IRELAND EXPECTS AT TOWCESTER
Ian Fortune
Things will start to get very real in the Star Sports & Orchestrate English Greyhound Derby this evening with the remaining 46 greyhound all in action on the same night for the first time in this year’s classic.
Sadly, Ireland’s challenge is down to 19 representatives following the withdrawal of Coloursaregreen but it remains a very strong team. Indeed, Ireland the Irish are responsible for seven of the eight favourites in tonight’s eight third round heats.
HEIRESS TO UPSET IRISH
The one exception comes in Heat 3 with Proper Heiress, the best in the UK, a hot favourite to see off his five Irish trained rivals.
In fact, Graham Holland and Paul Hennessy are responsible for the five challengers with Holland sending out Faypoint Harvey, Donishall Sam and Garfiney Warrior, while Hennessy is represented by Priceless Romeo and Lennies Dynamic.
It means that a minimum or two Irish will progress, although Irish Derby finalist Proper Heiress really is the one to beat. His prime concern in the early yards is clearing the professional Faypoint Harvey but if doing so, will be hard to stop. If he were to fail to clear Faypoint Harvey, however, Lennies Dynamic is more than capable of setting a searching gallop on the outside of the track.
EDDIE GETS NOD OVER TANK AND STYLE
The Irish have a particularly strong hand in the opening heat of the round with Lennies Eddie, Swords Style and Lennies Tank the top three in the market, while Juvenile Derby champion Getup The Boy is also in the line-up.
The inside box is vacant which should suit Lennies Eddie and this could make the difference. Of course, each of his three compatriots are respected but Lennies Eddie caught the eye in each of his last two starts and is set to go even faster. He can contain Swords Style into the turn to make a decisive move.
CLYDE LOOKS THE PART
Gaytime Clyde is strongly fancied in Heat 2.
Representing the combination of Graham Holland and Brendan O’Connell which tasted English Derby glory with Gaytime Nemo, Clyde is set to start a hot favourite and will be hard to contain if coming away on terms.
DUFFLE SHOULD BE TOO GOOD
After setting track records in each of his last two starts, Ballymac Duffle is set to start a red-hot favourite in Heat 4.
Liam Dowling’s star has been flawless to date and he can again show his class to lead home his rivals. Were he to get off the front again, it’s likely he will again go very fast.
KANE FACING TOUGH TEST
Heat 5 is amongst the hottest of the Derby thus far and Glengar Kane is a warm favourite to maintain the unbeaten start to his career.
He goes into tonight’s contest with seven wins from seven starts and will be very hard to stop if coming away racing from the inside box.
UK hopes Scooby The Lady and particularly Underground Gold are respected with both capable of mounting a bold bid, but any traffic could also pave the way for the two strong running Irish runners on the outside of the track, Glengar Silent and Ballymac Iroko.
It really is a fascinating affair but one suspects the Pat Buckley trained duo of Glengar Kane and Glengar Silent will progress, while it’s not impossible that Ballymac Iroko could follow them through.
ACE LIKELY TO GO FAST AGAIN
Epic Ace was at his brilliant best in the second round, showing massive speed after a moderate start to equal the track record of Ballymac Duffle.
The track record was subsequently bettered by Ballymac Duffle the following evening but it was a stunning run all the same.
His reward for his latest brilliant display is a relatively straightforward task in Heat 6. Certainly, if given space in the early yards, Epic Ace is again likely to emerge on top and he could potentially go as fast, if not faster, than last week.
HACKNEY AND RALF TO PROGRESS
Hackney Corner will be a warm favourite for Pat Buckley in Heat 7 but Ballymac Ralf is also seen as a big player for the Irish.
Both impressed in the second round and seem likely to have a big say. Should Hackney Corner come away racing he would likely turn in front. Ballymac Ralf is very quick from the second turn and can make the frame. Of the home team, Droopys Graph is perhaps the biggest threat, although Sole Focus is set to race prominently from an inside draw.
DENIRO READY TO FIRE
The final heat is another brilliant contest with Liam Dowling sending out Ballymac Deniro and Ballymac Stud to take on some very talented UK challengers.
Droopys Aladdin, Strike It Skye and Salacres Lock Up will all attract support but one suspects Ballymac Deniro is ready to go fast. If trapping on terms, he can stamp his authority in proceedings, hopefully leading home his kennel companion Ballymac Stud.