THE 2019 BOYLESPORTS IRISH DERBY..

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[SALFORD GIRL]

WEDNESDAY 14/8/19:::

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FRIDAY 16th AUGUST 2019

FORM GUIDE

SATURDAY 17th AUGUST 2019

FORM GUIDE

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MY 3 AGAINST THE FIELD


MAGICAL BALE...
NEWINN LESTER..
WOLFE.

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Irish Derby final night
BoyleSports Irish Derby final night is one of the great occasions in sport. This year's date is Saturday September 21



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JAYTEE TAYLOR ran a blinder to catch defending champ Ballyanne Sim bang on the line in heat ten of the BoyleSports Irish Derby on Friday, writes Racing Post staff

It was the opening night of this year’s Shelbourne Classic and Ballyanne Sim rocketed out of the traps in the same fashion as when he landed the crown last year. Paul Hennessy’s Jaytee Taylor was always going well but, when he drifted very wide off the last turn, it looked as though he would have to give best. However, he rallied to get up by a head in 29.82sec. The pair left the crowd gasping with excitement.

It proved a night of several turn-ups, Britain’s Trickys Dumbo qualified in third behind one of them, 5-1 chance Great Eastern, who made all in heat five (29.72sec), Trickys Dumbo got a rough ride, going up fast before getting clobbered. Odds-on Ballymac Cooper walked out but ran on for second.

Fastest was John Lenihan’s Allaghaun River (10-1) in heat one, who got home by a head from Jaytee Tornado in 29.56sec.

Another major shock was the defeat of Ballymac Arminta in heat 10. She was bumped at the bend but eventually ran for second behind Murt Leahy’s Droopys Hunch (4-1), who clocked 29.61sec

Pat Buckley’s Run Happy was one spot quicker in the next heat, going soon clear (29.60sec) to beat kennmate Jumeirah Sprite.

The 18 fastest fourths across the entire first round also qualify.

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Wolfe set to prove a point as Irish Derby Round 1 continues





13 more first round heats on Saturday

26 first round heats, 550 yards, Shelbourne

13 apiece on Friday and Saturday

First three qualify for the second round, PLUS the 18 fastest fourths



The Saturday 21 September final will be shown live by RPGTV



Saturday's first round conclusion is previewed

by Sarah Kinsella of BoyleSports



PLENTY of top class dogs running in the second batch of 13 heats on Saturday night including Wolfe, Magical Bale, Kilmacdonagh and Cabra Firmino.



BoyleSports are trying their best to keep up with the high level of support for the mighty Wolfe. Trained by Graham Holland this dog has 10 wins from 21 starts and as ‘a sure thing’ in heat 14 at 8/13 is a popular choice with the punters. His English Greyhound flop has to be forgiven as that wasn’t the real Wolfe. He will show up on Saturday night and redeem himself.



Lenson Bocko runs from trap six in race six which is heat 19 and this is his first real test and biggest task to date. He has 7 race with 6 wins, having one been beaten once. That is a serious record for a young dog and Graham Holland must be very excited about his future. He has 29.47sec for the 550 yards trip and is 10/11 with BoyleSports to give the punters another winner. He will be hard to beat but trap five Ballyhimikin Jet has to be given a chance after his 29.42sec win last week with a 3.39 split.



There has been plenty of money for Jirano Classic in heat 26, race 13 from trap three. Trained by Johnny O’Sullivan and owned by Pat Norton, this dog has 6 win from 16 starts mostly in southern Ireland. He recorded 28.70sec around HQ for the 525 yards trip and is 4/5 to win this heat. He is the best supported dog in Saturday’s session with the Consolation Derby winner last year in trap five, but Newhall Missile looks to be badly housed. We will know more about Jirano Classic after his Shelbourne Park 550 debut.



Non Runners



Ht: 15: Wishful Gold

Ht 20: Shady Man

Ht: 21: Iveshead Gary

Ht 23: Sports Ground

Ht 24: Cracked Lady

Ht 25: Milestone Gem



Confirmed Reserves:



A Zeno

B Minor Mike

C Ballybough Murt

D Crew Dog

E Deer Hunter

F Knockboy Jet



Confirmed reserves but if we get other non-runners, the order used will change.



