ED TO JUSTIFY ODDS-ON BILLING IN 600

Ian Fortune

Ballinabola Ed is amongst the most talented greyhounds to grace the tracks of Ireland in recent years. Of that there is no doubt but he has yet to taste big race success.

The bookmakers believe he will finally get the big race victory his talent deserves in the RPGTV Open 600 for which he is clear favourite.

Even before he steps on the sand for this evening’s second semi-final he is odds-on to win the €15,000 to the winner classic. With that in mind, it’s no surprise he is expected to start a very short price for tonight’s second heat.

The son of Confident Rankin will be a similar price to last week when scoring at odds of 1-3. With Mcneill, Ballyhooly Hi and Barefoot Supremo in the three boxes to his left, it’s difficult to see how Ballinabola Ed won’t get loose in the early yards.

Millridge Bryce and Callaway Masters complete the line-up and race from the inside boxes. The latter kept Ballinabola Ed honest last week, finishing just three lengths adrift after threatening to the third turn.

He may have been flattered by Ballinabola Ed, who missed a stride as they entered the back straight but is certainly capable of making the frame. But Barefoot Supremo actually gets the nod for second spot. He ran on fast behind the duo in third last weekend and can come on for the run.

Ballinabola Ed remains the one to beat, however. Expect the Buckley trained star to dominate from start to finish, justifying his restrictive odds in the outright market.

IT’S ALL ABOUT BEST AGAIN

The opening heat is a more open affair with many of the field holding strong claims although preference is for Allforthebest on the outside of the track.

With Glengar Bridie likely to cut inwards from trap four, Disco Pants and the aforementioned Allforthebest could have room to maneouvre in the opening exchanges.

Storys Cashout is also respected but a trap three draw is a slight concern with Glengar Bridie likely to move in on him. If he were to somehow avoid his rival in the opening yards, he too is a big player. Easter Cup runner-up Toolmaker Wilde is well drawn on the rail and is another that can play a part in proceedings but Allforthebest is a specialist 600yd runner and is chosen to come home in front.

He got loose into the turn last week and posted 32.48 but he is also capable of winning from off the pace. He is incredibly powerful and is chosen to lead home Storys Cashout and Toolmaker Wilde.