Paddy McGhee
For the quarter finals of the Boylesports Irish Derby we welcome guest tipster Paddy McGhee. From a family steeped in track and field expertise, most notably as the owners of the brilliant sprinter Ardnasool Jet, Paddy has built his own reputation as a tipster. He currently lays in second place in the KKGOBA Tipster Competition.
Latest prices: 5-1 Coolavanny Hoffa, 6-1 Romeo Magico, 10-1 Ballymac Finn, Borna Warrior, Calloway Pro Am, 12-1 Vincenzo, 14-1 Explosive Boy, Tullig Raven, 16-1 Barefoot Supremo, Bockos Budsit, 20-1 Crafty Kokoro, 33-1 Droopys Nice One, Hoodoo Brown, Maries Wedding, 40-1 Annagh Bailey, Cryptopunk, Savana Hero, 50-1 Callaway Masters, Droopys Gravy, 66-1 bar
The Derby to date:
Fascinating heat to kick off the Quarter Finals. Romeo Magico got the better of Ballymac Finn last week showing his stunning back straight pace. A reversal of trap draws here may hand the advantage to Finn if reproducing his 3.44 from the 2nd round. The inside trio is completed by Tullig Raven an excellent winner last week, he will need to clear Finn and Magico on the run to the bend. Bockos Budsit has excellent early pace; he looks a likely leader on the outside and will be looking to capitalise on any traffic on the inside. I’d just side with Ballymac Finn, with the hope this youngster can utilise his draw on the rails.
All eyes will be drawn to Coolavanny Hoffa in heat 2. He couldn’t get the better of Callaway Pro Am last week, however his early pace should see him lead here. Vincenzo will need to clear Cryptopunk in the early yards, as he has a tendency to step right from traps. Hoffa and Vincenzo will be expected to qualify and it will be hard to keep the powerful Hoodoo Brown out of the frame. I think Hoffa will get back to winning ways this weekend.
Born Warrior could find himself a long way clear in heat 3, not many can match this fellow to the third bend. The others will be trying to keep tabs on him down the back straight and Barefoot Supremo may be in the best position to challenge. Supremo has been coming away better in recent weeks, although he may be better from a middle draw. Maries Wedding is capable of a fast start and if clearing the inside could hold a big chance. Born Warrior has obvious claims from the front; however, the strong running Barefoot Supremo may be close enough to capitalise on the wide runner off the last bend.
Callaway Pro Am has announced himself as a real contender in the early rounds and looks likely to win again. Explosive Boy has a lovely draw and a very good record from the rails but I think Pro Am may just have his measure to the turn. Crafty Kokoro was sensational last week, it will be a tough ask to win with her running style, but none will be finishing faster for that vital qualifying spot. Annagh Bailey looks the best of the seeded runners, but last week showed how difficult it is to get around Callaway Pro Am, and I think Pro Am will further enhance his growing reputation with a win here.
