Greyhounds Betting: Irish dominate but Lister fancies last laugh at Shawfield

Events / Darrell Williams / 09 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ireland may have an unprecedented five finalists in the Scottish Derby - live on Sky Sports this Saturday evening from Shawfield - but it's the sole British runner that will surely take all the beating.

After a remarkable night in the semi-finals, which saw Charlie Lister's littermates Ninja Jamie and Farloe Reason both eliminated, Barrie Draper flies the flag for Britain courtesy of Trainers Championship winner and Sheffield track-record holder Thurlesbeg Joker, who ran a magnificent race to claim his semi-final, eventually with a bit to spare.

His back straight pace is a pleasure to watch, and while he had to fight hard before getting a run the other night, his draw as the lone wide runner in the Category One final should ensure an easier passage this time.

Ireland's achievement in fielding five finalists has to be applauded, and in particular the efforts of Fraser Black, who won the race four years ago with Droopys Marco, who is doubly represented. His Must Be Keano overcame a potentially threatening trap five draw with another fast exit on Tuesday, and should clear neighbour Drumna Classic from trap three to claim first run. He certainly looks the biggest threat to the favourite, but there has to be a chance 'Classic' who showed good speed himself the other night, or even Cabra Cool, who seems to trap quicker from the inside, could hold him up. Whatever the case, with Daleys Buzz likely to cut inwards from trap five, Thurlesbeg Joker should have plenty of racing room and his overall strength can send the prize back to Draper's Rotherham kennels.

Reigning Leger champion and runner-up in last year's Scottish Derby, Bubbly Totti, can again show his liking for the Glasgow track by winning the 500m race leg in the Home International at 9.25. The competition looks hot with Scottish Derby semi-finalist Crown Rover and four Quarter-finalists all looking for minor compensation.

Dotland Hit Man and Ardkill Tunoco are both capable of fast times with a clear run as they proved in the first round of the Derby, but rather like Thurlesbeg Joker in the big race, Ted Soppitt's runner's overall strength can be enough to wear his rivals down.

Slip The Lark can claim the 480 Home International leg (8.55) and so reverse form with Windy Millar, the obvious danger, who narrowly overcame him in the first round of the Scottish Derby. Pat Buckley's Irish Derby runner-up should gain a clear run at traps rise, and could also be helped if as expected trap five runner Greenwell River cuts in, which could hold up Windy Millar.

St Mungo Cup winner Jethart Jackie, who was a regular in big finals last year, can claim the first Sky race (8.10) courtesy of his likely pacesetting role, while Da Attic, is given a tentative vote in the 8.40 over 500m. His early speed might just be enough to resist St Mungo Cup finalist Plough Lane.