MORE IRISH SUCCESS LIKELY AS ENGLISH DERBY COMMENCES

Ian Fortune

The Star Sports/TRC English Derby continues at Towcester this evening with the first session of second round heats offering up some incredible clashes. 

There are a total of nine Irish trained runners in action with many of them lining up in opposition. 

AN INCREDIBLE HEAT 

That is certainly the case in Heat 2 where Ireland’s three fastest opening round scorers, defending champion De Lahdedah and the brilliantly fast duo of Lennies Desire and Ballinabola Joe, will clash. 

It’s an incredible twist of fate but there is a strong chance all three will progress. De Lahdedah was fastest of the trio with a rapid 28.50 return but he may need a similarly fast start to follow up. Ballinabola Joe was actually fastest to the third turn of all the greyhounds in action last weekend and a repeat of that sort of run would see him make a bold bid from the front. Lennies Desire seemed to really appreciate the change in seeding to a wide and he too is a big player. 

It's very difficult to pick from the trio and it’s probably better to take a watching brief while hoping all three can make it through. 

HENNESSY TRIO TO COME TO THE FORE

Paul Hennessy accounts for half the field in Heat 3 with opening round scorer Dynamic Force set to start the shortest priced of the trio. 

He is drawn in five and is more than capable of following up but slight preference is for Hello Diego. 

The Maiden Derby winner at Towcester last month, he ran a big race in defeat in the opening round, finishing like a train to qualify in second. He can turn closer to the pace this evening and is selected to hit the front in the latter stages. Boylesports Blue can’t be dismissed either. The third of Hennessy’s trio is drawn in three. He will need to brush up his starting but is very strong. Droopys Invent and Scooby The Boss are the most dangerous of the home contingent in this heat. 

PEBB LOOKING TO PROGRESS 

Liam Dowling was delighted with Ballymac Pebb in the opening round. 

The raw youngster stormed home to lead on the run in but he faces a tough test in Heat 4. He will almost certainly look to edge inwards from trap four, although the unfortunate withdrawal of Ballybough Nutz from trap three will work in his favour. 

He may still need to be at his very best with March On Freddie, Slick Sentinal and Antigua Kestrel amongst his rivals. Liam Dowling would take third spot if offered it. 

CAN TIBET TURN CLOSER?

Dowling would also take third for Ballymac Tibet. 

He is drawn in the stripes in Heat 6 and will hope to turn a little closer than last week. There is no doubt his future will be over further but he could potentially run on to take a qualifying spot behind likely winner Proper Heiress. 

SUSIE LOOKING TO GIVE RIVALS THE SLIP AGAIN

Faypoint Susie is the last of the Irish in action this evening. 

She lines out in the red jacket of one and will hope to hit the ground running once again. If doing so, she could certainly lay a part in what looks an open affair. To highlight her claims, she is disputing favouritism with fellow opening round scorer Keefill Goose.