IRISH DERBY TICKETS ON OFFER AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

While there is no sweepstake action on offer tonight at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, there is a highly competitive card in store, headlined by a pair of BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby Trial Stakes.

The first of those Trial Stakes comes in race four, an A1 550 contest, and Magical Poppy is likely to head the market for Patrick Guilfoyle and Eoin Troy. Although she has just four starts under her belt, the daughter of Droopys Jet has already displayed considerable ability, as evidenced by a brilliant 19.19 victory around Galway. Those familiar with Galway form will appreciate just how impressive that performance was, while she also advertised her class with a very eye-catching victory over 500 yards at Tralee in recent weeks. She remains open to plenty of improvement and, despite a tricky draw in trap five, she is taken to continue her progression in what is a fiercely competitive contest. There is certainly no shortage of quality opposition. Mongys Treaty has just one career start to his name, but his qualifying campaign was faultless and he looks a greyhound to keep firmly onside in the weeks and months ahead. Boardofpeace is another leading contender for Michael Keating in Ballinasloe. The strapping fawn dominated a 600-yard contest last time out, albeit in A4 company, and while this represents a much sterner assignment, the son of Dromana Bucko showed enough to suggest he is capable of making his presence felt. Kevinsfort Fancy, a 28.82 winner earlier this month, also commands respect, while both Montore Magic and Leamaneigh Godes have plenty to offer, the latter particularly well housed in trap six as she bids to complete a hat-trick.

The second of the Trial Stakes comes in race six and is another A1 contest featuring a host of talented performers. Narrow preference goes to Glengar Blitz, who takes a slight drop in grade for Corona Ryan and Bradley Canty. The daughter of Glengar Bale produced a series of excellent displays around Thurles during the Champion Bitch Stake and is capable of a bold showing from her wide draw in trap six. Of her rivals, Bad Dreams made an excellent return to action for Declan Beary last weekend. Producing a powerful late burst to post 18.90 over the sprint trip, a return to four bends should suit ideally and she is well drawn in trap three to race prominently. Elsewhere, Tyrap Malachi rarely runs a bad race for David Carroll from the red jacket. A seasoned campaigner, he is likely to be doing his best work from the third bend home. Kacies Beauty knows where the winning line is and should give young owner Kacie Scanlon a good account of herself from trap two, while Galloping Jack and Rallying Syd are both strong-running performers who will be hoping to capitalise on any traffic problems in the opening exchanges.