IRELAND EXPECTS AT TOWCESTER

Ian Fortune

While it seems very unlikely, the possibility of six Irish trained finalists in the Star Sports/ TRC English Greyhound Derby is still a possibility.

It seems remarkable that the top six in the outright betting are trained on these shores but it goes to highlight the strength of our racing talent.

The semi-finals of the classic are the feature at the Northamptonshire venue this evening and it would be something of a shock if both heats didn’t go to the raiding party.

REAL STRENGTH IN OPENING HEAT

The opening semi is a real conundrum with so many potential outcomes.

Team Ireland are represented by Sole Mio, Bombay Pat and the reigning champion De Lahdedah. All three have outstanding claims but the draw has left form students scratching their head.

Sole Mio and De Lahdedah are drawn next to each other in one and two, while Bombay Pat is in five. All three have plenty of support but the start will be of huge importance. Sole Mio would prefer a middle draw but if he were to come away racing, he could quickly find himself in the perfect position to strike.

De Lahdedah is arguably running better than twelve months ago, showing his usual speed and determination, allied to incredible power and strength. If he gets away to a good start, he could potentially emerge as the one to beat.

And then there is Bombay Pat. One of the fastest greyhounds on the planet, he has looked very comfortable in the new surroundings of Towcester but his inconsistency at boxes remains a problem. If he misses the start this evening, he could find himself short of room in the early yards with Slick Sentinel and Churchfield Syd on his flanks but were he to come away on terms with either rival, he could soon be amongst the leaders. At the prices on offer, he is the one that could be most tempting.

Droopys Bookem completes the field and will finish fast but hope are high that at least two of the Irish trained runners can progress.

DIAMOND TO FLY THE FLAG FOR IRELAND

The second heat is a mouthwatering affair.

Dynamic Force, Cheap Sandwiches and Bockos Diamond are three very special greyhounds and in a cleanly run race, there is every chance the Irish trio can earn a place in next week’s decider.

Sensational Irish Derby champion Bockos Diamond hasn’t quite found his feet at Towcester, leaving himself with work to do after poor starts by his incredible standard. Tonight, he lines out in the stripes and we might just see a return to his best. He has other-worldly early speed and if starting on terms would quickly show in front.

Cheap Sandwiches and Dynamic Force could have something to say about that, however. Cheap Sandwiches chased home his kennel companion in the Irish Derby last November and has been absolutely sensational through the competition. If he were to come away racing from five, he could also make a bold bid for glory.

Dynamic Force was simply awesome last week, posting a fastest of the round 28.66. A repeat of that form would see him emerge as a big player also. He has turned into the greyhound that he promised in the early stages of his career. With terrific early speed, massive back straight pace and the strength to see out the 500m trip well, he is every bit a Derby dog and it would be unwise to rule him out on the evidence of their respective Shelbourne Park form. He is a better dog than he was just a few months ago.

The home team are represented by No Better Feelin and the powerful Droopys Plunge, while Prince Naseem is a bit of a sleeper agent. He is UK trained but Kim Bergin will be flying the flag for Ireland.

The odds suggest the winner will come from the Irish team and Bockos Diamond is selected to return to his best. Hopefully, his two compatriots can follow him through.