Key event dates:

First Round – Friday, August 16th & Saturday, August 17th
Second Round – Friday, August 23rd & Saturday, August 24th
Third Round – Saturday, August 31st
Quarter Finals – Saturday, September 7th
Semi Finals – Saturday, September 14th
Final – Saturday, September 21st

Incentives:

€3,000 to last bitch standing. This is confined to bitches competing in the event regardless of where they have travelled from. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last owner trained greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that are owner trained only. Any greyhound who is with an agent or private/public trainer do not qualify for this incentive. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last syndicate owned greyhound standing. This is confined to syndicate owned greyhounds regardless of their training status. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last Trial Stake greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that have entered the Irish Greyhound Derby via qualification through the BoyleSports Derby Trial Stakes. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

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Wolfe (pictured leading at Nottingham) took off on Saturday at Shelbourne


Report from Shelbourne plus Irish Derby draw



WOLFE sent out a clear warning to his rivals that he has most certainly left his Nottingham nightmare behind him and has his sights set on Boylesports Irish Derby glory after he posted a sensational 29.22sec on his way to a wide margin victory in Saturday’s concluding session of opening round heats at Shelbourne Park, writes Ian Fortune.

The Graham Holland-trained star cleared the former Matt Dartnall inmate Rising Brandy in the opening yards and raced further and further clear to eventually score by a dozen lengths.

It marked the start of a good night for Holland, who was also on the scoresheet with the hugely exciting Lenson Bocko. The son of Droopys Jet is clearly a leading player in this year’s competition and he displayed his many qualities to see off his kennel companion Ballyhimikin Jet by over five lengths. Going clear before the turn, he shot clear entering the back straight and went on to stop the clock in 29.47sec.

2018 Derby runner-up Magical Bale also produced a most pleasing effort in Heat 20. The first leg of a Pat Guilfoyle double, Magical Bale was always in command after a flying exit from the inside box. His kennel mate Laughil Josh ran a big race in defeat, Magical Bale went on to strike by nearly four lengths in 29.62sec. Expect the winner to improve considerably for the run.

The Guilfoyle double came courtesy of Grangeview Ten. The Produce Stakes winner produced an extremely flashy display on his way to a three parts of a length victory over the fast finishing Lenson Blinder. This was a display of raw early speed. Another Guilfoyle inmate, Cabra Firmino flashed from trap three to lead in the opening strides, but Grangeview Ten displayed incredible early speed to dash to the front before the corner. He was soon clear of his rivals and despite tiring on the way home he held off the advances of Lenson Blinder in 29.59sec.

Jennifer O’Donnell, daughter of the late legend Matt O’Donnell, sent out Scooby Doo It to win Heat 23 in front running fashion. The May ’17 whelp came home two lengths to the good in 29.69.sec

Both Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Arminta had been beaten at odds-on in Friday’s session, but Liam Dowling had better luck on this occasion recording a wonderful double with Ballymac Anton and Ballymac Trinkle.

The performance of Ballymac Anton was particularly significant as it marked a return to his best 2018 form. He was prominent in the early stages of Heat 16 before taking charge at the second turn. From there he raced on to a tremendous five and a quarter length victory over Toolmaker Daddy in a fast 29.37sec.

English Derby and Select Stakes runner-up Ballymac Tas was a 2-1 chance for Heat 18, but it was her early paced kennel mate Ballymac Trinkle that completed the Dowling double. Making every inch after a flying start, Trinkle saw off the 7-4 favourite Mucky Brae by three and a quarter lengths in 29.75sec.

The incredible Killmacdonagh continued her incredible run of form to capture Heat 15 despite the best efforts of the eye-catching Newinn Lester. Kieran Lynch’s Oaks and International winner Killmacdonagh shot from the inside box and dominated throughout. Newinn Lester did show big pace to stay in touch to the third turn, but from this point the odds-on favourite was simply too strong. Killmacdonagh eventually hit the line almost six lengths to the good in 29.39sec.

Fast Fit Act provided Gerry Holian with a winner in Heat 25. The strong runner led around the turn and held off the advances of Dromrich Altair to win by two lengths in 29.81sec.

The marathon session ended with Jirano Classic making a fine impression in Heat 26. Driving to the front on the turn he saw off last year’s Derby consolation winner Newhall Missile by a length and three parts in 29.88sec.

