Irish Greyhound Derby Betting: Heat 1-8 Previews

Events / Editor / 06 August 2008 / Leave a Comment

Sean Murphy previews the opening night of action from Shelbourne Park as The Irish Derby gets underway with heats 1-8.

Heat 1

A gentle introduction to the Derby with four qualifying from this heat. Iguazu Falls has been running in top company at headquaters and gets the vote from the quick starting Florida Mandy with the Frances O Donnell-trained Skywalker Melody booked for the third qualifying spot.

Selection: 2-4-6

Heat 2

Again we have four qualifying from this heat. Judical Force looked a real promising puppy last season and with 7 wins from 11 is the clear form choice. The English trained and Patsy Byrne owned Ballymac Ruso is thrown in at the deep end here running in only his fourth ever race. Frances O Donnell should have her second qualifier in The Other Sonic with Casual Conquest nicely drawn in Trap 6.

Selection: 1-5-6

Heat 3

Cash Dream looks a real prospect for shrewd trainer Gerry Holian running really well in defeat at Galway last week clocking 26:63 behind Tyrur Lee. Florida Rooster is very consistent and can book his passage to the next round along with Burnpark Duke.

Selection: 4-5-2

Heat 4

Cracking race in prospect here with early pace in abundance. Only three to qualify from this heat so we could have one of the leading fancies making an early exit. Express Ego is a proven performer around Shelbourne and gets the nod from English Derby finalist Kryptonite. Expect a real battle for the precious third qualifying spot with preference for 2006 Ante post Derby favourite, Bar the Devil.

Selection: 4-2-1

Heat 5

Top-class Advantage Johnny will be all the rage from trap six in this heat. Has only been out of the first 3 once in 18 starts and is a live Derby prospect. Expect him to win comfortably followed home by Graigues Shadow and Lukes First.

Selection: 6-4-5

Heat 6

Should be a real early-pace battle between the ideally drawn Tahina Ron in Trap 2 and the Oliver Bray-trained Royal Treason in 5. Tahina Ron has taken some notable scalps in the last few weeks at this venue and I expect him to continue his excellent 50% strike rate from Royal Treason and the Pat Buckley trained youngster Cabra Cool.

Selection: 2-5-3

Heat 7

Tyrur Kenny has been restored to his proper wide seeding and should have too much class for his rivals in this heat. The veteran Mullaghmore Man has shown admirable consistency and can run on for second spot with Limerick track record holder over 550yds Droopys Deco booked for third spot.

Selection: 5-1-2

Heat 8

Final heat of the night is a tricky affair with the early pace of Rocket Ricky just given preference over Uncle Jer. Droopys Noel is inexperienced but could be anything and would have to be respected given the owner trainer combination.

Selection: 6-3-5