Between now and Christmas, the crowds going greyhound racing will increase significantly as revelers journey to the track to celebrate the festive period. Be it a family or work night out or just a catch up with friends ahead of Christmas, a night at the dogs provides a wonderful atmosphere and a real sense of celebration.
With bar and restaurant facilities, not to mention the action on the track, there is something for everyone in the party. Shelbourne Park will certainly notice an increased crowds this weekend as the Christmas party season really gets underway.
From a racing point of view, there is also plenty to entertain the greyhound enthusiast as the stars of tomorrow will be in action in the National Puppy Stake semi-finals, while the remainder of the card features many top-class trackers as they ready themselves for the Winter Racing Festival at the end of the year.
But in terms of the feature of Saturday’s action, most eyes will be on proceedings at Limerick as the semi-finals of the Matchbook Betting Exchange Irish St Leger take centre stage.
The final classic of the year has been at a steady simmer since the start but it seems set to reach boiling point very soon. The highlight of last week’s second round was the clash of Bockos Crystal and Ballinabola Ed.
The duo had a great buckle throughout but with Ballinabola Ed failing to shake of his rival to the third turn. At this point in the contest, Bockos Crystal made a decisive move, edging on from her rival before repelling his renewed effort.
As fate would have it, the pair meet again in Saturday’s second quarter final. In contrast to last week when housed in the red of trap one, Bockos Crystal races from the middle of the track. She must line up in trap four with Ballinabola Ed on her right shoulder in five.
The make up of the contest should suit Ballinabola Ed, who remains the favourite for outright success and he can exact revenge on Bockos Crystal. Trinity Junior and Bobsleigh Dream are also entitled to respect in what stands out as the contest of the round.
The remaining heats are no less competitive, however. An early advantage could be the key to success in the opening heat and, with that in mind, Bockos Budsit is selected to lead home his rivals. Wi Can Dream and Deadly Showtime can offer the most resistance in the early yards, while it will be difficult to keep the remarkable Beach Avenue out of the frame.
Heat 3 is a red-hot affair with Illnotbeback, Ballymac Whispa, Vincenzo and Mustang Jet all expected to attract support in the ring. That’s not to dismiss the claims of Drombeg Ten and Gaston Pecas but the duo will be big prices with the layers. If forced to make a selection, Vincenzo would get the nod but nothing will come easy in this contest.
The final heat is intriguing in a sense where Romeo Magico would be very hard to beat of anything close to his English Derby winning best. He may have won his second round assignment but was far from impressive, tying up notably in the closing yards. The Graham Holland trained star is forgiven for that run and is chosen to lead early.
Back to Shelbourne where the National Puppy Stake semi-finals will feature a number of hugely exciting young greyhounds. The star of last week’s opening round was Undisputed but she faces a far tougher test this evening rom a tricky draw in three.
If she is to follow up last week’s victory, she will again need a flying start. Instead, Rathdown Molly, who has shown exceptional early speed in recent victories, is chosen to come home in front with Undisputed and her litter sister Up the Style seen as the main dangers.
Boylesports Vic may have suffered just a second career defeat last week but he remains the selection in the opening heat. He too faces a tricky draw but gives the impression he is destined to go right to the top of his chosen profession. If the Paul Hennessy trained start traps on terms, he might have too much for the likes of Undulation and Romeo Kodi amongst others.
Tonight’s action is headlined by the final of the GRI Galway Oaks and Irish Oaks champion Raha Mofo will be expected to complete the most incredible march through the valuable competition. The Murt Leahy trained star lowered the track record at the western venue in each of her last two starts and few would bet against her doing so again.
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