Manuka Man landed some hefty wagers in Heat 17. He displayed fine early dash to lead home Boylesports King in 29.85. Early speed was also the key to success for Eamon Doyle’s Monbeg Bakayoko as he made all to post 29.92 in Heat 22sec.

Monroe Mike gave the bookmakers something to cheer in Heat 24. A 10-1 chance at the off, he flew from boxes to make all in 29.94sec.



The full second round draw:

Friday, August 23rd

Heat 1

1 Lolos Bear

2 Ballymac Arminta

3 Newhall Missile

4 Doona Buck

5 Droopys Pension

6 Cash Is King (w)



Heat 2

1 Jumeirah Buddy

2 Macaroon Cruz

3 Razldazl Peaky

4 Lenson Austin (m)

5 Court Of Justice (w)

6 Highview Micro (w)



Heat 3

1 Pennylane Fionn

2 Ballymac Trinkle

3 Ballyanne Sim

4 Ballymac Syd

5 Tiger Reef (w)

6 Slippy Cian (w)



Heat 4

1 Rising Brandy

2 Jumeriah Sprite

3 Allaghaun River

4 Great Eastern

5 Harriestown Star

6 Our Surprise (m)



Heat 5

1 Wolfe

2 Deadly Dynamite

3 Fast Fit Act

4 Beatbytheboro

5 Toolmaker Me Dad

6 Seldom Wrong (w)



Heat 6

1 Deer Hunter

2 Howth Head

3 Sliabh Liag

4 Knight Rocker

5 Dromrich Antares (w)

6 Newinn Lester (w)



Heat 7

1 Ballymac Tas

2 Ballyhimikin Bolt

3 Cabra Firmino

4 Monroe Mike

5 Toolmaker Daddy (m)

6 Boylesports King (w)



Heat 8

1 Redzer Ardfert

2 Swift Shamrock

3 Lenson Blinder

4 Bakery Lane

5 Jaytee Spirit (w)

6 Ribchester (w)



Saturday, August 24th



Heat 9

1 Jirano Max

2 Jaytee Storm

3 Mucky Brae

4 Murts Boher

5 Winetavern Don

6 Vaguely Noble (m)



Heat 10

1 Braveheart Bobby

2 Sophies Man

3 Newinn Hero

4 Ballydoyle Valor

5 Totos Park (m)

6 Worseforwear (w)



Heat 11

1 Droopys Neymar

2 Killmacdonagh

3 Manuka Man

4 Magical Bale

5 Vic Vega

6 Lenson Bocko (w)



Heat 12

1 Choctaw Fantasy

2 Monbeg Bakayoko

3 Catunda Logan

4 Grangeview Ten

5 Scooby Doo It

6 Ardfert Rooster (w)



Heat 13

1 Run Happy

2 Lebudgiesmuggler

3 Sign On Aki (m)

4 Jaytee Tornado (w)

5 Ripley Lad (w)

6 Droopys Legend (w)



Heat 14

1 Ballymac Anton

2 Courthouse King

3 Laughil Josh

4 Pudgie Budgie (m)

5 Fainne Chiarrai (w)

6 Jaytee Taylor (w)



Heat 15

1 Music Toour Ears

2 Jirano Classic

3 Ravenswood Hugo

4 Swanley Flight (w)

5 Ballymac Cooper (w)

6 Dromrich Altair (w)



Heat 16

1 Manaslu Camolin

2 Trickys Dumbo

3 Blue East

4 Deadly Expert

5 Ballyhimikin Jet (m)

6 Droopys Hunch (w)

[BVADMIN]

The second round continues Friday and Saturday

Wolfe expected to keep howling his Derby case


The Saturday 21 September final will be shown live by RPGTV....

Blog by Sarah Kinsella of BoyleSports


IF Carlsberg did first round heats, then the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby would have been the best first round heats in the world. From 156 into 96, 16 heats will take place this weekend and they can’t come quick enough.

Friday night’s first round heats were not as bad for us as anticipated after odds-on shots Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Arminta failed to win. Saturday however saw seven favourites oblige including the popular Wolfe, Killmacdonagh, Magical Bale and Lenson Bocko. We had to cut Wolfe into 7/1 from 16/1 following his 29.22sec win, making him the new ante post favourite in what has proved to be an incredibly hot and exciting Derby.

