ENGLISH DERBY COMMENCES AT TOWCESTER

ENGLISH DERBY COMMENCES AT TOWCESTER

Ian Fortune

After weeks of planning and preparation, the Irish will finally get their challenge for Star Sports/ TRC English Derby honours underway this evening.

We send over a formidable team of 48 following a couple of late withdrawals and no fewer than fourteen will in action in tonight’s opening session of first round heats.

IRISH DERBY CHAMP KOBE TO IMPRESS

In terms of profile, the Boylesports Derby champion The Other Kobe is thebggest name on show as one of three Graham Holland trained trackers in action in Heat 6. He is joined by Faypoint Harvey and Riverside Pingu.

The Other Kobe is expected to blast from trap three and will likely emerge as the one to beat although Juvenile Championship winner Faypoint Harvey is a serious threat.

LAHDEDAH AND CRACKER CLASH

There are a couple of notable Irish clashes in Heats 8 and 10. De Lahdedah takes his chance in Heat 8 where he is opposed by Ower Cracker. Both are expected to have a big say, while Queen Shakira and Churchfield Sy are big names for the home team.

De Lahdedah didn’t fly in his latest trial but should come on considerably for the look and is chosen to lead home his rivals.

DOLLY AND BOB CAN FIGURE

Cesarewitch winner Singalong Dolly wears red in the last of this evening’s ten heats and is likely to have a big say but she could be severely tested by Boylesports Bob. Both greyhounds are blessed with huge pace and power and they can come to the fore. Slick Sabo represents the best hope for the hom challenge in this contest.

THREE IRISH RUNNERS

Azurite, Jaytee Etienne and Antigua Forky get their challenge underway in the opening heat of the round. Peter Cronin didn’t give Azurite a look at the track but is respected at big prices. Antigua Forky is having his first start for Pat Buckley. Known formerly as Optic Chico, the hugely fast tracker didn’t impress in his latest trial at Hove but will surely come on for that spin.

Jaytee Etienne has shown a liking for Towcester and is worthy of respect although all three Irish will need to be on their toes with Newinn Syd one of the UK’s main hopes for outright success.

DUKE CAN SCARE SHIVOO

The withdrawal of Undulation (see separate story) means that only two Irish will now contest Heat 2. McNeill will be finishing well or Paul Hennessy but Grouchos Duke will look to win from the front. He moved well in a recent print trial at the Northamptonshire venue and is greatly respected, although Crafty Shivoo could be a tough nut to crack. The 2023 Irish Oaks winner is now trained by Mark Wallis and boasts a record of six rom six around Towcester.

JIM AND AWESOME IN ACTION

Heat 3 features the Paul Hennessy trained Barefoot Awesome and the Pat Buckley trained Ballinabola Jim. In what looks a very competitive heat both would have to be respected but they will need to be at their sharpest in the early yards.