CHARGER AND BEAR THE LATEST INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

Ian Fortune

The task of picking a final six for the TIME Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International seems to be getting harder with each day.

The latest expressions of interest for the famous invitation race came from the connections of Kirby Memorial third and English Derby semi-finalist Bubbly Charger and leading UK tracker Chelms Bear, who was formerly known as Barntick Bear.

Remarkably, despite his achievements, the Brendan Matthews trained Bubbly Charger has only raced ten times yet is already established amongst the best in training.

Chelms Bear changed hands in recent weeks and his new handler Craig Morris expressed his desire to run at Dundalk despite his powerhouse currently being engaged in the 3 Steps to Victory at Sheffield.

Speaking to the Racing Post, Morris said: “If he can get a position in a race he’s as fast as anything. We’d definitely like to take him to Dundalk. I haven’t spoken to anybody yet, but I will be looking to contact Willie Rigney [Time, International sponsors] to put him forward.”

“Hopefully he’ll qualify for the 3 Steps final on Sunday, which would mean going straight to Dundalk if he was invited. If he doesn’t make the final then I’d be happy to take him over for a trial.”

Since speaking to the Racing Post, he has been in contact with Liam Kennedy, who is overseeing the process of picking the final six for the International, and confirmed his intention to run the dog if the opportunity is presented. Given the fact that he is a UK based greyhound, it seems likely he will be given that chance.