I think it has been one of the better Irish Derbys of recent years. I have enjoyed it though it is such a shame that there are no crowds. It’s all about hearing them roaring the dogs on and creating the atmosphere. But then, at least we have a Derby!
The track has been running .20 or .30 fast in my view. None of that should take anything away from Pestana. Out dogs have broken a few over the years and it is always in these type of conditions. Pestana is an exceptional greyhound.
We still have nine involved.
I would expect Newinn Sheedy to lead up on the inside providing he makes his usual break. I think he has enough early to clear them and the race looks ideally set up for him. Soldier Spy can be close up if he has one of his better breaks. Lenson Bocko isn’t showing quite as much early as last year but is looking very strong. I would expect him to go strongly to the bend, move slightly across and hopefully get a clear run. Clona Blaze will do what he always does, go up fast and run a wide course.
Boylesports: 13-8 Lenson Bocko, 2-1 Newinn Sheedy, 7-2 Toolmaker Sydney, 11-2 Coolavanny Chick, 8-1 Clona Blaze, 33-1 Soldier Spy
Catunda Logan is in great form and looks the one they all have to beat here. He has very good early pace and will head for the rail. He is staying on better these days. Indesatchel didn’t break last time out having won the first race of his career in the previous round. Ballydoyle Valor picked up a couple of little niggles in the Champion Stakes and came into the event a bit short of work. I think the draw looks good for him to qualify.
Boylesports: 5-2 Indesatchel, 11-4 Ballymac Tas, Catunda Logan, 3-1 Ballydoyle Valor, 8-1 Great Name That, 16-1 Ropewalk Bhoy
The toughest heat of the night. Epic Hero is going to cut straight across from trap three, as will Boylesports Xtra from trap four. Wolfe needs to get a clear run in those first 10 yards. If he can, I think he has the early pace to hold his own to the bend. He came into the competition short of work and is making good progress, but he needs to avoid trouble in here. With the inside four all going across to rail, Newinn Taylor should get a dream of a run on the outside. He isn’t a special trapper, but he has exceptional early pace. Although he was overshadowed by Pestana last time out, he still did 29.23 and that should be good enough here.
Boylesports: 10-11 Newinn Taylor, 9-2 Boylesports Xtra, Ballymac Anton, Boylesports Xtra, 5-1 Epic Hero, 13-2 Wolfe, 16-1 Mustang Firmino
Not the toughest heat. I am expecting Deerjet Sydney to cut across on the run up which will hamper the two inside him. But I would expect Ballymac Wild to be able to hold his own and get a decent run on the rail. He is the one to beat. Our Surprise should get a decent run on the outside and avoid the worst of the trouble.
Boylesports: 4-6 Ballymac Wild, 3-1 Deerpark Sydney, Our Surprise, 16-1 Raldazl Annie, 20-1 Traceys Bob, 25-1 Iconic Rory.
Glengar Bale is probably the biggest certainty of the night. He is a very dog and the race is just made for him to dominate. I really can’t see him being beaten.
Boylesports: 3-10 Glengar Bale, 4-1 Kilara Icon, 10-1 Antigua Sands, 14-1 Frankies Jet, 16-1 Calzaghe Sonic, Rockburst Mike.
This looks to be at the mercy of Ballymac Cooper who always had outstanding ability but has developed and become more consistent. He is quite a nervous dog so I don’t think the lack quiet stadium does him any harm either. I would expect him to win but Feudal Spirit should get a decent run and I would be very disappointed if he didn’t qualify.
Boylesports: 8-13 Ballymac Cooper, 9-4 Feudal Spirit, 8-1 Meenagh Miracle, 10-1 Waikiki Keano, 16-1 Beachview Cognac, Cash Is King
I really like Catchmeflying in here. He is a dog that caught my eye in an A1 before the Derby got underway. I think he is more of a middle runner, but shouldn’t come to any harm on the inside.
Boylesports 9-4 Catchmeflying, Razldazl Peaky, 9-2 Scooby Princess, 5-1 Laughil Josh, 13-2 Great Eastern, 8-1 Battle Cry
I don’t think I have ever seen a greyhound come out of the traps quicker than Pestana. He has shown that he wants the inside, but when you are as fast as he is, you run wherever you want. At this stage I don’t see a dog that can lead him. Our Newinn Lester should get a decent run around the outside. I would expect him to qualify.
Boylesports: 8-11 Pestana, 9-2 Deadly Missile, 6-1 Jacks Solution, 6-1 Newinn Lester, 8-1 Da Bol Eagle, 16-1 Glory Kilara
