72 LEFT STANDING AS ‘TIME’ CLUB GRADERS DERBY ACTION CONTINUES

Peter Farrell

Following a mammoth opening round of the ‘TIME’ Club Graders Derby 525, the field has been cut to 72 runners, with the valuable competition set to dominate the entire card at Limerick tonight.

Just five greyhounds fell foul to the 28.90 stipulation in the opening round, and that requirement remains unchanged for tonight’s second-round heats. With the competition beginning to gather momentum, the Graders Derby is expected to heat up considerably, while a large crowd is anticipated at Limerick as all remaining contenders do battle on the same night.

A LOOK AT THE HEATS

Heat 1 – Two of the leading fancies lock horns in the curtain-raiser as opening-round stars Coolanga Elite and Da Brake go head-to-head. Da Brake posted 28.91 in his first-round assignment and Brendan Matthews’ charge, trained by Molly Finn, will sport the black jacket this time. Swiftly into stride on that occasion, he clocked 1.29 to the bend and, as a September pup, still has plenty of scope for improvement. That said, trap four presents a tricky assignment and he can ill-afford any mistakes. In contrast, Coolanga Elite is ideally housed in trap one. Michael Lowry’s strong-running performer will be finishing with real purpose and looks certain to be in the thick of things entering the closing stages.

Heat 2 – Like the opener, this contest features two impressive opening-round performers in Gortkelly Bart and Cloneen Alainn, with the latter particularly eye-catching when coming from off the pace to record 28.91. On that evidence, the daughter of Pestana appears to have plenty left in reserve and will be difficult to keep out of the frame. Laura Britton and Darragh Browne’s blue is again drawn in trap three and should be thereabouts. Gortkelly Bart, however, is a major player. Andrew Murray’s youngster made every yard to score in 29.09 last weekend and, still learning his trade as a September pup, is favourably housed in trap two on the inside of his chief rival.

Heat 3 – Hollyhill Cody was only denied close home by Coolanga Elite in round one and a repeat of that effort would make him a leading contender here. Trained by Paraic Campion for Gerard Gubbins, the son of Good Cody is a model of consistency on the clock and is well housed in trap two. Leftthelightson displayed smart early pace when making all in the opening round and could again pose plenty of questions from trap three. Dromtrasna Lass is another worth noting after an encouraging Limerick debut last weekend.

Heat 4 – Ned Fogarty’s Memories Lineout chased home the now-eliminated Highview Speck last weekend, beaten just a length and a half in 28.82. On that form, she sets a strong standard in Heat 4. The daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet showed plenty of stamina and, in a contest lacking massive early pace, may find herself racing handier throughout. Amazing Power could emerge as her chief danger and looks the most likely leader for John Kennedy from trap five.

Heat 5 – Garren Delta caught the eye when finishing second for David Flanagan and the New Gang Syndicate last time out and appears to be progressing nicely. Just an October whelp, the brindle son of Jacob Tashadelek is much better housed in trap one this time and gets the nod to record a second victory from only four starts. Hellroad Sleeper and Faraway Queen also enter calculations after solid opening-round displays.

Heat 6 – There was plenty to like about the performance of Bounceback Poppy on opening night and, despite a potentially awkward draw in five, she is selected to complete a quick-fire double for Anthony Kehoe and William Byrne. ‘Poppy’ posted 29.15 from off the pace on that occasion and her strong-running qualities can again come to the fore. Bosra Bono is a likely pace angle from trap one as he bids to remain unbeaten, while Sets Inthe City also shaped well behind Da Brake last weekend.

Heat 7 – It is difficult to oppose Air Hostess after she produced a polished display to score in 28.91 in round one. Brian Loughnane’s bitch was returning from a break that night and could prove even sharper with that outing under her belt. Ballymac Agatha failed to justify favouritism on opening night but remains a serious threat, while Imagine If, in trap four, continues to show ability despite still searching for a first career success.

Heat 8 – Although forced to settle for second last weekend, Bobsleigh Bale displayed a striking turn of foot down the back straight for Willie Joe Murphy and can open his account here. Drawn in five, the son of Glengar Bale remains very lightly raced with only three starts to his name and could be a dark horse in the competition. Bright Mustang and Kosova are others capable of making their presence felt after encouraging first-round efforts.

Heat 9 – Tipsy Ailbhe was among the fastest opening-round winners when blitzing her rivals in 29.04 for owner John Kealy. The daughter of Ballymac Cashout never looked in danger after posting a flying 1.25 sectional and making every yard. Drawn in trap two tonight, another sharp break could see her dominate once again. Allstar Tory, however, looks a serious threat. The September pup pushed Cloneen Alainn all the way in round one and is entitled to come on again for that experience.

Heat 10 – Evan McAuliffe’s Drombeg Bucko can return to winning ways in Heat 10. Although beaten last weekend, the son of Dromana Bucko was only reeled in late after leading in one of the fastest heats of the opening round. A winner of two of his first three starts, he has the early speed to take command and should be all the better for that experience. Bundle Of Fivers rates the chief danger. Pauline McNamara’s runner made up eye-catching ground in defeat and remains one to keep firmly onside.

Heat 11 – Magical Grayson is likely to head the market in the penultimate heat for Pat Guilfoyle. The son of Magical Bale, still only a November pup, was a brilliant winner in 28.97 last weekend, but it was the manner of the victory that impressed most as he dominated throughout. Despite being drawn in trap six, he commands major respect. Eimears Lady ran a cracking race on her Limerick debut and has a plum draw in trap one, while reigning champion Maid Of Iron is likely to show the way early for Neily Jones from trap two.

Heat 12 – The concluding heat could see Grangeview Rocko round off the card in style for Michael Hogan. The talented black came from off the pace to score in 29.04 last weekend and looks well suited by a move to trap six. Knockroe Jersey, drawn at the opposite end of the boxes, can serve it up early, but Rocko appears to have her measure and may prove difficult to contain if turning within striking distance.