This year’s
Irish Greyhound Derby might be taking place later in the year than usual, but it’s the same fiercely competitive affair with 156 hopefuls looking to add their name to the illustrious list of previous winners.
The first round action kicks off with 26 heats over Friday and Saturday and has already seen some of the big guns going head-to-head at this very early stage.
Its fantastic to see Puppy Classic hero March On Freddie head over to take on the cream in Ireland. The way he covers the ground suggests track & trip will be ideal, but this does represent a step-up in class and the home brigade are formidable.
Callaway Knegare kicked off his career at Cork in June where he eventually finished third in an Unraced Stake final. However, it was his exploits during the Juvenile Derby over 525yds at Shelbourne Park that really set the pulse racing. Owen McKenna’s charge was totally dominant throughout that event, winning by wide margins in sensational winning times.
He encountered serious early trouble on his reappearance over 550yds, but a recent trial since suggests his confidence hasn’t been dented in any way. Being one of a handful of dogs that is capable of going very low on the clock, if he doesn’t encounter any serious hassle throughout the event, there is no reason why his brute all-round pace cannot see him go all the way.
Boylesports Bob chased home De Lahdedah in the English Greyhound Derby final at Towcester in June and made a stunning reappearance in a Derby trial stake. Paul Hennessy’s powerhouse showed once again that he does have a quick exit in him by making all in a smart 29.39. However, he will probably be forced to come from off the pace in a majority of his races in this particular event, but this fellow will certainly run through a brick wall for connections so Boylesports Bob has to be included on the basis he will be hard to keep out of the frame.
In 2021 Susie Sapphire proved that the female of the species can be deadlier than the male by claiming the title and there are a few classy bitches taking part this year. Crafty Shivoo is sure to attract a fair degree of support after showing she is better than ever following her success in the Laurels at Cork
Coosane Pickles doesn’t have much mileage on the clock, but has progressed well from ten career starts to date and is certainly familiar with her regular racing at headquarters.
She was withdrawn from the Maiden Derby final, but had beaten eventual winner of that event Bombay Pat in the first round in a career best 29.37. Although, Coosane Pickles isn’t blessed with tremendous early gears, she does up the tempo off the second bend in her races and Michael O’Donovan’s bitch is certainly capable of ruffling a few feathers with that never give up the chase attitude she has shown.
Ante Post Selections:
Horse Racing
Greyhounds
Darts
Football
Home