober Glory and Cree Jo Jo but the latter completely missed the start and was never a factor.

Instead Hello Mom broke fastest but she couldn’t hold Tommys Hewick around the opening two bends. Sober Glory was a close third behind the pair but was forced to check his stride as they hit the second turn with no room to race.

Tommy Hewick moved into a clear lead down the back straight but Sober Glory started to really motor as they hit halfway, moving into second by the third turn before setting his sights on the leader. Sean Malone’s son of Droopys Sydney and Calzaghe Jan is immensely strong and he gradually reeled in Tommys Hewick to take the verdict by three parts of a length in 29.45. Tommys Hewick ran a huge race in second with Hello Mom progressing to the second round, four lengths back in third.  

Heat 18 – SCAGLIETTI MOTORS HOME

Cheryl Sutcliffe’s Scaglietti really did confirm his standing as a leading fancy for Derby glory in Heat 18, showing great all-round pace to contain one of last year’s finalists Droopys Nice One.

After breaking on terms,the Pat Guilfoyle trained Scaglietti displayed fine early dash to get up the inside of Droopys Nice One on the turn and that was to prove decisive.

Droopys Nice One really stuck to her guns and wouldn’t let Scaglietti (Magical Bale/ Outdoor Roller) put the race to bed but the leader has a massive engine and he was never going to surrender his advantage. As expected, Scaglietti stayed a little closer to the fence around the last two bends than his rival and he kicked off the final turn to emerge a tremendous length and a half scorer in a rapid 29.26. Droopys Nice One was a good second, four lengths clear of the reserve Dromana Dano, who ran a fine race in third.

Heat 19 – JOHNJO POUNCES LATE

While Heat 19 went right down to the wire, those in the know knew how it was going to go from an early stage with the hugely powerful Ballymac Johnjo turning a close second to Beepers Lariat.

The latter made a bold bid for glory, holding his rival to the third turn but there was a certain inevitability about proceedings.

As you would expect, Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Johnjo began to bridge the gap between the last two bends and made his move on the wide outside up the home straight. Beepers Lariat did all he could to hold his rival but Ballymac Johnjo was too strong and the son of Ballymac Anton and Art Of Illusion took the verdict by a half length in 29.60. Stonepark Syd displayed fine pace down the back straight to finish third, some three and a half lengths further back. 

Heat 20 – UNSTOPPABLE UNDISPUTED

Heat 20 was won in brilliant fashion from Undisputed but the great talking point was the elimination of Swords rex as he stumbled badly at traps to be left trailing the field.

In contrast, Undisputed was thoroughly professional, flying up the fence to contain Daleroad Duke into the turn.

It was all very predictable thereafter with the wonderful all-round speed of Undisputed keeping her clear of her rival. Droopys Onestop ran on well to take third spot but the front two were never under any pressure.

Undisputed just kept finding out front to contain the best efforts of Daleroad Duke, going on to secure an impressive victory. Trained by Pat Guilfoyle for Wayne McCarthy and Paul Prendergast, the hugely talented daughter of Pestana and Unlock Unlock hit the line a length and a half to the good in 29.47. Daleroad Duke ran another hugely encouraging race in second with Droopys Onestop three parts of a length adrift in third.

Heat 21 – FLYING FINN LOOKS AT HOME

It’s no secret that Ballymac Finn didn’t produce his best at Towcester during an English Derby challenge but he looked right at home at Shelbourne Park, winning Heat 21 with a real sense of authority.

Clonbrien Treaty was the hot favourite but again left his chance at traps. Instead, Goldirocks Magic flew from trap two to lead in the opening yards but Ballymac Finn flew past her to hold a clear advantage on the bend.

Clonbrien treaty recovered somewhat from his slow exit to move second into the back straight and did close to the third turn but never looked like getting to the leader. In fact, he ran out of steam as they turned for home allowing Goldirocks Magic to close.

This was all about Ballymac Finn, however. The 2022 Derby champion roared back to form with a brilliant five length victory in a superb 29.37. Goldirocks Magic ran a huge race to get back up for second, seeing off Clonbrien treaty by a half length. 

Heat 22 – DE LAHDEDAH

De Lahdedah continued his rapid rise up the ranks to potential super stardom in Heat 22, completing a treble for Liam Dowling on the night.

Sent to traps a red-hot favourite, he had to be at his sharpest to get the better of the very talented Clona Rocko.

The duo were streets clear of their rivals into the turn as they raced side by side with De Lahdedah making the most of his inside line to emerge in front. UK raider Brookside Richie recovered from a slow start, forcing his way through the fence to go third but he was never going to worry the front pair.

De Lahdedah entered the back straight with a half length advantage over Clona Rocko before increasing it to the third turn. Maintaining a strong gallop to the line, the Garsuns Syndicate owned son of former Derby champion Lenson Bocko and Ballymac Sarahjo eased on to win by three and a half lengths in a very satisfactory 29.43. Clona Rocko was a good second with Brookside Richie staying third, a further eight lengths adrift.

Heat 23 – BEACH GOES BALLISTIC

Ryhope Beach sent out a loud and very clear warning to his Derby rivals that he means business, emerging the widest margin winner of the entire opening round as he raced further and further clear.

Callaway Pro Am broke fastest but there was no pick-up from the talented tracker and he fell through the pack to play no part. In contrast, Mike Bandurak’s Ryhope Beach was showing fine pace on the outside of the track and he quickly moved to the front.

From that point on, the only person with concerns was the cameraman as he attempted to keep more than just Ryhope Beach in shot. The Michael O’Donovan trained son of Droopys Sydney and Calzaghe Jan powered right away from his rivals. By halfway his lead was in double figures and by the winning line he had moved a remarkable fifteen and a half lengths clear as he stopped the clock in 29.34, an indication that conditions were getting slower as the temperature dropped. Second spot went to Stefans Rock with Corbrack Dan two and a half lengths further adrift in third.

Heat 24 – JETARA

By the time Jetara took the honours in Heat 24, the track was certainly running on the slow side and it may not have played to his strengths but the Owen McKenna trained star dug deep to hold on from the advancing Boylesports Vic. 

Jetara was simply too quick for his rivals in the early yards, shooting up the outside of the track to lead the field into the back straight. Those in chase struggled to get loose with Boylesports Vic and Romeo Magico clashing and this allowed Peter Comerford’s Jetara to remain clear.

Despite coming back to hi rivals on the run in, the son of Droopys Sydney and Jetstream Lynx emerged a three parts of a length scorer over the staying on Boylesports Vic in 29.97. Romeo Magico was another length and a half adrift in third with Easy Razzle progressing in fourth.

