QUARTER-FINAL PLACES ON OFFER IN WIDE-OPEN TIME CLUB GRADERS DERBY

Peter Farrell

We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty in the 2026 TIME Club Graders Derby at Limerick, with six heats set to go down for decision tonight as the remaining contenders battle for places in next week’s quarter-finals.

The competition took a dramatic turn last weekend when a host of heat winners were sent packing, leaving the Derby wide open. Given the nature of the Graders Derby, where the margins between the runners are often razor-thin, there is no standout favourite at this stage. As a result, a number of leading hopes remain firmly in contention for outright honours as the battle for the €20,000 prize intensifies. The 28.90 stipulation will be a thing of the past from here on in, so expect the action to ramp up ahead of the quarter-finals next Saturday night.

A LOOK AT THE HEATS

Heat 1 - In the opener, the Mary Lynch-owned Bright Mustang is selected to finally gain that elusive victory. The son of Mustang Jet has impressed through both rounds to date but has had to settle for minor honours behind two smart winners. Possessing a nice turn of early speed, he looks the most likely leader from trap four and, if reproducing anything close to his 1.29 sectional, should have enough in hand to make all. The chief danger may be Rossa Shelby, who faces a tricky draw in five but has shown plenty of ability for Thomas O’Donovan and can make a bold bid. The consistent Foulkscourt Best should also benefit from a favourable draw in red and caught the eye with a strong-finishing effort last time out for Liam Jones.

Heat 2 - Gortkelly Bart was an impressive first-round winner and lost little in defeat last weekend when failing to secure a clear passage for Andrew Murray. Successful in 29.09, the October puppy is still learning his trade and should be ideally suited by a move to trap one. If trapping on terms, the son of Droopys Got It looks the one they all have to beat. Knockroe Jersey has been showing useful early pace and could get involved from trap three, while Ealas Pride has proven difficult to keep out of the frame for David Flanagan and may once again capitalise as the sole wide seed in six.

Heat 3 - Michael Ryan appears to have a talented greyhound on his hands in Leftthelightson, who made it back-to-back victories when scoring in 28.77 last weekend. The brindle son of Deerjet Sydney powered clear in emphatic fashion on that occasion and has been handed a perfect draw in trap one. As a result, he looks the one to beat in his bid for a hat-trick. However, he faces quality opposition, headed by Eimears Lady for Brian Robinson. Unbeaten around Limerick, she displayed tremendous determination to land her latest assignment and, from trap three, has the versatility and class to pose a major threat.

Heat 4 - Trained by Paraic Campion for William and C.J. Lawlor, Ballysloe Max can go one better in Heat 4 after finishing just four-and-a-half lengths behind Jaytee Dallas last weekend. Despite still seeking a first career success, the son of Ballymac Cashout has shown enough ability to suggest a breakthrough is imminent, and the inside draw in red should suit. Trumpers Snoop rates the main threat after clocking a brisk 28.87 last time out. Shane Ronayne’s charge showed plenty of strength down the back straight on that occasion and appears to be peaking at just the right time.

Heat 5 - The penultimate heat looks arguably the strongest on paper, with several runners boasting legitimate claims. Preference, however, is for Bounceback Poppy for Anthony Kehoe and William Byrne. She won her opening-round assignment in 29.15 before running a commendable race in defeat last weekend despite a sluggish start. Unlikely to repeat that 1.53 sectional, a sharper break could prove decisive given her strength from halfway. Bundle Of Fivers commands obvious respect after winning in 28.88 last weekend, while Imagine If is another who has caught the eye with his continued progression for Liam Cahill and Tony Lacey from trap two.

Heat 6 - The concluding heat can see Da Brake return to winning ways for Brendan Matthews and Molly Finn. The beautifully bred son of Droopys Flytline and Million Dreams was among the fastest first-round winners but found Coolanga Elite too strong last weekend. There were excuses on that occasion, however, and a favourable draw in trap three can help him bounce straight back. Magical Grayson looks the biggest threat from six for Patrick Guilfoyle. Still only a November puppy, he has shown considerable promise throughout the competition and is another expected to feature prominently in next week’s quarter-finals.