VALUABLE JIMMY FLAHERTY MEMORIAL GETS UNDERWAY AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

It’s been fairly quiet at Galway Greyhound Stadium in recent weeks; however, things are set to heat up at the Connacht venue later tonight as the opening round heats of the Jimmy Flaherty Memorial A1/A2 525 get underway, which is very kindly sponsored by the Flaherty Family.

Boasting an eventual winner’s prize of a brilliant €3,500, there are four opening round heats on offer and in the opener, Mays Bozada looks the most likely to prevail. Trained by Shaun Conway for the Ponies-For-Pups-Synd, this fellow is returning from a short break, however, his 18.96 trial around Limerick is quite encouraging. A son of Droopys Sydney, he previously reached the semi finals of the Newbridge Derby and if at his sharpest, he has the draw in one to run out a solid winner. Of his rivals, Canya Mags is bang in form having been eliminated from the TIME Derby at Limerick for time-finding, while Big Time Punter didn’t look out of place in A1 company in his latest start and can also make the frame for Pauline McNamara.

There are a few exciting trackers in heat two and although very in-experienced, the vote goes to That’s It Jack to throw down a big marker. Only a September whelp, Liam Cahill and Tom Lacey’s charge posted 28.79 .10s on debut at Clonmel and showed he is arriving to Galway in fine fettle after a rapid 18.67 trial around Limerick. This is a very tough baptism of fire however, and the likes of Townspark Benjy and Mrbluewood will both carry support, while Rural Kihei will be flying at the business end of proceedings.

Hot Wood landed a very valuable stake at Galway in 2023 and he is back for more in heat three where he should take plenty of stopping. Trained by Gerry Holian, the brindle son of Airmount Nando has superb form around Galway and arrives after a solid Produce Stakes campaign where he managed to reach the semi finals. Drawn in five, he can be expected to make-all with the likes of Hanover Storm and Grouchos Finn emerging as the main threats as they occupy the book-end traps of one and six respectively.

In the concluding heat, Donies Wood looks best placed to get back to winning ways for Declan Kilkenny. A recent finalist in an A1/A2 sweepstake final, he finished down the field on that occasion, however, the extra yardage will suit and he just gets the nod. Of his rivals, Fast Fit Pennie is in fine form and could take advantage of a plumb draw in red, while Crokers Rocket was not disgraced in behind Cheque For Sir last time out at HQ and is one to note.