THIS IS A REPEAT AIRING OF AN ARTICLE THAT APPEARED BEFORE LAST SATURDAY’S CANCELLLED MEETING
Graham Holland might have two in the line-up, but even he concedes that they are probably facing a losing cause in tonight’s Bresbet Easter Cup Final writes Floyd Amphlett.
He said: “I think she has been fortunate in the draw getting trap one, but that is racing. Draws win races and we all need them. Whether we could have beaten her with a draw on her inside I really don’t know.
“But I take nothing whatsoever away from Susie Sapphhire, she is as good a bitch as I have ever seen in my time in greyhound racing.
“She has brilliant early pace, is incredibly consistent and is now an absolute icon. I think Owen McKenna deserves huge credit for bringing her back as good as ever.”
The full form for the 12 races is featured below along with Graham’s thoughts on each race.
The Tipperary based kennel have ten runners at Shelbourne tonight but diesel prices reaching record highs, he Golden based trainer is being more circumspect on his entries.
He said: “It costs us €100 to get to Dublin and we don’t make enough to subsidise the traveling. So if you only have two runners that is €50 each for two owners plus €20 entries on a Saturday night. You can’t ask 0wners to keep subsidising racing at that level. A lot of trainers will be looking for volumes of runners to make it worthwhile traveling and who can blame them?
“The thing is, a lot of owners who used to enjoy a bet aren’t bothering anymore. They can’t get a bet on and we’ve got into a downward spiral. The less money the bookies take, the less they are going to be able to lay-off. It’s self defeating.”
Graham has confirmed that he does intend to send runners for the Star Sports/TRC Events & Leisure English Derby, though he becomes Jurgen Klopp when it comes to revealing his team.
As things stands, he reluctantly concedes that the following are among his ‘probables’: Bockos Budsit, Bockos Viera, Jackslittlething, Knight Tornado, Romeo Magico and Swords Rex. (There will almost certainly be more, but identifying this six was like extracting teeth).
He admits he is waiting to be convinced on the benefits of the redesigned Towcester circuit having always been a fan of the unaltered version. Though he admits it was flawed.
He said: “The problem always was that there was virtually no backstraight. I always felt as though they started out with the best of intentions and by the time they were laying the third bend they thought, ‘shit! how are we going to find 12 races with eight dogs who can all stay 600 metres?’
“That is the price you pay for the big sweeping bends. Clares Rocket had a wrist problem for most of his career but he was able to run Towcester three times a week during his Derby and come off sound because the bends were so fair.
“I prefer a longer run to the bend and I was also concerned last year about the traps. Prior to the fault being fixed, like a of trainers, I thought they were too slow opening and that, for whatever reason, was favouring the middle traps. I am convinced that quite a few trainers seeded railers as middles because they thought they would trap quicker.
“Having said all of that, I do think there is too much made of ‘lanes’. While it is a decent starting point, many greyhounds will vary their running depending on where they find themselves. I have solid railers who will move to the middle of the track if they can lead on the run-up.
“In my view too much attention is paid to keyboard warriors. Give someone who doesn’t understand too much information, and he is just as likely to form the wrong opinion.”
I think Jacktavern Bella has a decent chance in ere. She is only young and an out-and-out stayer. She won an unraced stake at Clonmel but then missed her break first time at Shelbourne. I would expect Reckless Nanny to lead and Bella to pick her up. Droopys Unknown looks the main danger.
I like Rathcoole Rocco’s draw in one but he is still coming back from a hock injury. He isn’t the best of breakers and he has plenty on his plate to beat Ladyswell.
We don’t have one in here but I rate Lynchy Boy as a nice dog who was unlucky last week. I think he is the one to beat with Black Matador as the danger.
I can’t see beyond Ela Supremo here, a real good sprinter. I’d have Skylight Blake as the danger from one.
I really quite Fancy Monraud Thunder in here. He was unlucky last time out but I have taken him away to freshen him up and I think this is a slight drop in class.
I like the look of Generous Angel in this one. The six obviously had a big reputation in England before his injury how close he is to peak fitness after such a long lay-off is anyone’s guess.
This is a very good race with lots of early pace on the inside. The two missed his break last week but could still lead them. Croker Spirit has decent ability though I don’t know how close he is to his best. With any luck then, I think Park Blake could pick up the leader. T4-T2.
(As above)
I think a lot of Bockos Viera and rate him in here. He was bred by Willie Brennan, who is an excellent breeder and good judge. Willie realised Viera was a bit special and put him away after schooling. Graham (Box) bought him after an unofficial trial. I made a mistake in that I gave him a lay-off in December because the weather was bad, but in hindsight I should have kept him going. This represents a slight drop in class.
There is a reserve coming in from trap two and I am not sure who it will be. Of our two, Swords Maestro has the better draw even though he may move slightly middle. Gaytime Milo is more than capable but will probably have the five move across him. Milo has been off injured and came back quite tired last time out. I’ll be a lot wiser about how much he has improved after the race.
I was expecting Rural Star to be in a 525 race, not a 550, considering he was caught over the shorter distance last time out. Having said that, this grade isn’t beyond him. I expect him to come on from his last outing. The danger is in one in my view.
Kilkenny Santy is devoid of early pace but is a very fast greyhound and the one to beat in here. The five looks to be the danger.