Heat 25 – BOCKOS CRYSTAL

Bockos Crystal may have been rushed back from season but she didn’t show too many signs of rust, aside from tiring in the closing yards, in Heat 25.

The brilliant daughter of Droopys Sydney and Vigorous Hilary shot from trap two and quickly assumed control, while her great rival Bobsleigh Dream cut inwards from trap four, getting held up.

Boylesports Bob moved second to the bend but lost ground and momentum at this point as he changed legs. It was all Bockos Crystal needed. Driving clear, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Vigorous Hilary seemed to be an unassailable lead by the third turn but suddenly those in behind began to close.

In what was her first start since April, Bockos Crystal understandably began to tire. Bobsleigh Dream had by now recovered after her early traffic problems and was absolutely motoring, while Boylesports Bob continued to run hard in chase.

In a tremendous finish, Bockos Crystal dug deep to score for Graham Holland and Bev Lochead, holding the advancing Bobsleigh Dream and Boylesports Bob by a half length and a head in 29.58. It was a remarkable run in the circumstances and one that suggests Bokos Crystal and those closest to her could be players in the remainder of the Derby. 

Heat 26 – MUSIC HITS THE RIGHT NOTES

After strong market support, Halo was sent off a surprising favourite for the final heat but it seemed an inspired move when he shot up the fence to take charge and build a clear advantage.

In contrast, his main market rival Music Glideaway, owned by the Pension Plan Syndicate, was slowly into stride and was struggling to get involved.

That changed off the second turn. With Halo still clear, Music Glideaway had to do something drastic. Showing big pace down the back straight, the Pat Guilfoyle trained son of Newinn Taylor and Glideaway Magic moved from last early in the back straight to second at the third turn.

It was to prove a decisive maneouvre as he got first run at the now capitulating Halo. Showing signs of fatigue in the slower conditions, Halo was clearly in need of the line. Music Glideaway got first run at the leader and he took full advantage. Fire Time and Docktechnik Diva were now finishing fast but Music Glideaway came through to score in 30.09. Fire Time was just a half length away in second with Docktechnik coming out of the clouds to finish just a head away in third. Halo faded badly but managed to progress as one of the fastest fourths. 

******

EXPECT MORE FIREWORKS IN DERBY

There were some brilliant displays both in victory and defeat as the Boylesports Derby kicked off on Friday evening and it seems safe to expect more of the same at Shelbourne Park this evening as the opening round draws to a conclusion, leaving us with the final ninety-six.

A heat by heat guide to tonight’s session:

TIME FOR A HOLIDAY

Another Holiday and Papa Di Oro are set for a battle into the turn in Heat 14, although this is far from a two-dog affair as both Hanover Phantom and Mcneill can boast a hug engine.

Hanover Phantom was last seen running-up the Corn Cuchulainn and will certainly finish well, while Mcneill is another massive finisher.

They will playing catch-up as Another Holiday and Papa Di Oro are both blessed with huge early speed. Papa Di Oro captured the Tipperary Cup last time and will have plenty of support but slight preference is for Another Holiday.

He recently returned from a layoff but ran encouragingly in defeat and has since posted 28.27 in a solo trial. If he can get loose early, he would likely build his advantage into the third turn. That could prove decisive. Mcneill is selected to emerge from the pack for second, while Papa Di Oro can qualify in third.

DISCO TIME

Romeo Hotshot has been installed favourite to win Heat 15 but faces a talented rival in the form of Disco Pants.

The duo race on the inside of the track and could potentially have a good battle into the bend.

Neon Lights won well at Dundalk last time but that was over further and he needs to come away racing to threaten. The same can be said for the outside duo Carrigmore Logan and Lotto Six One, while Kilcolgan Zeus returns from a layoff and needs to be at his best from trap three.

In may well come down to the pair on the inside of the track. Romeo Atomic recently won in 28.31 around Shelbourne and a repeat of that form would see him go close but Disco Pants is very capable of his night. After a short layoff, he should be fresh and well and is chosen to come out on top.

REX TO ROAR

The advance markets would suggest that Heat 16 is one of the most open of the entire round.

Realistic claims can be made for every runner in the contest but much will depend on what gets lose in the opening yards.    

Threesixfive has an ideal draw on the fence but needs to be at her very sharpest. If failing to turn in front, she could be facing an uphill battle. Ower Mystery is very talented and has fine pace throughout and will attract support, as might Clonbrien Ollie, who seems to be hugely progressive.

But the nod goes to Ballyhimkin Rex. It’s worth remembering he captured the Champion 550 at Shelbourne Park earlier in the summer, seeing off a top-class field in the process. He has fine pace and power and seems to be overpriced. He is chosen to lead home Clonbrien Ollie, who’s latest 29.63 trial is eye-catching.

JO JO TO TURN ON TURBO

Heat 17 features a real clash of styles with the big two in the market expected to have a big say in the outcome.

Sober Glory is a real powerhouse with big pace down the back straight and an abundance of power.

He will certainly be finishing fast but slight preference is for Cree Jo Jo. The recent Treaty Cup winner over two bends around Limerick, breaking the track record in the process, he has stunning early speed and was so impressive in his latest outing over 525yds.

He takes a step into the unknown this evening but should have enough in his locker to see out the 550yd trip. If doing so, he could take some stopping. Others worthy of a mention in this contest include the flying starter Hello Mom and the strong running Tommys Hewick but it is difficult to see past the big two. Cree Jo Jo gets the nod to lead throughout.    

SCAGLIETTI TO MOVE THROUGH GEARS

There’s an argument to make that Scaglietti was unlucky in both the Kirby Memorial and Champion Stakes deciders.

A dog with superb pace, he may just lack a yard to the turn in the very best company but he looks the part in Heat 18.

Should he make another fast start, it’s unlikely he will be picked up from one of his rivals into the turn and that would allow him dominate from the head of affairs. The wonderful Droopy Nice One is the obvious threat. A finalist in the Derby last year, she tends to steer a wide path which should leave her rival with room to race. She remains a potent force but may have to settle for a minor role behind Scaglietti. Of the remainder, Sunshine Dream is versatile and could make the frame.

LARIAT TO GET LOOSE

The big three in Heat 18 are Beepers Lariat, Stonepark Syd and Ballymac Johnjo. Each of them are more than capable on their night but there are inconsistencies with all three.

Beepers Lariat is very consistent in terms of his level of performance but he is a little inconsistent at the start.

There is no doubt he is capable of performing at the highest level and has done so, going very well in the early round of the English Derby and running well through the Champion Plate. With one of his better starts tonight, he could get first run on his rivals and that is why he is selected to begin his Derby challenge with a victory.

