KILCOLGAN CASTLE CONNACHT DERBY REACHES SEMI FINAL STAGES

Peter Farrell

A superb card at Galway Greyhound Stadium this evening is headlined by the semi-finals of the Kilcolgan Castle Connacht Derby 550, with much of the spotlight falling on the rapidly improving Grouchos Gregor following two outstanding displays in the competition so far.

The May ’24 pup may have slipped into the event under the radar, but there is little doubt that Grouchos Gregor is now the one to beat after a pair of deeply impressive performances. Having stopped the clock in 30.32 .30s in the opening round, the son of Ballymac Cooper - Ballymac Wisdom dismantled a strong field when powering to a brilliant 29.88 .10s last time out. Thirty seconds is rarely breached at the Connacht venue and the Pat Buckley-trained star appears to be progressing with every outing. Despite a potentially tricky assignment in trap four, he has shown sharp early pace and the Ken O’Connell and Billy Thomson-owned greyhound looks well equipped to preserve his unbeaten record in the event.

SECOND STRING REMAINS A THREAT

There are dangers, however, should the favourite falter. Unanimous Leo remains a major player despite two below-par efforts thus far. A fourth-placed qualifier last time, he possesses huge ability and is a threat whenever he lines out. Pat Buckley is doubly represented in this semi-final, and Ciaran O’Sullivan’s runner has the advantage of being drawn inside his kennel companion in trap three. If rediscovering his best form, he could emerge as a serious obstacle to the market leader.

MINNIE AND MERLIN OCCUPY THE BOOK-ENDS

The bookend runners, Flyers Minnie and Hollywell Merlin, also enter calculations, certainly with frame prospects in mind. ‘Merlin’, owned by Alison Coxon, showed admirable resolve to deny Flyers Minnie by a short head in their latest clash and is ideally berthed as the sole wide seed in trap six. The son of Ballymac Bolger boasts fine pace from bends two to three and, if afforded room, is a potential leader. Flyers Minnie, representing the Colm Fitzgerald kennel, was agonisingly denied a second successive victory last time and continues to strengthen with racing. From the inside draw in red, she is well positioned to mount another bold bid.

LIVELY OUTSIDERS

Tiermana Hunter in trap two and Coolavanny Shona in five complete the line-up. The former, another from the Fitzgerald team, could have a decisive say in the contest given his early dash. Narrowly denied late on by Jacktavern Bull in the previous round, his sectional suggests he will be firmly in the mix approaching the bend. Coolavanny Shona, trained by Neilus O’Connell, brings solid credentials but has yet to reproduce her best form at Galway. She is likely to start at lengthy odds and may require racing luck to feature.

BRIAN CAN BOUNCE BACK IN SECOND SEMI

The second semi-final sees Graham Holland responsible for half the field, though identifying his leading contender is far from straightforward.

Gaytime Clyde, winner of the Rural Kennels Unraced at Clonmel, produced marked improvement on the clock last weekend despite being unable to match Grouchos Gregor. After posting 30.96 in round one, the son of Droopys Sydney cut that figure to 30.27 in defeat and, if continuing on that upward trajectory, Brendan O’Connell’s charge should be competitive. Immediately to his outside, Slippery Brian commands respect. Larry Dunne’s black ran a commendable race after encountering early traffic last time, finishing third, and had already advertised his affinity for Galway in round one. His 4.59 sectional that night caught the eye and, even from trap four, he is capable of setting a searing early tempo. Donishall Sam, Holland’s third representative in trap two, finished third last weekend and was beaten less than a length in round two. The son of Ballymac Bolger has strong form elsewhere and, while still acclimatising to Galway, could emerge as a lively outsider for owner Michael Edward Young.

WELL-DRAWN MAP

Outside of the Holland trio, Droopys Map was turned over at short odds of 4/6 last weekend. Trained by Murt Leahy for Martin Costigan, he endured a troubled passage yet was beaten only a length and a half in fourth. Now housed in trap one, the draw may provide the platform for a return to winning ways, as he undoubtedly possesses the pace to strike.

BULL HAS CLAIMS, MONTANA THE OUTSIDER

Jacktavern Bull, representing the Pillar Syndicate and David Byrne, will also have his supporters. He doubled his career tally in round two when swooping late in 30.42 and clearly stays on powerfully. The wide draw is no gift, and he is unlikely to feature prominently in the early exchanges, but few will finish stronger. Dismissing him would be unwise. Completing the line-up is Montana Shadow in trap six. Trained by Ian Reilly for the KSS Syndicate, he has yet to produce his very best in this year’s renewal, but as the sole wide seed he is favourably drawn and could yet play a part in the placings.