Earlier last week we began to see money for a puppy called Deadly Dynamite, trained by Karol Ramsbottom. BoyleSports gradually cut his price into 6/4 from 5/2 and he obliged for punters after a stunning 29.59sec win. His outright price is now 25/1 from 33/1 and should this progressive type keep breaking like he did on Friday, his initial 40/1 will have proven serious value.

Drama, thrills, spills, tears, shocks and career bests, this Derby already has everything, and we are only into the second round! There were 11 ‘Money Back if second to the SP favourite’ refunds, four on Friday and seven on Saturday.

26 heats were completed over Friday and Saturday with too many top-class performances to talk about so I will go with my top five.

Number 1

You have guessed it, my number 1 choice is the magnificent WOLFE, who recorded the fastest time in the first round of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby in a scintillating 29.22sec. Wow. What a greyhound, what a run and what a way to kick off Saturday’s Derby action.

Wolfe has set the bar high and it was wonderful to see him produce such a stunning effortless victory having disappointed in the English Greyhound Derby earlier in the year. Graham Holland knows how good Wolfe is and having a dog like him makes his job a hell of a lot easier to get out of bed for in the morning.

We cut the price on Wolfe into 7/1 from 16/1. Sure, it does sound drastic but when you see a dog perform like that in the first round of the Derby on just his 22nd career start, you would be jumping on the bandwagon to back him too. 7/1 is still a thrilling price when you consider he done a faster time than Ballyanne Sim last year when he won the Derby in 29.28sec. Step forward Wolfe, you are the star performer of the week, and possibly the year so keep howling through the rounds.

Number 2

My second favourite moment from the first-round heats is an obvious choice in Killmacdonagh. Kieran Lynch is not only a savage trainer, but a lovely man and I had the pleasure of interviewing him after Killmacdonagh won the 2019 Sporting Press Oaks here back in June recording 28.17sec. You could see the love Kieran has for this bitch as tears were building up in his eyes. She is only 65 lbs but she is as good as any dog in this Derby.

Her CV is what the others aim for, the Cork Oaks and track record holder, Sporting Press Oaks, Dundalk International and now the second favourite for the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby at 10/1 from 20/1. This daughter of Zero Ten – Deercrest Lady clocked 29.39sec on Saturday night after a cracking start wearing the red jacket. She went from off the rails into the middle so hopefully she can keep breaking that fast if she keeps getting the inside draw. Newinn Lester done well in second place but there was no stopping the great Killmacdonagh with the odds on a bitch winning the Derby now 4/1 from 5/1.

Number 3

Run Happy is my third choice for so many reasons. The main reason is that I have had my eye on this dog for a few months now with his BoyleSports Champion Stakes effort his best form to date. He recorded a 3.34sec split that night when leading everywhere bar the line after Ballymac Arminta caught him coming home in 29.31sec, so he was always going to be a massive Derby contender.

On Friday evening I headed up to Ian Fortune in his tiny little hideaway where he works his commentary magic from, as did his late father Michael. I recorded Ian doing what he does best on Run Happy’s heat where he was 4/6 favourite. He justified his favouritism as he won in 29.50sec but it was awesome watching Ian doing the commentary as it is always nice to see the work that goes on behind the scenes. It was great to see Pat Buckley get a winner as he had some bad luck earlier in the night with Burgess Bucks.

Run Happy will go far with that lovely early boot he has and is now 16/1 from 20/1 to win Pat another Derby title.

Number 4

My beloved and all-time favourite Magical Bale. I love this dog, I love his big heart and his powerful pace. His trainer Patrick Guilfoyle has a wonderful kennel of greyhounds at the moment and he is always a trainer who you have to fear in a competition.

Magical Bale was second in the Derby last year and second in this year’s English Greyhound Derby, when trained by Kevin Hutton. This dog just takes it all in his stride and I was thrilled to see him win his first round in 29.62sec, beating his kennel companion Laughil Josh. Bale is still 16/1 in the ante post book and has a tricky heat and draw to overcome this weekend from trap four. I will say a prayer for you Bale but all you need to do is finish in the first three. You can worry about finishing 1st in our final.

Number 5

This time last year Jaytee Taylor won the first round of the Irish Derby in 29.46sec by eight lengths after a 3.46sec split. He then won the next two rounds, followed by second place in both the quarter and semi-finals. He was sixth in the 2018 final but beaten less than five lengths.

