Irish Greyhounds / Sean Murphy / 04 September 2008 / Leave a comment

Sean Murphy with an in-depth look at Saturday's contenders...

We are down to the last twelve in the Derby and we are promised two thrilling semi finals on Saturday night. The excellent action on quarter final night was spoiled by the sickening injury to ante-post favourite Killahan Phanter, when he looked certain to easily win his heat. His demise has taken away some of the gloss from this Derby, but only proved the uncertainty of sport and especially Greyhound racing. We are still left with two intriguing semi finals to look forward to.

First Semi Final

Trap 1 - Cashen Zig

Has done really well to make it this far in the competition, winning in the second round when just holding on from last year's runner up Tyrur Laurel. He starts and stays this trip well but would probably prefer trap 2 and may struggle to get the bend from Ballymac Ruso.

Trap 2 - Ballymac Ruso

Posted the fastest run of the Derby in the first round when beating the impressive Headleys Bridge in 29:68. This looks an ideal draw, with his early pace looks sure to be right there at the first bend and is a good bet to make it to the final.

Trap 3 - Machu Picchu

Another who has surpassed himself by getting to the semi finals. The only dog left in the Derby who has yet to win a heat, he has got this far with his undoubted early pace. Has shown improvement as the competition progressed, staying on better, notably when coming from behind Tyrur Laurel last Saturday to grab third spot.

Trap 4 - Wise Thought

One of just two English raiders left in the Derby, has taken well to Shelbourne Park and is a strong stayer. Not a great draw for him as he is slow enough away and may struggle to get a clear run. Has been very brave to qualify especially behind College Causeway and a potential finalist.

Trap 5 - Slip the Lark

Has been hugely consistent in the Derby and will no doubt be favourite in this race. Deserves to make the final having won three heats to date, but probably would prefer the stripes. Impressive in his quarter final last week and only kennel mate College Causeway was faster on the night.

Trap 6 - Mid West Blue

Had a big reputation coming into the Derby and even though he has made the semi final has been called a few names along the way. Seems to get his trapping wrong every night and then produces a surge down the back straight to qualify. Has won only one heat so far but with Michael O Donovan training has to have a big chance here.

First semi-final summary

Without doubt the weaker of the two heats, and I take Slip the Lark to maintain his fine Derby form and strengthen his trainer Pat Buckley's hand in his attempt to land the coveted trophy. His sizzling early pace should get him to the front at the bend and he can clear the well housed Ballymac Ruso. Mid West Blue has been getting it all wrong at the traps but has big back straight pace and can come from off the pace to fill third position, but would not discount Wise Thought if he can avoid the early traffic.

Recommended:

• 2pts win T5, Slip the Lark
• Trio: 5, 2 & 6

Second Semi Final

Trap 1 - Express Ego

Last year's Derby third benefited from the unfortunate Killahan Phanter's injury to take the last Quarter final heat. Yet to break 30 seconds in the Derby, he has done well to make it to this stage as his early season form was disappointing. Has an ideal draw and cannot be ruled out coming from the Owen McKenna kennel, but this is a very hot heat.

Trap 2 - Hedleys Bridge

Hedleys Bridge divides the Cork/ Kerry border and like those two counties has provided some entertainment in the last month. A superb 29:23 in a trial on his first look around Shelbourne has some "shrewdies" trading at 60.0 on Betfair. A worthy second favourite now, he again underlined his class last week when after shipping an early bump came storming through to pick up Ballymac Ruso. Lacks a little early zip but is very brave and looks a certainty for the final even in this exalted company.

Trap 3 - Shelbourne Aston

The Champion stakes winner is such an exciting dog to watch as he comes from so far off the pace. Has been doing his usual last to first routine throughout the Derby and came through a difficult Quarter final heat to take third spot behind College Causeway. A banker for trios.

Trap 4 - College Causeway

Trading as low as 3.15 on Betfair for outright glory, he is a worthy favourite for this Derby. He is now the only unbeaten dog left in the stake with the exit last week of Forest Master. A winner of 18 of his 30 races he is a prime candidate for Greyhound of the year no matter what happens here, having won the Ladbroke 600 in sensational fashion. A very intelligent tracker, who always seems to avoid trouble, broke smartly last week, shipped an early bump and still had too much pace for Wise Thought. Hard to look beyond him even in this class.

Trap 5 - Advantage Johnny

One of two Owen McKenna dogs in this heat has been impressing the Shelbourne regulars for months with his wide sweeping running. Would probably prefer the stripes and looked a tired dog when third behind Express Ego last week. No doubting that his trainer can freshen him up for this race but he would surely settle for third in this one.

Trap 6 - The Other Sonic

A surprise qualifier in a trouble filled quarter final, yet has been improving as the Derby progressed. Has a potent finishing kick but cannot see him coming from behind Hedleys Bridge, College Causeway or Shelbourne Aston. Matt O Donnell has pulled a few surprises over the years and would be amazed if he made it through to the final.

Second semi-final summary

Looks a real good race but I expect College Causeway will get a clear run to the bend as Advantage Johnny tends to run a straight line. He may get far enough in front of Shelbourne Aston to hold his devastating finishing kick, but I would be more worried about him trying to reel in Hedley's Bridge who may clear the inside runners and will take some catching from the front. A tentative vote goes to College Causeway and expect him to be joined in a classic final by Hedleys Bridge and Shelbourne Aston.

• Recommend:
• 3pts win T4, College Causeway
• Trio: 4, 2 & 3.