IRELAND’S HALF DOZEN GO TO WAR AT TOWCESTER

Ian Fortune

Six Irish challengers remain in the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby ahead of this evening’s semi-finals at Towcester. If the heat betting is an accurate guide, no fewer than five of the six finalists will be Irish trained, although nothing can be taken for granted.

A STRONG TRIO

De Lahdedah, Boylesports Bob and defending champion Gaytime Nemo line out in the opening semi-final and the trio dominate the betting with the first two named disputing favouritism. Gaytime Nemo is widely available at around 9-2, while it’s 20-1 bar.

Much will depend on how De Lahdedah starts from what could be the perfect draw on the fence. Should he trap on terms, Liam Dowling’s star could quickly emerge as the one to beat. Boylesports Bob has been on the crest of a wave and absolutely flew last week when racing clear of his rivals to post 28.68.

On that sort of form, he would again be a big player, while Gaytime Nemo could represent value from trap three.

MEMPHIS LOOKS THE PART

The second semi-final also features three Irish trained stars including Irish Derby champ The Other Kobe and the Liam Dowling trained duo of Ballymac Slick and Ballymac Gizmo. AS talented as this trio are, King Memphis will be a hot favourite after a series of sensational runs through the comp.

Blessed with superb early dash, massive back straight pace and the stamina to go even further, he has looked imperious to this point in the classic. A trap four draw is a slight concern but the UK have a serious Derby contender and he is without doubt the one to beat.

Churchfield Syd is another lively home representative in this contest. He will look to dictate on the outside of the track.

The Other Kobe is in many ways the key to this contest. While not at his best last week, he has shown an ability to bounce back to form in the past. If coming away running from trap two, he could potentially turn in front. That would see him emerge as a huge player.

Ballymac Gizmo and Ballymac Slick are both blessed with a huge engine. Gizmo has an ideal draw on the fence and could run a big race at a big price. He needs to come away racing but it would be no shock to see him make the frame.

The same can certainly be said for Ballymac Slick. A maiden ahead of his English Derby challenge, he has won three times through the classic. He will be finishing faster than any and is another with big chances of making the decider.