Stonepark Syd displayed all manner of pace in victory in his penultimate start only to disappoint in his most recent outing. He is seen as a big threat but needs to come away on terms. Ballymac Johnjo tends to run very wide but will finish faster than any. He would be ready to pick up the pieces were the aforementioned duo to make any mistakes.    

SWORDS TOO SHARP

Swords Rex may have tied up in his most recent trial but the Easter Cup champion and beaten English Derby favourite can certainly be forgiven for that.

After an incredible Towcester campaign he would have been given plenty of time to fully recover and he remains the one to beat in Heat 20.

A natural trapper with stunning pace to the third turn, he seems certain to go to the front. He may come back to his rivals in the latter stages but does seem certain to come on for his latest spin. This is far from an easy task, however. Flying females Undisputed and Droopys Onestop are obvious dangers, while Daleroad Duke made a big impression in his Shelbourne debut last time. All three may need Swords Rex to do them a favour but it would be no surprise if any of the trio were to come home in front.

A CLASH TO SAVOUR

Ballymac Finn v Clonbrien Treaty could be worth the admission alone.

The duo clash in Heat 21 and it’s perhaps fair to say both will want to step up on their most recent efforts. Ballymac Finn just simply wasn’t himself at Towcester but a return to Shelbourne could see him roaring back to form.

Certainly, a recent 18.44 spin for the 350yds is more than encouraging. He faces a truly outstanding rival in Clonbrien Treaty, however. The Kirby Memorial champion looked destined for greatness when coming home clear in the Limerick showpiece.

He has been inconsistent at the start, however. Should he sort his trapping issues, he would be a leading fancy for Derby glory. He remains an incredibly fast tracker but can’t afford to give some of the best in training a start. He gets the nod tonight but must come away on terms.

Ballymac Finn is the obvious danger and won’t be shy of support. Of the remainder, Ballyhimkin Leo has the pace to figure, Millridge Levi can go up fast and Barefoot Supremo is very strong and will surely finish fast.

DE LAHDEDAH TO SEND OUT A WARNING

After a stunning display in his latest outing, De Lahdedah has quickly moved towards the head of the Derby market.

His new found profile will be tested in Heat 22 but he is fully expected to come home in front.

Ideally housed on the fence, the Liam Dowling trained star can rocket to the bend and sees out every inch of the 550yd trip. If he were to produce another foot-perfect display, he would almost certainly get even closer to the top of the Derby market.

Clona Rocko and UK raider Brookside Richie are seen as the main dangers to the favourite. Brookside Richie ran a big race in the Dundalk International, has tremendous early speed and is proven at the highest level. He is entitled to plenty of respect.

Clona Rocko is seeking a fifth win on the bounce. He too has superb pace throughout and will appreciate the longer run to the turn. The remaining trio, Burgess Bolger, Cabra Kronk and Starson Rebel, are all talented but needs to raise their game to worry the confident selection, De Lahdedah.

BEACH CHOSEN TO SEE OFF PRO AM

The betting suggests that Heat 23 is a match between last year’s beaten Derby favourite Callaway Pro Am and the hugely fast Ryhope Beach.

It really is difficult to see past the duo although both have something to prove after recent efforts.

Callaway Pro Am was a little disappointing when last seen in the Champion Stakes but he can leave that form behind him. Capable of a fast start, he came alive at this time last year and has clearly been targeted at a Derby campaign.

He needs to be on his toes, however. Ryhope Beach has a massive engine. He is as fast as any greyhound in training but has been leaving himself with plenty of work to do. If he were to turn a little closer tonight, he could be very difficult to contain. He just gets the vote ahead of Callaway Pro Am but this one could go right down to the wire. Stefans Rock is seen as the best of the rest but needs to be at his very best to land a telling blow.

JETARA TO TAKE OFF

There is no shortage of talent on show in Heat 24. Boylesports Vic, former English Derby champ Romeo Magico, Easy Razzle and Jetara are all top class.

Throw in the very talented Romo Atomic and Ballinabola Una and it’s quit a contest.

So much will depend on the start but Jetara is chosen to improve for his Dublin debut and lead home his talented rivals. He displayed massive promise around Cork in the Denis Linehan Solicitors Unraced and might just have too much early speed for his rivals.

Romeo Magico retains all his ability and will fly down the back straight but ne needs to find his trapping boots. Boylesports Vic has the right draw but he too needs to be at his sharpest, while Easy Razzle is a little inconsistent at traps. She is every bit as fast as her rivals but can’t afford to give them a head start at trap rise. It’s a tremendous contest but slight preference is for Jetara and he is chosen to lead home Romeo Magico and Easy Razzle.

BOB AND BOBSLEIGH TO DO BATTLE

Heat 25 is another quality laden affair. Bobsleigh Dream has a CV to match any in training as a dual classic winner.

The 2022 Leger and this year’s Cesarewitch winner faces a tricky draw in four but she has the pace and power to overcome any obstacles.

If she gets a clear passage, she seems certain to go close. Her greatest rival comes in the form of Boylesports Bob. A hugely exciting tracker with a massive engine, he is goo enough to mount a serious Derby challenge despite his inexperience. Paul Hennessy certainly thinks plenty of his charge but on this occasion, Bobsleigh Dream gets the nod. Of their rivals. Bockos Crystal is only overlooked due to the fact that she is returning from seasonal rest. If she were at her best, she would make a bold bid. Ballymac Copper is clearly going the right way and has fine early dash but he will need to be at his very best.

MUSIC TO BRING CURTAIN DOWN

The opening round of the Derby will comes to a conclusion with Heat 26 and Music Glideaway is chosen to bring the curtain down on a memorable two nights of action.

The son of 2020 Derby champion Newinn Taylor really found his feet over 575yds in June and can be forgiven for his latest defeat in the Champion Plate semis.

He has tremendous speed and power and is ideally drawn on the outside of the track. Slow starter Docktechnik Diva is housed in five and could give the selection extra room to race. She will finish fast but may have too much on her plate at halfway.

Instead, Droopy Timing and Halo are nominated as the main dangers. Droopys Timing has fine early dash and reached the final of the Oaks. She seems certain to race prominently and is selected to chase home Music Glideaway, while Halo has been in good form and is well housed ion the fence. He can fill the frame.     

******

A WONDERFUL START TO DERBY AS MAESTRO SETS STANDARD

As if we needed a reminder, the first session of opening round heats of the Boylesports Derby at Shelbourne Park on Friday evening provided some exceptional racing highlighting the strength on show in this year’s blue riband.

Heat after heat, the best in training produced some outstanding racing with Good Maestro going fastest, while many of the more fancied runners made light work of their task. These included the likes of Coolavanny Hoffa, Clona Duke, Ballinabola Ed and Trinity Junior, while we also saw the emergence of a few potential stars. Certainly, there was plenty to get excited about and it left us wanting more.  

