EXPECT A MORE POLISHED DISPLAY FROM DIAMOND
Ian Fortune
Without even setting paw on the track, Bockos Diamond's prospects in the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby received a significant boost following the elimination of the UK’s leading contender, Proper Heiress, on Friday evening.
Just twenty-four hours later, few would anticipate Bockos Diamond to succumb to the same fate. The brilliant Irish Derby champion is the overwhelming favourite in Heat 13, and anything less than a convincing victory would come as a major surprise.
Of his rivals, former English Derby runner-up Romeo Command is the greatest threat but he isn’t quite the force he once was. In short, expect Bockos Diamond to shoot clear in the early yards before laying down a real Derby marker.
PAT SHOULD BE TOO GOOD
Bockos Diamond is one of thirteen Irish trained runners in action as the second round of the classic draws to a conclusion.
His kennel companion Bombay Pat will be amongst the shortest priced runners on the card in Heat 10.
He overcame a tardy start to win in style last week and should have too much ammunition for his rivals which include Kim Bergin’s Prince Naseem and good opening round scorer Teejays Chelms.
SOLE AND PAIN MEET
Sole Mio and Pain Barrier fly the flag for Ireland in the opening heat of the night.
The pair last met in the final of the Kirby Memorial at Limerick with Sole Mio finishing ahead of his rival and the market suggests a similar outcome this evening.
Sole Mio is drawn in three with the early paced Aero Sacundai on his immediate inside. Should he avoid that rival he could again emerge as the one to beat for Peter Cronin. Backers of Pain Barrier will hope he sticks to the fence around the opening two bends to turn within striking distance but Sole Mio is chosen to follow up his superb opening round victory when lowering the colours of March On Freddie.
BAREFOOT TO FIRE
No greyhound ran better in defeat in the opening round than Barefoot On Fire and his price will reflect that in Heat 11.
He takes on his compatriots Bubbly Charger and Crokers Planet. All three are capable of making the third round but Barefoot On Fire is the most likely winner. Bubbly Charger is perhaps the greatest threat.
VAL AND MOLLY CLASH
Val Tashadelek has hit a rich vein of form and will seek to follow up a superb opening round success in Heat 12.
Standing in his way is the Pat Buckley trained Singalong Molly, who ran a huge race in defeat last weekend.
She can only improve for that experience and is chosen to go one spot better, perhaps at the expense of Val Tashadelek, who has a tricky draw in four to overcome.
FOUR IRISH ON SHOW IN FINAL HEAT
The final heat of the round is dominated by the Irish with four of the six runners representing these shores.
All four are capable of making a bold bid but Irish Derby runner-up Cheap Sandwiches will start the hot favourite from five.
He has really taken to Towcester and will be hard to stop if coming away on terms. 2024 runner-up Boylesports Bob is another with huge prospects. From an ideal draw in the stripes, the Paul Hennessy trained star is also likely to have a big say in the outcome, especially if producing one of his better starts.
Hennessy also sends out Jaytee Craze in this contest. He is a real powerhouse and will look to grab one of the qualifying spots in the latter stages. He has plenty of form around Towcester and seems right at home.
Faypoint Harvey completes the Irish contingent. The 2024 Juvenile winner at the venue, he won well last week but will need to be at his very sharpest with the early paced Romeo Steel to contend with in the opening exchanges.