REAL QUALITY ON SHOW IN PUPPY DERBY

Ian Fortune

A number of talented trackers will continue their preparation for the BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park this evening but the undoubted highlight are the semi-finals of the TIME Greyhound Nutrition Puppy Derby.

Sadly, Carrick Becks has been withdrawn from the classic but the eleven remaining competitors are likely to put on a show this evening. The opening heat features the ante-post favourite to land the €25,000 prize Wi Can James.

He needed every inch of the 525yd trip last week to pick up Slick Sanctuary and the pair clash again this evening. If Wi Can James is to confirm that form, he must find a way to turn close to the pace from a tricky draw in five.

Slick Sanctuary is certain to attract plenty of support from an ideal draw on the fence. For such a large tracker, the son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire has wonderful trapping ability and early speed.

He is perhaps the most likely pace-setter.

This is far from a two-dog contest, however. Indeed, Grouchos Chief set the standard in the second round and lines up in four. He looks hugely promising, although remains very inexperienced. Last week’s success came in just his second career start.

From a tough draw in four, he needs to find a way to clear Fahrenheit Ace in the early yards. That is no easy task. Im Here is also greatly respected from an ideal draw in the stripes. He chased home Grouchos Chief last week but it would be no surprise to see him making a bold bid if finding his trapping boots.

The aforementioned Fahrenheit Ace, who can go up fast, and the strong running Razldazl Thelma complete a top-class field. Neither can be dismissed but they will need to be at their sharpest in the opening exchanges to put themselves into the mix.

It is a truly open contest. Wi Can James is a token selection but any of the six could emerge triumphant with so much likely to come down to the start and the race to the bend.

COLEY TO LEAVE IT LATE?

The absence of Carrick Becks from the second semi-final is disappointing but it remains a tremendous contest.

The early fractions are likely to be set by Villaricos but he could come under severe pressure with the strong running trio of Ballymac Scheff, Kapuka Coley and Kilwest Major all certain to finish at speed.

Razldazl Loreal hasn’t been lucky in recent outings but has the early speed to challenge into the bend also. If she were to come away racing, she too could contest the early lead.

But, one suspects, the winner will come from off the pace. Kapuka Coley is perhaps most likely to get first run on Ballymac Scheff and Kilwest Major, potentially allowing him emerge as the most likely winner.

He will still need to be on his toes but he picked up Villaricos last week and there is no reason he can’t do so again. Ballymac Scheff will need to show a bit more spark to the bend than last week but is another that can go close.