Below is a heat-by-heat guide of Friday’s action:

Heat 1 – BULLET SHOOTS TO GLORY

Bulletfromagun, owned by the Inas Boys Syndicate, was an apt winner of the opening heat as he shot from the outside box and repelled the persistent challenge of Capitan Garfio to emerge a comfortable winner.

Cutting off his rival on the third turn, the Brendan Maunsell trained son of Droopys Jet and Fire Height Brid stayed on powerfully to emerge a pretty comfortable three length scorer in 29.77. Callaway Masters got up on the line to take second, a head to the good over Capitan Garfio with Sporty Bigman flashing home to finish the same distance away in fourth.

Heat 2 – MAESTRO IS BETTER THAN GOOD

Good Maestro was in a hurry in Heat 2, showing superb pace from start to finish to completely dominate in a rapid 29.24.

The Pat Guilfoyle trained son of Good News and Mysterious Lola couldn’t have been any more impressive as he left his rivals chasing his tail throughout.

John Kennedy’s charge was returning after a layoff but it was scarcely evident as he was razor sharp in victory. Breaking fastest, he never saw another rival as he raced clear of his rivals from the opening yards. Millridge Bryce gave chase throughout and did well to finish just four lengths adrift. Millroad Girl ran on strongly to finish two and a half lengths further back in third

Heat 3 – BRO ON TOP AS DERBY CHAMPS STRUGGLE

Heat 3 was billed as one of the best contests of the entire opening round with the big guns including the two reigning Derby champions, Gaytime Nemo and Born Warrior, challenging the recent Champion Plate winner Droopys Bro but all three were turned over by the rapidly progressive Droopys Bro.

It simply wasn’t meant to be for the defending champion Born Warrior as he missed the start and was always struggling to get to the front. He did show fine dash to get involved in the buckle for second spot as they entered the back straight but edged wide, getting tangled up with Gaytime Nemo, costing both significant ground.

In contrast, The Sweeney Todd Syndicate owned Droopys Bro was fast into stride and was one of three greyhounds in a line on the bend but, importantly, he was on the inside of Gaytime Nemo and Ballymac Walt. This allowed the Murt Leahy trained son of Malachi and Droopys Cake go to the front and, once doing so, he never looked back.

Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, he saw off Ballymac Walt by four and a half lengths in 29.61. Commons Rebel stayed onto take third spot, a further length and a half back. Gaytime Nemo will have to wait to see if he will go through as a fastest fourth place finisher. Sadly, Born Warrior was eliminated in last spot.

Heat 4 – CLONROOSKE TAKES OFF

Clonrooske Sydney certainly did look likely to win Heat 4 after walking from traps and cutting for the fence.

Last at the opening turn, he slipped through into fourth off the second and turn before showing massive back straight pace and strength to finally reel in the long-time pace-setter Cryptopunk.

It was a remarkable run. Cryptopunk moved off the fence in the early yards but still mananged to hold Up The Style into the bend. The latter sadly seemed to lose her action off the second turn, leaving Newinn Port to chase his kennel companion but neither were a match for the Matthew Harte trained Clonrooske Sydney.

Showing massive pace into the third turn, he shot past Newinn Port to go second before pouncing on the run in. Owned by Ray Conroy and Ollie Dunne, the son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Matilda has shown real pace and promise during the Champion Unraced at Kilkenny but this was a different level. He got up to beat Cryptopunk by two lengths in 29.71. Newinn Port was four lengths further adrift in third with Romeo Hanzo fourth.

Heat 5 – ED GETS LOOSE

The Pat Buckley trained Ballinabola Ed was understandably a red-hot favourite for Heat 5 and he duly obliged from the front despite cutting in at the opening turn.

Once trapping on terms, the sensationally fast son of Confident Rankin and Dolls Lady was always going to be difficult to contain.

Showing plenty of early zip, he was soon in front but did edge in on top of his rivals on the bend. There was nothing to worry about, however, as he skipped around in front to open a three length advantage.

Great credit must go to Ballymac Run in second as she kept things interesting but Ballinabola Ed was never going to be picked up and he kept finding as his rival pushed in second. At the line, Brendan Murphy’s star had three lengths to spare in a fast 29.34. Ballymac Run was three and a half lengths ahead of Droopys Got It in third with Box Office Benny fourth. 

Heat 6 – CHICO TIME

Optic Chico, owned by Richard Vereker and Paul Allen, displayed all his qualities in Heat 6, showing massive pace down the back straight to get the better of Millroad Bolger.

From the early yards this was a two-dog affair. Millroad Bolger went up fast along the fence but he was joined into the turn by the Robert Gleeson trained Optic Chico.

This set up a tremendous buckle between the pair down the far side. Optic Chico has awesome pace and this was evident as he bettered Millroad Bolger into the third turn. Once going to the front, the son of Droopys Sydney and Zola Princess eased on to put the race to bed.

Millroad Bolger continued to chase hard but optic Chico emerged a comfortable and mighty impressive three length winner in 29.42. Savana Hero was another five lengths adrift in third with Strike It Syd finishing fourth. 

Heat 7 – KOBE SLAMS RIVALS

The Other Kobe emerged as one of the most straightforward winners of the night for owners Brian Clare and David L’Estrange.

The Jennifer O’Donnell trained son of Ballymac best and Mountaylor Queen had badly stumbled at traps on the corresponding evening last year but he made no such mistakes this time around.

Breaking quickly, he quickly got the better of his rivals into the bend before quickly opened up a commanding lead. English Derby Burj Khalifa took a bump but largely avoided the traffic on his inner to go second but he was never going to get to the leader.

Almost seven lengths to the good into the third turn, The Other Kobe tied up a little on the run in but went on to score by two lengths in 29.58. Burj Khalifa ran a fine race in second with Storys Cashout running on to finish best of the remainder, a further half length back.

Heat 8 – DUKE JUSTIES FAVOURITISM

Sogna In Grande made a flying start to lead the field in the early yards of Heat 8 but the writing was on the wall for the early pace-setter when Kevin O’Brien’s hot favourite Clona Duke was on his heels as they began to turn.

Slipping up the inside of his rival, the Graham Holland trained Clona Duke moved into a three parts of a length advantage by the time they straightened up into the back straight. Sogna in Grande kept with Clona Duke to the third turn but he was never going to get past the brilliant son of Malachi and Coolavanny Pearl.

As expected, Clona Duke began to ease on as they turned for home and eventually went on to score by two lengths in 29.47. Seven Beach also ran a huge race in third. The young tracker displayed fine pace throughout to keep tabs with the front two, finishing just two lengths further adrift. 