He had a wee break then and went over to the 2019 English Greyhound Derby at Nottingham where he made the semi-finals and actually beat the eventual winner and his kennel buddy Priceless Blake in an earlier round.

From the end of June until the start of August, Paul Hennessy took things handy with the star and then, just like this time last year, Taylor comes out and wins the first round of the 2019 Derby in 29.72sec with the sweetness of beating last year’s winner Ballyanne Sim by a head.

It was the most exciting race for me as Taylor came from off the pace like he always does to grind down the early and consistent leader Ballyanne Sim. We went best price on Sim at 7/2 with Taylor a short 2/5. There wasn’t much in it at the finish between the pair but both dogs needed the run and will definitely improve heading into the second round this weekend.

Taylor has a special place in people’s hearts as he has a huge engine and his determination is remarkable. He is still 14/1 to win the Derby for the 2007 winning handler Paul Hennessy.


So there you have my top five moments, the updated ante post prices are below and I will be back on later in the week with a look forward to the second round and what my fancies are. Head over to my Twitter account @boylesportssk to keep an eye on any competitions I’ll be running for your chance to win some tickets to any of the heats for the 2019 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

Sarah x

BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby betting
7 Wolfe
10 Killmacdonagh
14 Jaytee Taylor
14 Ballymac Anton
14 Ballymac Cooper
14 Lenson Bocko
16 Ballymac Arminta
16 Run Happy
16 Magical Bale
16 Lenson Blinder
20 Grangeview Ten
25 Deadly Dynamite
25 Slippy Cian
25 Droopys Hunch
25 Ballyhimikin Jet
25 Mucky Brae
33 Cabra Firmino
33 Ballymac Tas
33 Boylesports King
40 Trickys Dumbo
40 Ballyanne Sim
40 Toolmaker Me Dad
40 Jaytee Tornado
40 Sophies Man
40 Deadly Expert
40 Laughil Josh
50 bar these



Key event dates:

Second Round – Friday, August 23rd & Saturday, August 24th
Third Round – Saturday, August 31st
Quarter Finals – Saturday, September 7th
Semi Finals – Saturday, September 14th
Final – Saturday, September 21st

Incentives:

€3,000 to last bitch standing. This is confined to bitches competing in the event regardless of where they have travelled from. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last owner trained greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that are owner trained only. Any greyhound who is with an agent or private/public trainer do not qualify for this incentive. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last syndicate owned greyhound standing. This is confined to syndicate owned greyhounds regardless of their training status. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last Trial Stake greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that have entered the Irish Greyhound Derby via qualification through the BoyleSports Derby Trial Stakes. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

[BVADMIN]

The second round continues Friday and Saturday

Money for Great Eastern in Friday's heat foursize]

BY SARAH KINSELLA


The Saturday 21 September final will be shown live by RPGTV

Blog by Sarah Kinsella of BoyleSports

Great Eastern 2/1 From 11/4 For Third Round Spot


Martin Lanney from Slane, Co Meath, is no stranger to winning on the big stage. He won the Dundalk Sprint Cup with Johnny Gatillo back in 2007 and the Oaks at Shelbourne Park with Forest Natalee in 2017. The Derby is a race that is yet to land on his impressive CV but Great Eastern could change all that.

He might not be the flashiest greyhound in this year’s BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby or even the fastest, but the way he ran on Friday in the first round was good as he skipped around in 29.62sec beating the awesome Ballymac Cooper. It’s no surprise to see that punters are latching onto Great Eastern to win heat four this Friday with his price trimmed into 2/1 from 11/4 in heat 4 following a 17.23sec sectional to the third bend.

This dog is owned by Martin’s father Seamus Lanney and he should book his place in the third round this weekend with a repeat performance. His outright price is 66/1 from 100/1.
The epic 10/1 first heat winner from round one runs here from trap three - Allaghaun River for John Lenihan who is from the border of Kerry and Limerick. John assured me he is a Limerick supporter and was thrilled with his dog winning in 29.46sec recording the fastest clock of the night. He is just 10/3 now for this heat and he is not without a chance.

