IRISH 15 CAN AGAIN IMPRESS AT TOWCESTER AS DERBY CONTINUES

Ian Fortune

Ireland’s hopes of claiming yet another Star Sports/ TRC English Greyhound Derby rest on the shoulders of fifteen hugely talented greyhounds. 

Tonight, team Ireland are set to have yet another huge say in proceedings with the third round of the classic set to light up Towcester. 

DIAMOND SET TO SPARKLE AGAIN 

Of course, Irish Derby hero Bockos Diamond is seen as the one to beat after he produced something close to his best last weekend, showing all his class to emerge a facile winner in 28.51. 

His reward for that brilliant run is an extremely tough test in Heat 4 where he lines up again his kennel companion and Irish Derby runner-up Cheap Sabndwiches and their compatriot Jaytee Craze. 

Throw in the very talented Droopys Bookem and it’s a race where any mistakes could prove costly. All eyes will be on Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches in the opening exchanges. The pair race from five and six and it seems likely they will shoot clear of their rivals into the bend. 

Bockos Diamond is drawn on the inside of Cheap Sandwiches and is chosen to dominate. In fact, it would be something of a surprise if he didn’t give the track record a fright if coming away racing. Cheap Sandwiches is clearly the main threat with the duo dominating the betting, while Jaytee Craze is perfectly housed on the fence and can qualify in third. 

PAT AND CHARGER TO PROGRESS

Earlier on the card Ireland have a very strong hand in Heat 2 where Bombay Pat will be a hot favourite to continue his unbeaten record in the classic, perhaps at the expense of his compatriot and last weekend’s impressive winner Bubbly Charger. 

The Brendan Matthews trained Bubbly Charger seems to be going from strength to strength and is greatly respected but Bombay Pat is a monster. He has really taken to Towcester and while there is still some concern over his starting, he does look the part once again. Of the home challenge in this contest, Droopys Plunge is perhaps best equipped to threaten, although he needs to find a start. 

A FORMIDABLE TEAM IN HEAT 3

The Irish can also have reason to smile in Heat 3 with half the field representing these shores. 

Defending champion De Lahdedah goes for Liam Dowling and has a favourable make-up, while the Pat Buckley trained Ballinabola Joe has been in exceptional form and seems to be getting better with each run. 

Throw in the hugely talented Barefoot On Fire and it really does suggest the winner will come from these shores, although March On Freddie could potentially have something to say about that. 

Ballinabola Joe and De Lahdedah have been disputing favouritism all week and it would be no surprise to see that trend continuing right up to the off. Ballinabola Joe is the most likely pace-setter and that swings the vote just in his favour. 

SUSIE AND TIBET WITH DIFFERENT APPROACH

Faypoint Susie and Ballymac Tibet take their chance in Heat 5. 

The former has a dozen wins around Towcester, including two in the early rounds of this classic and she will no doubt attract support, while Ballymac Tibet doesn’t even have a dozen career starts as of yet.

Liam Dowling’s charge will be a big price to come home in front and will need to do more in the opening exchanges if he is to win. In contrast, Faypoint Susie is expected to go up fast and is a potential pace-setter. Kim Bergin’s Prince Naseem also lines out in this contest but the main dangers to the Irish trained runners are Droopys Aladdin, Romeo Tomcat and Keefill Maverick. It really is a deep contest with a number of potential winners. 

DIEGO MUST TURN CLOSER

Hello Diego is Ireland’s sole representative in Heat 6. 

The Maiden Derby champion has given himself plenty of work to do in recent outings, missing the start before finishing at speed. He may need to find his trapping boots if he is to turn close enough to threaten. Droopys Trade and Tiffield Tarquin head the betting. 

MOLLY AND HARVEY SET TO FIGURE

After landing a number of hefty wagers last week, the layers will be careful with the Pat Buckley trained Singalong Molly in Heat 7. 

She is joined by the Graham Holland trained Faypoint Harvey. Both have strong claims in what looks a very competitive heat. 

Romeo Empire and Cooliogold are likely to prominent in the betting for the UK but the Irish trained duo can come to the fore. 

MIO AND FORCE IN ACTION IN FINAL HEAT 

Sole Mio and Dynamic Force complete the Irish team in Heat 8. 

Both remain unbeaten in the classic and are expected to play a big part in proceedings. Sole Mio has the better of the draw in three and seems likely to lead up those on his inner. If turning in front, the Peter Cronin trained Kirby Memorial runner-up would be hard to pick up. 

Paul Hennessy’s Dynamic Force has the early paced duo of Indian Bonnie and Churchfield Syd on his flanks and will need to be on his toes in the early yards. Sole Mio is chosen to come home in front.