Heat 9 – JUNIOR SIMPLY TOO GOOD

Trinity Junior was one of the most decisive winners of the night in Heat 9.

Tim Slevin’s Champion Stakes winner may have been headed at trap rise by the fast starting Ballymac Pete but he soon moved through the gears.

Showing tremendous early speed, Trinity Junior comfortably made the corner in front and quickly built a commanding race-winning advantage. It was little more than a procession thereafter as the Peter Cronin trained son of Laughil Blake and Oi Oi Upenalty eased on to beat Ballymun Boy by eight and a half lengths in 29.50. Scotty Scheffler was the third qualifier, some two and a half lengths further adrift. 

Heat 10 – IT’S SHOWTIME

There was a tremendous buckle in Heat 10 between warm favourite Annagh Bailey and the ultimately victorious Deadly Showtime.

The latter flew from traps to hold a near two-length lead into the turn but was under serious pressure when Annagh Bailey slipped around in second. 

This set up a great clash with Annagh Bailey challenging Deadly Showtime into the third turn. Anagh Bailey finally got on terms between the last two bends and may have briefly headed Deadly Showtime but this contest was far from over. Trained by Karol Ramsbottom for the Blue Light Syndicate, Deadly Showtime stuck closely to the fence and rallied to deny Annagh Bailey. The son of Droopys Sydney and Ruby Valley kicked off the final turn to score by a half length from Anagh Bailey in 29.83. Lotto Other News ran well to finish just two and a half lengths further back in third, holding the strong running Catunda Syd by a head. 

Heat 11 – HOFFA BACK AND PURRING

Coolavanny Hoffa has often been compared to a Ferrari in the past and he certainly looked the part in Heat 11 as he returned from a near-eleven-month hiatus.

Much like the supercar he resembles, he may have needed a blow out after sitting idle for so long but as comebacks go it was pretty special.

Sent to traps a 2-11 favourite, the brilliant son of Droopys Sydney and Coolavanny Ella broke on terms before moving to the turn with plenty of purpose. He had to track his way around Cheque For Sir but, once doing so, was soon in total command. Six lengths to the good by halfway, he maintained a relentless gallop to the line to score by eight lengths in 29.43. For Michael O’Donovan and Pat Daly it would have been the perfect start to his Derby campaign. Cheque For Sir was second with Drombeg Ten qualifying in third. 

Heat 12 – MET WINS WELL 

In terms of overall quality, Heat 12 was one of the best of the round and yet again early speed and the right draw was to prove decisive as Well Met produced a polished display for John Jones.

The talented son of Ballymac Best and Corduff Flame came in for support ahead of the race and it was inspired as he flew up the fence to challenge and head Magical Kuba on the bend.

With the likes of Ballymac Marino and Magical Kuba turning on his heels he had to be at his best but he answered every question. Indeed, his greatest challenge came from Mr Chelm. Showing exceptional pace down the back straight, the 2022 English Derby runner-up flew into second at the third turn, forcing Ballymac Marino to check his stride.

It was now a question of whether Well Met could contain his advancing rival. Again, he had the answer. The September ’20 whelp kept going right to the line to hold an eye-catching Mr Chelm by a length in 29.67. Undulation had capitalized from the third bend traffic to come through for third, some two lengths further back. Ballymac Marino will likely progress as one of the fastest fourth place finishers.   

Heat 13 – MAGIC MOFO CUTS RIVALS DOWN

A wonderful night’s racing deserves a wonderful finish and that certainly came in the last of the thirteen heats as Bitch of the Year Raha Mofo produced yet another swashbuckling display to break the hearts of Hawkfield Blue backers.

The latter displayed fine early speed along the fence to put himself in pole position entering the back straight. With Da Bold Freddie turning second on his comeback start, it seemed certain that Hawkield Blue would go onto score but then Raha Mofo appeared on the scene.

With Da Bold Fredie cutting for the fence at the turn, Raha Mofo turned in third from trap five and, most importantly, she maintained full momentum. This was bad news for those in front of her. Marissa Molloy’s sensationally fast daughter of Droopys Sydney and Clares Queen began to close on those in front.

Moving third at the third turn, it was only a matter of time before she got to the long-time pace-setter. The Murt Leahy trained powerhouse duly came through in the closing yards to take the verdict by three parts of a length in 29.67. Hawkfield Blue ran a fine race in second with Bens Teddy running on strongly to take third another two and a half lengths away.   

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EARLY START AT SHELBOURNE AS DERBY COMMENCES

Tonight’s thirteen race card at Shelbourne Park is comprised entirely of Boylesports Derby heats and those venturing to Dublin 4 are warned that the opening heat is due off a little earlier than normal.

To allow for the extra race, the action at HQ will get underway at 7.14pm.

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BOYLESPORTS IRISH DERBY TO START WITH A BANG

After weeks and months of anticipation, the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby will finally get underway this evening with 156 of the best greyhound imaginable chasing the €125,000 winner’s purse.

This is an incredibly deep Derby with quality filtering down through each and every opening round heat but tonight’s fare seems just a fraction better than tomorrows with so many of the big guns at the head of the Derby betting in action. 

Chief amongst them is the favourite, Colavanny Hoffa who, despite a layoff of over ten months, seems primed to send out a clear message to his rivals. Others expected to announce themselves as serious Derby contenders are Clona Duke, Ballinabola Ed, Optic Chico, The Other Kobe, Trinity Junior and Ballymac Marino.

The likelihood is one of the aforementioned will suffer defeat this evening but, likewise, it would be no surprise if they were all to come home clear.

We also have the hottest heat of the entire round to look ahead to. Heat 3 is a bit special. Not only does it feature the two reigning Derby champions, the hero of Towcester Gaytime Nemo and defending Irish Derby champ Born Warrior but the pair will be joined by the Champion Plate winner Ballymac Walt and the talented duo of Good Zeus and Droopys Bro.    

A heat by heat guide to tonight’s session:

AN INTRIGUING START AS FERGIE TO BE TESTED

Carrick Fergie has yet to be seen since capturing the Champion Open Unraced at Kilkenny.

He looked a real prospect on that occasion but with just four starts under his belt he will be thrown in at the deep end this evening.

He may well start favourite for tonight’s opening heat but faces some notable rivals including Callaway Masters and Bulletromagun. There seems no doubt Carrick Fergie has a higher ceiling than either but a trap our draw is a concern.

He displayed a liking for the fence in his previous outings and needs to be at his sharpest in the opening yards. If not, Callaway Masters and Bulletfromagun could get first run and that could spell trouble for backers of the Robert Gleeson trained Carrick Fergie.