We have the wonderful Ballymac Arminta to look forward to in heat 1 of the second round and this Liam Dowling bitch is not surprisingly the 8/13 favourite. Arminta is also 16/1 from 20/1 in the outright despite her below par performance last week finishing second behind Droopys Hunch in 29.51sec. We know she is capable of 29.12 having recorded that in the BoyleSports Champion Stakes last month in the semi-final and she can also fly from the traps with a 3.34 split. Arminta will get things off to a flying start for the favourite backers if she brings her top form with her. If Droopys Pension in trap five can overcome the draw, then he will run a big race at 7/2.

Heat 3 looks a cracking heat but also a very tough one. We make Slippy Cian the 4/5 favourite as he faces his old Derby friend and 2018 champion, Ballyanne Sim. Sim is 9/4 and runs from trap three but he loves the rails. The last time he raced from trap three around this circuit resulted in him grabbing fourth place in the first round of the Derby last year. Sim is consistent and always flies from the traps but trap one Pennylane Fionn (10/1) was forced to move off the rails last week in a race that Sim was in as he cut right across her for the rails. To add more confusion, heat winner Ballymac Trinkle is in trap two and she also flies out. I think this race will be ran to suit Slippy Cian so based on that, he gets my vote here. He was second to Deadly Dynamite, but Cian was doing 29.32sec this time last year, won on the Night of Stars, won the Race of Champions and is an all-round versatile, genuine, fast and consistent greyhound with 18 wins from 34.

The amazing Wolfe is 2/5 to win heat 5 so there is no surprise there. He did 29.22sec last week and a 17.07 sectional to the third bend. The most exciting thing to add to this heat is that Deadly Dynamite (7/2) is in trap two. Dynamite did 17.25 to win in 29.59sec which is phenomenal for a young dog. He has plenty to find on Wolfe on times for sure but it should be a good battle and I can’t wait for it.

Newinn Lester is 10/11 from Even money to land heat 6 and I can’t see him being beaten really. He did well behind Killmacdonagh in the first round as she was never going to be passed. He has 28.05sec around HQ for the 525 yards trip and is lightly raced for a 3-year old. Puppy Derby runner-up Sliabh Liag led all the way last week but failed to hold on towards the line. She can lead again here but Newinn Lester should prove strong for these.

Ballymac Tas has 27.97sec in Limerick and was the 6/4 favourite for the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial. She is the 2/1 favourite in heat 7 and I’m going to go against her. She can sometimes give herself too much work to do and although she has a much better draw in trap one, I like Cabra Firmino in trap three for Patrick Guilfoyle at 9/4. He was second to Grangeview Ten who had the fastest sectional of 17.04 so based on that it’s hard to see past Cabra here as he should take up the early lead. He might not stay the best; that’s the only negative and that is where Boylesports King (10/3) in trap six could come into the picture as he will be flying home.

Heat 8 is all about the super cool Lenson Blinder at 8/13. This dog just oozes talent. He got to the Derby quarter finals last year, beat Magical Bale in one of the rounds in 29.39sec, won on the Night of Stars, was in the 600 final here, the Easter Cup final and the Leger final. Not bad at all. He ran on strong behind Grangeview Ten last week after a slight bump when they came out of traps and he would have appreciated the run too. Lenson to add another one to the punters’ list and Redzer Ardfert in trap one (5/1) to qualify.

Macaroon Cruz has been made the 9/4 favourite in heat 2 for Graham Holland who also trains trap four here, Lenson Austin. There is just one heat winner in this heat which is Highview Micro and the Gerry Meriman dog is 3/1 here. Macaroon Cruz is always running in top company and was lucky to get through as one of the fastest fourth place finishers. For me, it’s 5/2 chance Jumeirah Buddy in trap one for Gerry Holian. He led all the way last week and was denied victory by a short head in 29.70sec to the six-bend pro and shock winner Redzer Ardfert. Jumeirah can set the pace again here and just hold on.

Friday form
HERE

Saturday form
HERE

Sarah’s Picks for Friday

Ballymac Arminta 8/13
Jumeirah Buddy 5/2
Sippy Cian 4/5
Great Eastern 2/1
Wolfe 2/5
Newinn Lester 10/11
Cabra Firmino 9/4
Lenson Blinder 8/13

Link to Friday night’s 2nd round betting:
HERE

[BVADMIN]

The third round (last 48) is next Saturday


Irish Derby second round concludes on Saturday night.....

BY SARAH KINSELLA
The Saturday 21 September final will be shown live by RPGTV


The second batch of eight heats kick-off on Saturday evening at Shelbourne Park in the second round of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby. Ballymac Cooper is the shortest priced favourite at 1-2 with Grangeview Ten 4-6 and Run Happy 8-11 from 4-5.

