600 DECIDER THE FEATURE ON STUNNING SHELBOURNE CARD
Ian Fortune
The Shelbourne Open 600 has a special place in the hearts of owners, trainers, punters and all greyhound racing enthusiasts alike. The famous competition which was famously known as the Guinness 600 for many years has a long and rich history and been won by some of the great greyhounds of our time.
Another will be added to the roll of honour this evening with the €15,000 decider the undoubted highlight of a stunning card at Shelbourne Park which also features the opening round of the Shelbourne Champion 550.
A SPECIAL CONTEST
The final of the Shelbourne Open 600 should provide a fitting conclusion to the classic with each of the six runners capable of a massive run over the truest test of a racing greyhound anywhere in the world.
The ability to maintain huge speeds for three long straights and a gruelling 600yds is something very special and the two runners at the head of the market certainly fit that mould. Singalong Dolly and Ryhope Beach are both built for the extended trip and the duo will likely have a great battle in the ring and on the track itself.
DASHING DOLLY
Singalong Dolly has been something of a star since debuting last year. For owner Gilbert Anderson and handler Pat Buckley, she has been a winning machine, capturing the Puppy Oaks, Champion Bitch Stake and a first classic success in the Cesarewitch and tonight she is eyeing further big race glory.
A brilliant winner of her semi-final in a stunning 32.02, a time only ever bettered by a handful of greyhounds, she has been rewarded with an ideal draw on the fence and is set to play a huge part.
The presence of Pennys Lynx on her immeduiate outside will also aid her cause as he does have a tendency to edge off in the opening yards.
Were Singalong Sally to come away on terms, she could find herself in the perfect position to strike on the bend. Certainly, if hitting the front, it would need something monumental from one of her rivals to deny her victory.
BRILLIANT BEACH HAS THE POWER
Ryhope Beach is undoubtedly one of the fastest greyhounds on the planet. His pure power and pace can scarcely be matched but much will depend on whether he can clear those on his immediate inside in the opening yards.
His tendency to keep a stride for himself on the corner can prove costly, although he has been in superb form in recent times. He suffered defeat last week when failing to turn close enough. It is testament to his incredible talent that he finished as close as he did in second but there is no doubt he will need to show more urgency into the bend this evening.
Having said that, he is the one greyhound capable of picking up any of his five rival this evening. If entering the back straight within three lengths, he would quickly emerge as the one to beat.
CAN LYNX POUNCE AGAIN
Pennys Lynx has long given the impression the step up to 600yrds would suit and his semi-final victory was nothing short of brilliant. Flashing from traps, he quickly put his rivals to the sword before maintaining a strong gallop to the finish.
There is no doubt he needs a similar start this evening but is perhaps the most likely pace-setter, which is what you want in a classic decider. If he does happen to slip around in front, he could give Eugene and Rosemary Price and Colin Rosbottom quite the thrill. Given his profile, he is likely to be popular with punters and is greatly respected.
GIZMO A REAL TALENT
Ballymac Gizmo is a potentially very special talent. His fluency and power in the opening round was there for all to see. He didn’t get the same sort of run in the semis and has been handed a tricky draw this evening but Liam Dowling will be more than hopeful of winning this famous competition for the third time.
Key to success will be the opening yards. If he comes away racing from tap three and somehow avoids Pennys Lynx in two, he could one of the leaders into the turn. There is no doubt he has both the pace and power required to win but securing a clear passage is what is needed most.
MODEL NEEDS TO BE AT HER SHARPEST
Fashion Model is another with the power and pace. She really does relish the test of stamina and is certain to finish at speed but securing a prominent position into the back straight is going to be her greatest struggle.
There has been occasion where she has gone up fast but only a career best start will suffice this evening. That’s not to say she can’t do it. Pat Guilfoyle will have his charge fully primed and he is certainly not one to be taken lightly.
KATE A LIVELY OUTSIDER
That leaves us with the outsider of the field, Kyanite Kate. A half sister to Ballymac Gizmo, she has earned her place in the decider and could have a big say in the outcome. There is no doubt she needs a career best effort and plenty of luck to win but her mere presence is a concern for backers of Ryhope Beach.
If she goes up strongly, as she regularly does, Ryhope Beach will have to find a way around her. Frank Harvey will take heart from the fact that the rank outsider of the field in last year’s decider was only picked up in the closing yards. If Kyanite Kate is to cause an upset, she must secure an early lead. If that were the case, who knows what might happen.
DOLLY HAS THE DRAW
It promises to be a wonderful final with a tremendous line-up. Ryhope Beach is now a bigger price to win the stake than he was before it even began and with reason. He has to find a start, secure a clear passage around the turn and, even then, could still have work to do.
Singalong Dolly doesn’t seem to have as much to worry about. If she finds a start, she could be challenging for the lead into the bend before making full use of an inside draw. She is proven on the big stage and is perhaps the most likely winner. Ballymac Gizmo and Pennys Lynx are greatly respected and both would take some stopping if turning in front, while Fashion Model has the power but does need some luck. Singalong Dolly is chosen to come home in front but the best of luck to all six sets of connections.
METAPHOR TO OVERCOME DRAW
Droopys Metaphor may be an inside seed but the hugely talented son of Dromana Bucko is seen as the one to beat in the final of the valuable Retired Greyhound Trust Open 525. A brilliant semi-final winner from trap five in 28.31, he displayed all sorts of early speed, posting 15.86 to the third turn.
If repeating that sort of run, he will likely build a clear advantage again. Deelish Nora posted the same time in her semi-final but she is in need of another flying start to stay with Droopy Metaphor. Of the others, Beepers Lariat has a near-perfect draw on the fence but must come away racing.
CHAMPION 550 TO LIVE UP TO ITS NAME
There are some exceptional greyhounds on show in the opening round of the Shelbourne Champion 550 with all three heats expected to provide fireworks. Carrick Keano has long looked a potential superstar and he can continue his rise up the ranks in the opening heat.
A slick exit would aid his cause but he remains a confident selection ahead of Swords Hero. Droopys Comrade will finish fast and could make the frame but Carrick Keano is chosen to come home in front for Thomas Glynn and Robert Gleeson.
KING TO REIGN AGAIN
Carmac King is amongst the most in-form greyhounds in training at present. A 29.58 for the 550yd trip last weekend is evidence of the fact and he is chosen to claim yet another fine success in Heat 2 where 2023 National Puppy Stake winner and 2023 Newcomer of the Year Whyaye Bonnylad is seen as a serious threat.
The latter is taking on the 550yd trip for the first time and will certainly need to get loose into the bend. There are fewer doubts with Carmac King, hence he gets the vote. Silverhill Adam is also worth throwing an eye on. He remains a maiden but has shown all sorts of pace in previous outings.
HE MERITS INCLUSION
Kirby Memorial second and third, Merits Inclusion and Scooby Pacemaker line out in Heat 3 where they are joined by the talented Syd Zafiro. The longer run to the turn should really suit Merits Inclusion and that could make all the difference.
If trapping on terms, there is a chance he could set a scorching gallop to the third turn and is a confident selection to confirm Kirby form with Scooby Pacemaker.