Capitan Garfio is set to go up fast from trap two but he would need a clear advantage to hold on, while Sporty Bigman and American Prince need a career best effort to add to their tally. In what looks a really competitive affair, slight preference is for Carrick Fergie.

MAESTRO CAN PLAY THE RIGHT TUNE

Good Maestro is set to start favourite for Heat 2 but he hasn’t been seen in action in some time.

He has just two career wins on his card and that is a concern. Certainly if producing his best, he would be hard to contain but Millroad Girl, Millridge Bryce, Swords Fudge and Pres Unlock have shown enough to suggest they could take advantage if the favourite were to make any mistakes.

This is potentially one of the weakest heats of the entire round and that can favour Good Zeus who is chosen to lead home recent 28.28 winner Millroad Girl and Millridge Bryce. 

WALT CHOSEN IN RED-HOT CONTEST

As stated, Heat 3 is the hottest contest of the entire round with defending champion Born Warrior taking on English Derby hero Gaytime Nemo, the talented duo of Good Zeus and Droopys Bro and perhaps most notably the Champion Plate winner Ballymac Walt.

Ballymac Walt has a very similar profile to that of Born Warrior twelve month ago. A young, progressive greyhound with superb early speed in the form of his career. In contrast, Born Warrior has yet to win a race in 2023 and is struggling to find his form.

The fact that he is urning up suggests that Jennifer O’Donnell is more happy with her charge and he is far from overlooked but he is far from a betting proposition.

Gaytime Nemo has probably had very little work since capturing the English Derby at Towcester and seems certain to come on for tonight’s run, no matter how he performs. He is an obvious threat to Ballymac Walt, while Droopys Bro is nominated as the best of the rest. One suspects Ballymac Walt is set to continue his winning ways, however. If coming away racing, he should be prominent into the turn and is likely to outgun Born Warrior from halfway. He can lead home Gaytime Nemo.

EXPECT A STYLISH DISPLAY

Up The Style is a massive talent with stunning pace into the corner and a longer run up seems certain to suit the Robert Gleeson trained National Puppy Stake champion on Heat 4.

She displayed her well-being with a stunning 27.94 return at Curraheen Park in the Shelly Fennelly Memorial semi-finals and if repeating that level of performance will be very difficult to stop.

Romeo Hanzo performed very well in the early round of the Englihs Derby and is respected. He needs to come away racing, however, as his kennel companion Cryptopunk is likely to edge off from the inside box.

Clonrooske Sydney is an interesting runner. He caught the eye on more than one occasion in the Champion Open Unraced but faces a tough draw and needs to show more urgency to the bend. Instead Newinn Port is nominated as the main threat. A real eye-catcher last week, he will be storming from the second turn but may need to take flight to catch Up The Style who can dictate from the early yards.

ED THE ONLY CHOICE

Droopys Got It and Ballymac Run are both hugely talented but the pair seem set to play a minor role in Heat 5 where Ballinabola Ed is expected and chosen to commence his Derby challenge with another brilliant display.

His only defeat this year came last time out when narrowly denied in the Dundalk International. Prior to that he has gone unbeaten through the Shelbourne OPen 600 and the Race of Champions and he can return to wining ways in some style.

The Pat Buckley trained star can go up fast on the outside of the track and dominate from the corner. Shelly Fennelly Memorial champion Ballymac Run can emerge as his nearest rival while Droopys Got It is the best of the rest. Ballymac Whispa has struggled a bit in recent weeks and needs to return to her brilliant best, while Box Office Benny and Guapo Chico need a career best effort to threaten.

CHICO TO PROVIDE THE RIGHT OPTICS

In terms of pure power and pace, Optic Chico is faster than the vast majority of those in the Boylesports Derby.

That will be tested in Heat 6 where he is certain to start a hot favourite. With a clear passage, the Robert Gleeson trained star will be very difficult to contain but hi chances of going deep in the classic would be greatly enhanced if he found an extra half yard to the bend.  

Of his rivals this evening, Millroad Bolger, Bredas Wood and Savana Hero have the ability to make him work hard but one suspects Optic Chico will take this assignment in his stride. He is selected to power clear from halfway to see off Millroad Bolger.

KOBE TO ATONE FOR 2022 MISTAKES

The Other Kobe was spoken o as a potential Derby champion last year only to crash out in the opening round after stumbling very badly at trap rise.

Fast forward twelve months and he is a considerably bigger price for outright glory despite showing no signs of losing any ability.

He can leave last year’s nightmare behind him in Heat 7 where he stands out as a certain pace-setter from trap three. With the strong running kennel companions Storys Cashout and Storys Peewee drawn on his inner, The Other Kobe should have no problem getting across to the fence in the early yards before building a sizable advantage.

Produce Stakes runner-up Hukum also has a decent draw with The Other Kobe likely to give him room to race, while Burj Khalifa has to be respected after reaching the semi-finals of the English Derby. Churchtown Syd moves well throughout but needs to be at his very sharpest. Of course, both Storys Cashout and Storys Peewee will be finishing fast but The Other Kobe won’t be easy to pick up if producing anything like his best form. He is chosen to come home clear of Burj Khalifa and Hukum.

DUKE CAN REIGN

Clona Duke will be amongst the hottest favourites on the night in Heat 8.

The Juvenile Derby and Select Stakes winner has his first outing since the English Derby decider and really does look the part. Unlike one or two that took in the English Derby, he looked ready to race in his most recent trial, flying around to post 28.06.

A reproduction of that form would certainly be good enough despite the talent on show in this contest. He is drawn on the right side of the early paced duo of Seven Beach and Sogna In Grande, while Salen Ollie and Garfiney Blaze would prefer further and need to hit the ground running to play a part into the turn.

Kapuka Warrior comes into the contest in fine form but is up in grade and needs a foot-perfect display to worry the favourite. Clona Duke can race prominently into the bend before asserting in the second half. As a potential pace-setter Sogna In Grande is nominated as the main threat, while Garfiney Blaze can run through beaten rivals for third.

JUNIOR TO DOMINATE

There will be another hot favourite in Heat 9 where recent Champion Stakes winner Trinity Junior looks the part.

Ballymun Boy, Run Faster and Typical Bono can go relatively fast but, if Trinity Junior turns up, this could be over very early.

The Peter Cronin trained star can assert into the opening bend before stretching clear to see off Ballymun Boy and Typical Bono. Storys Law has been a reported a non-runner in this contest but will likely be replaced by a reserve.

BAILEY TO PROVE TOO STRONG

The bookends dominate the betting in Heat 10.

Deadly Showtime will go up fast from the inside trap and is perhaps the most likely pace-setter, while Annagh Bailey may turn too close from his wide draw in the stripes.

