CHAMPION DECIDER THE FEATURE
Ian Fortune
The roll of honour for the Boylesports Champion Stakes features some of the greatest greyhounds to ever grace the tracks of Ireland. This year’s renewal is typically competitive and six of the best in training will battle it out for the €20,000 winner’s purse at Shelbourne Park this evening.
Such is the competitive nature of the contest that the layers have even struggled to nominate a favourite with Daleroad Duke, Carmac King and Knockeen Dazzler all disputing proceedings at the top of the market, while Superfast Gorden is just behind the trio.
DUKE WITH THE DRAW
Pat Guilfoyle has captured almost every prize worth winning in Irish greyhound racing but were Daleroad Duke to come home in front, it would be a first Champion Stakes success for the Nenagh based handler.
Blessed with an ideal draw on the fence, he is perhaps the most likely favourite but only a repreat of his best form will suffice. With fine pace from start to finish, the son of Derby champion Good News has all the qualities needed to win a race of this nature and he is greatly respected.
KING WILL LOOK TO REIGN
Owen McKenna is seeking a second Champion Stakes victory after capturing the famous competition back in 2020. Carmac King lines out in two and McKenna would love nothing more than to see the hugely talented son of Droopys Sydney go up fast as his previous winner, Pestana.
Carmac King has been a star this year, capturing the Champion 550 in stunning fashion, while he was a touch unlucky in his semi-final. A draw closer to the fence could make a big difference and if he were to hit the ground running and get first run on Daleroad Duke, he could quickly emerge as the one to beat for owner Timmy Carmody.
GORDEN IS SUPER FAST
It’s difficult to believe it’s twenty years since Pat Buckley last won the Champion Stakes with Never Give Up but he will aim to put that right with Superfast Gorden.
He has often lived up to his name and is another with obvious prospects, especially if striking the front in the early yards.
A trap three draw isn’t a problem but he really does need to be at his sharpest in the early yards if he is to hand his trainer a third win in the famous two-run event.
PRINCE HAS THE POWER
Fraser Black is another seeking a third Champion Stakes victory after winning with Droopys Maldini and Droopys Jet in the past. Maireads Prince may not have the same early speed as either of that duo but he is exceptionally strong and would be a danger if turning close to the pace.
A trap four draw won’t be a problem but he is the outsider of the field for a reason and needs the gaps to open at the right time to have a big say in the outcome.
BUBBLES CAN POP
Lets Go Bubbles is a second runner for Owen McKenna. She flew in the semis, producing a career best display to come home clear. The half-sister to Susie Sapphire is clearly in tremendous form and it’s always unwise to ignore the claims of a lady on a crest of a wave.
If she is to follow up on her semi-final victory, Bubbles needs to flash from traps and hold her pitch into the turn. That is easier said than done in a race packed with top class trackers but she fully deserves her chance and it would be far from a shock if she were to come out on top.
CAN KNOCKEEN COMPLETE THE DOUBLE?
Knockeen Dazzler completes the line-up and he is bidding to become the first greyhound to record the Kirby Memorial/ Champion Stakes double. His greatest strength is his stunning early speed and pace down the back straight.
A wide draw is also in his favour and his young owner/ trainer Daniel O’Rahilly can dream of further big race glory. A week after opening his Dublin account, Knockeen Dazzler is certainly capable of setting a strong gallop and is deserving of a lofty position in the betting.
DAZZLER TO COME OUT ON TOP
It’s a hot renewal of the famous competition which has been handed a slightly earlier slot in this year’s calendar but another worthy name will be added to the roll of honour. So much will depend on the opening exchanges but slight preference is for Knockeen Dazzler.
He has exceptional early speed, an ideal draw and the right profile. Should he come away racing from the outside box, he is the very likely pace-setter and is chosen to make every inch. Daleroad Duke will prove popular in the market from a good draw on the fence and is seen as a real player, while Carmac King is perhaps the best all-rounder on view and is nominated as the main threat.
MARTHA SET FOR PLATE SUCCESS
There’s also a top-class line-up in the Boylesports Champion Plate decider. The betting is dominated by the flying females Glengar Martha and Scooby Countess and the hugely fast Carrick Keano. Hawkfield Abbie, Esmonda Swift and Brunswick Bullet complete the line up.
As with the feature, the opening yards will have a huge bearing on the result. Glengar Martha was fastest in the semi-finals and will bid to dominate again. The Pat Buckley trained star can hit the ground running and quickly take over in the outside of the track.
Scooby Countess is well housed on the fence and seems to be returning to her very best form. If she does hit the ground running, she will certainly emerge as a big danger to Glengar Martha. Carrick Keano is a remarkably fast greyhound with things go right. He needs to find a flying start but is more than capable.
He will have his supporters and must be respected but the vote remains with Glengar Martha. She can dominate from start to finish.