It’s another glorious weekend for those that love greyhound racing. As you would expect, Shelbourne Park will again host a top-class card on Saturday night featuring the quarter finals of the RPGTV Juvenile Derby and the opening round of the Yvonne Barry Bookmaker Open 600.
But there will also be huge focus on proceedings at Curraheen Park, Cork over the coming weeks with the ‘Derby of the south’ the Irish Laurels commencing on Saturday night. The historic competition has been won by some of the true greats of the sport in its near eighty-year history and this year’s renewal should again see a wonderful winner emerge in early November.
The entire card at Curraheen consists of Laurels heats and, as you often find in the opening round of a classic, there will be a number of hot favourites. One such favourite is Swords Rex. The Kirby Memorial champion earlier in the year, he returned to his stunning best at Shelbourne Park on Derby final night.
Posting a third fastest of all time 27.79 in victory, he ensured his position at the head of the outright betting for the Cork showpiece.
He commences his Laurels challenge in Heat 3. The son of Droopys Sydney will no doubt take some stopping, although Wi Can Dream and Scooby Duchess will ensure that nothing comes too easy for the Graham Holland trained star.
One Time Only is the defending champion. The Tommy O’Donovan trained star lines out in the following heat and has a favourable draw on the fence. He didn’t impress in a recent trial but is expected to go considerably faster and can begin his title defence with a trap to line success. Crossfield Linda and Russmur Pat can emerge as the main dangers.
One with plenty of admirers is Serene Ace. A razor-sharp tracker with stunning early dash, he looks the part in Heat 5. Hawkfield Ozark is another with incredible early speed as shown by his success in the Irish Sprint Cup. He faces a tough test in Heat 10 where Kilgraney Sydney is seen as a big threat.
Others that stand out in their respective heats include Good Cody and Bockos Budsit.
This year’s RPGTV Juvenile Derby is amongst the finest renewals in memory. There’s real quality on show in each of the four quarter finals with Heat 2 and 3 being particularly hot. After posting a fastest of the competition 28.06 last weekend, Velasco is, for many, the idea of the winner of the second heat but he faces a tough test with fellow second round scorers Droopys Got It and Three Canons drawn on his inner.
To add further intrigue to the contest, Romeo Hanzo, who was an eye-catching second to Velasco last week, is better drawn in four. It would be no surprise if any of the quartet were to emerge on top but slight preference goes to Velasco over Romeo Hanzo.
Another Holiday will be favourite to win the following heat from an ideal draw on the fence. The Champion Unraced Stake winner can really fly to the turn and is the most likely pace-setter. If he were to fluff his lines, there are plenty capable of capitalizing. These include Clona Duke, Tullig Raven, Storys Cashout and Romeo Command.
Oaks champion Raha Mofo has the draw to go close in the final heat but she will again need to be at her best to get the better or Radical Hero for the second week running. She also has the exciting Bogger Hunter to contend with. The latter displayed all sorts of pace in defeat to Velasco last week and is just chosen to come home in front.
Trinity Junior suffered a first career defeat last weekend but can return to winning ways in the opening heat. Here Bens Teddy, Brinkleys Magic, and Paradise Nikibel can all make their presence felt but an early lead could prove decisive for Trinity Junior.
Derby third Crafty Kokoro and the in-form Magical Kuba head the entry for the Yvonne Barry 600 on the Shelbourne undercard. The former is amongst the very fastest in training and will relish the long run for home, while Magical Kuba loves the longer run to the turn. Both are selected to come home clear in their respective heats. Bobsleigh Dream and Storys Peewee get the nod in the remaining heats.