Much will depend on whether Deadly Showtime can get far enough clear but Annagh Bailey, after lowering the colours of Clonbrien Treaty last time out, is selected to come home in front. A powerful galloper with the ability to race prominently into the turn, he will be difficult to contain.

This is far from a two-dog affair, however. Unreal Bruiser has shown glimpses of real ability but he needs to be at his very sharpest in the early yards. Catunda Syd will be finishing fast, Some Bolger is lightly raced and open to improvement, while the in-form Lotto Other News is also respected despite a tough draw in five.

HOFFA TO STRUT HIS STUFF

Heat 11 could be over in a flash.

Ante-post favourite Colavanny Hoffa hasn’t been seen in racing action since last year’s semi-finals but recent trial form suggests he will fly to the front before the turn and go on to lay down a marker.

Have no doubt, despite his layoff, Coolavanny Hoffa remains one of the fastest greyhounds on the planet and he can emerge a facile winner. The Karol Ramsbottom trained duo of Bonkersinyonkers and Cheque For Sir can chase him home, albeit a long way behind.

MARINO FACING A TOUGH TEST

Heat 12 is amongst the best and most intriguing of the round.

Not only are the well-established duo of Ballymac Marino and Magical Kuba present but they must take on the razor-sharp Well Met, Twoinarow, the talented bitch Undulation and a returning star in the form of Mr Chelm.

The latter was a finalist in the Kirby Memorial, ran up the English Derby and won the Derby Plate in a fruitful 2022 but his recent form in the UK has been anything but hot. He is now back with Peter Cronin and a recent 28.25 trial suggests he is happy to be back.

If he can repeat anything like his best form, he will be a big player both tonight and the coming weeks but he faces a tough test. Juvenile Classic winner Ballymac Marino was in brilliant form in the early round of the English Derby and has long been fancied to go far in the Derby. With a slick exit, he may well emerge as the one to beat.

Magical Kuba is greatly respected, however. He is top class and has an ideal draw in the stripes. Th Pat Guilfoyle trained star may have run extremely wide in recent outings but if repeating his best, would be a huge danger. Well Met is also entitled to a second glance. He can fly up the fence and is a potential pace-setter. It’s an intriguing contest with slight preference for Ballymac Marino over Magical Kuba and Mr Chelm.

MAGIC MOFO TO OBLIGE

There is no let up in the quality in tonight’s final contest, Heat 13.

Here reigning Bitch of the Year, 2022 Oaks champion and recent Dundalk International winner Raha Mofo will be favourite but only her best will suffice with the hugely fast Gaytime Hugo, the powerful Bens Teddy and the exciting Hawkfield Blue amongst her rivals.

In a contest that doesn’t seem to have a huge abundance of early speed, Raha Mofo can turn a little closer than in recent outings and that may prove decisive. Gaytime Hugo has a massive engine and is a big danger, especially if avoiding early traffic, while both Bens Teddy and Hawkfield Blue are also fast enough to make their presence felt. It’s a wonderful contest and can provide a fitting conclusion to what should be a special night of racing.    

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DERBY NON-RUNNERS

Faithful Paddy and Storys Law were already confirmed non-runners from tonight’s action in the Boylesports Irish Derby but they have been joined by Chelms Ramona and Hawkfield Abby.

Chelms Ramona has been withdrawn from Heat 18 tomorrow evening and will likely be replaced by a reserve. Hawkfield Abbie was due to race from trap one in Heat 25 and she too is likely to be replaced by a reserve.

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DERBY SPECIALS ON OFFER FROM SPONSORS

Once again, sponsors Boylesports have been busy putting together a long list of special bets ahead of the start of the Derby.

With seventeen entries, many of which are towards the top of the market, it is no surprise to see Graham Holland installed the 2-1 favourite to be the winning handler.

There is the usual Top Bitch market which is headed by Up The Style, Raha Mofo and Bobsleigh Dream, while if you fancy a bitch to win the classic, you can get 6-1 to your money. The track record to go through the stake is also 6-1.

On top of those, there are specials on a dog to go unbeaten through the competition, a greyhound to make the final without winning a heat and a dog to win the final after failing to win a heat.

It’s also interesting that, despite far fewer numbers, a wide seed to win the final is slight odds on at 10-11. An inside seed to emerge on top is 11-10, while you can have 12-1 about a middle seed emerging on top. A full list of all the specials can be seen below: 

Winning Trainer?

2              Graham Holland

4              Liam Dowling

5              Pat Buckley

5              Michael O’Donovan

8              Murt Leahy

9              Robert Gleeson

10           Patrick Guilfoyle

12           Peter Cronin

12           Paul Hennessy

12           Owen McKenna

14           Karol Ramsbottom

16           Jennifer O'Donnell

20           Ian Reilly

20           Matthew Harte

20           Brendan Matthews

25           Jack Kennelly

33           Michael Donnelly

33           Keeley McGee

33           Rachel Wheeler

33           John A Linehan

50           Scott Phelan

100         Shaun Conway

Track Record To Be Broken During The Derby?

6-1          Yes (28.99 record) 

 Winning Seed?

4-5          Wide

11-10     Rails

12           Middle 

A Bitch To Win The Derby?

6-1          Yes 

Top Bitch?

6              Up The Style

6              Bobsleigh Dream

6              Raha Mofo

8              Undisputed

10           Ballymac Run

12           Easy Razzle

14           Ballymac Whispa

16           Droopys Nice One

16           Bockos Crystal

16           Threesixfive

20           Undulation

20           Droopys Onestop

20           Droopys Timing

25           Droopys De Luxe

25           Ballinabola Una

25           Press Unlock

25           Docktechnik Diva

25           Millroad Girl

25           Move The World

33           Fire Time

33           Chelms Ramona

33           Hello Mom

33           Bredas Wood

33           Hawkfield Dora

40           Goldirocks Magic

40           Hawkfield Abbie

40           Lads Panther

66           Mayas Baby

66           Ballydague Bella 

Derby Winner To Be Unbeaten In Every Round?

8-1          Yes 

A Greyhound To Make The Final Without Winning A Heat?

7-4          Yes  

A Greyhound To Win The Derby Without Winning A Heat?

33-1       Yes

Winning Prefix?

9-2          Ballymac

9              Swords

9              Droopys

10           Clona

12           Ballinabola

14           Romeo

14           Clonbrien

16           Gaytime

18           BoyleSports

20           Callaway

33           Hawkfield

33           Ballyhimikin

33           Storys

50           Millroad

66           Blastoff

66           Millridge

100         Lotto

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LAW AND PADDY OUT OF DERBY

There are two non-runners ahead of Friday’s start of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby.

Faithful Paddy was withdrawn from Heat 6 on Wednesday morning, while Storys Law was this morning confirmed a non-runner from Heat 9. There will be reserves in their place.

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HOFFA SET TO START DERBY FAVOURITE

With just three days until his first outing in ten months, Coolavanny Hoffa remains the firm favourite for Derby glory with sponsors Boylesports.

A popular choice with punters, the sensationally fast son of Droopys Sydney has been handed a very kind draw in the opening round and looks certain to commence his campaign with a victory.

At 8-1, one would suspect there is little juice left but it is conceivable he will be cut after Friday evening if producing what he remains capable of. Swords Rex would have badly needed his latest trial and is the second choice in the market at 10-1.

Foot-perfect through the English Derby until mistiming the start in the decider, he too looks likely to start his Derby challenge with a win. Two more of Ireland’s very fastest come next with Ballinabola Ed and Clona Duke both on the 12-1 mark, while Clonbrien Treaty and Ballymac Marino are 14-1 ahead of De Lahdedah on 20-1.

There is a whole host of talented trackers on 25-1 including Ryhope Beach, Raha Mofo, Carrick Fergie, Optic Chico, Ballymac Walt, Bens Teddy, Droopys Got It, Ballymac Finn, Callaway Pro Am, Trinity Junior, Sober Glory and Gaytime Hugo. It’s 33-1 bar.

Incidentally, last year’s brilliant winner Born Warrior is currently 40-1. He has struggled for form this year and has been handed a very tough opening round assignment.      

The link for Boylesports full market is:

https://www.boylesports.com/sports/greyhounds/future-dogs/shelbourne/boylesports-irish-greyhound-derby-2023

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Boylesports Bet:

8          Coolavanny Hoffa

10       Swords Rex

12       Ballinabola Ed

12       Clona Duke

14       Clonbrien Treaty

14       Ballymac Marino

20       De Lahdedah

25       Ryhope Beach

25       Raha Mofo

25       Carrick Fergie

25       Optic Chico

25       Ballymac Walt

25       Bens Teddy

25       Droopys Got It

25       Ballymac Finn

25       Callaway Pro Am

25       Trinity Junior

25       Sober Glory

25       Gaytime Hugo

33-1   bar

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BOYLESPORTS DERBY DRAW

156 names went into the hat for the opening round draw of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby on Monday afternoon.

The first name out was that of Bulletfromagun and the remainder of the draw threw up a number on intriguing clashes.

Defending champion Born Warrior will commence his defence on Friday as he has been drawn in Heat 3 where he must face another Derby champion in the form of Gaytime Nemo. Boylesports Champion Plate winner Ballymac Walt joins the duo in what should be one of the contests of the round.

A total of 109 inside seeds, 15 middle seeds and 32 wide runners went into the draw and each of the 26 heats will have three qualifiers with eighteen of the fastest fourth place finishers progressive to the second round. From that point it will be three to qualify through to the decider on Saturday, September 2nd. The best of luck to all with a runner. 

Making the draw for the 2023 BoyleSports Derby starting Friday 28th July were Sarah Kinsella Rep BoyleSports and Michael Dempsy Racing Manager Shelbourne Park.     Pic: Imelda Grauer

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DERBY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2023

Round 1: Friday 28th & Saturday 29th of July
Round 2: Friday 4th & 5th of  August 
Round 3: Saturday 12th of August 
Round 4: Saturday 19th of August 
Semi Finals: Saturday 26th August 

Video: 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Launch and Sponsorship announcement 

BOYLESPORTS EXTEND DERBY SPONSORSHIP TO 2026

GRI

Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, BoyleSports, has reached an agreement with Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) / Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) to extend its sponsorship of the Irish Greyhound Derby for an additional three years up to 2026.

The announcement was made today at the launch of the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Ireland’s premier greyhound stadium, Shelbourne Park, Dublin. The new sponsorship agreement will bring BoyleSports title sponsorship of the event to an impressive thirteen consecutive years.

 Sharon McHugh, BoyleSports Head of PR and Sponsorship, and John Tuohey, Interim CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, pictured at the launch of the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Dublin’s Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, where it was announced that BoyleSports is extending its sponsorship of the event for a further three-years.

Sharon McHugh, BoyleSports Head of PR and Sponsorship, and John Tuohey, Interim CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland, pictured at the launch of the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at Dublin’s Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, where it was announced that BoyleSports is extending its sponsorship of the event for a further three-years. 

The extension announcement will see Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, BoyleSports, remain as title sponsor of the most prestigious greyhound racing event in Ireland until 2026, extending its commitment to the event to thirteen consecutive years. The 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby gets underway on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July in Shelbourne Park. The competition will continue weekly, culminating in the Final on Saturday 2nd September.

Throughout the last decade the race has gone from strength to strength with the Derby being the most prestigious greyhound racing competition in the country and is considered one of the biggest events in the international greyhound calendar. The journey to emulate the 2022 champion, Born Warrior, will get underway next month with the opening round of the competition taking place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July in Shelbourne Park. The competition will continue weekly, culminating in the Final on Saturday 2nd September, with the latter stages featuring on both Racing Post Greyhound TV and terrestrial TV.

John Tuohey, Interim CEO of RCÉ, said, “We are all looking forward to six weeks of exceptional greyhound racing. 2022 brought us one of the most exciting Derby events in many years, while there was an electric atmosphere at Shelbourne Park as crowds watched Born Warrior claim the title.

“We are delighted that BoyleSports has extended its 10-year relationship with the Irish Greyhound Derby during which time the company has committed €3m in prizemoney to our flagship event. The extension of this sponsorship agreement will see almost €1m in prize money being distributed over the next three years,” added Mr. Tuohey.

Sharon McHugh, Head of PR and Sponsorship for BoyleSports, commented, “BoyleSports is honoured to extend its long-term relationship with one of the world’s most illustrious greyhound racing competitions for a further three years. We are all looking forward to yet another competitive contest for the top prize this year.”

The sponsorship extension follows Greyhound Racing Ireland’s recent announcement of an increase in prize money for this year’s showcase event from €266,300 to €300,000, representing a rise of 13% on 2022. The change to the prizemoney structure involves an increased spread from the overall runner-up right down to unplaced second round entrants. 

Key Dates for the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby

1st Round Trap Draw: Monday, 24th July 2023

1st Round: Friday, 28th July 2023 & Saturday, 29th July 2023

2nd Round: Friday, 4th August 2023 & Saturday, 5th August 2023

3rd Round: Saturday, 12th August 2023

Quarter Finals: Saturday, 19th August 2023

Semi-Finals: Saturday, 26th August 2023

Final: Saturday, 2nd September 2023