Mucky Set to Clean Up

To kick off the heats Mucky Brae is the 11-8 favourite in heat nine for Michael J O’Donovan. This dog was 7-4 last week but failed to oblige for his punters after Ballymac Trinkle skipped around in 29.75sec. Mucky can clean up his act here and with 28.09sec around this circuit for the 525 yards trip, the 11-8 looks good value.

He showed nice pace last week in the opening round and is trained by one of the country’s best. Jaytee Storm could set the pace here and also has done 29.64sec for this trip earlier in the month so it would be unwise to rule her out at 3-1.

Peter Cronin 1-2

Worseforwear was good last week when he posted a 29.59sec victory with 3.39 and 17.26 sectionals. With just 11 races on his card, he has won six of them and could land Peter Cronin his first BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby with 20-1 available on Cronin to train this year’s champion.

Worseforwear is 50-1 in the outright betting but is just 15-8 to land heat 10 on Saturday from trap five. He was well supported in the opening round when backed into 6-4 but Sophies Man in trap two, who is another heat winner, could match his early boot with 5-2 available on his kennel companion. Graham Holland trains three runners here; Newinn Hero in trap three, Ballydoyle Valor in trap four and Totos Park in trap five but it looks like it could be a Cronin 1-2.

A Magical Heat

Heat 11 is the best heat over the two nights of action at Shelbourne Park with the heat winners Magical Bale (9-4) in trap four, Killmacdonagh (6-4) in two and Lenson Bocko (2-1) in six. There are five heat winners altogether in this race with Manuka Man in trap three and Vic Vega in five.

What a race this is going to be and although Magical Bale is too far out in trap four, he has the ability to lead here with his brilliant early. Patrick Guilfoyle bred this champ and has done a fantastic job with him along with Kevin Hutton, to make two Derby finals. He was runner-up in this Derby last year and the English Derby a few months back. He has style, experience and the talent to land this race but it won’t be easy as Killmacdonagh and Lenson Bocko also have cracking pace.

Patrick Guilfoyle’s Rising Star

Heat 12 is all about 4-6 shot Grangeview Ten who is also trained by Patrick Guilfoyle. He did 3.34 and 17.04 sectionals last week, the fastest of the Derby so far. He will be hard to beat in this four-dog race as trap one Choctaw Fantasy and Catunda Logan in trap three are non-runners. Heat winners Scooby Doo It (11-4) and Monbeg Bakayoko (10-3) have to improve and lead if they are going to deny Produce Stakes champ Grangeview Ten who is 20-1 from 25-1 in the outright betting.

Keep on Running, Happy

Run Happy looks well drawn in heat 13 for Pat Buckley and at odds of 8-11 he will be hard to beat. BoyleSports cut him from 4-5 and trimmed him into 16/1 from 20-1 in the ante post book following his wonderful win of 29.50sec last week. Lebudgiesmuggler was lucky to qualify as a fastest fourth. He might not stay the best, but he flies from traps and could race Run Happy up to the first turn. However, Run Happy has a 17.13 sectional and realistically should pull clear of his rivals.

Dowling’s Top Kennel

Ballymac Anton has had problems in the past and Liam Dowling has finally got him right with the patience paying off last weekend after a 29.37sec win. That was the second fastest time recorded in this year’s Derby behind Wolfe’s 29.22sec. Anton is 11-8 to win heat 14 and looks a progressive type who stays the trip too. Laughil Josh (7-2) in trap three and the mighty Jaytee Taylor (7-4) in trap six are massive dangers. You can never dismiss Taylor who will be picking up his rivals one by one from the back straight home. He caught 2018 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby champion Ballyanne Sim in 29.72sec last week so he can easily pick up whoever leads here too.

Cooper to Bounce Back

Ballymac Cooper is on a mission to win his seventh race from 11 starts in heat 15 from trap six. He is another star from Liam Dowling’s epic kennel and is just 1-2 to win from Music Toour Ears (4-1) in trap one and heat winner Jirano Classic (7-2) in trap two. It’s a five-dog race with Ravenswood Hugo a NR from trap three. Ballymac Cooper should land the spoils here after finishing second last week when he was 4-7 favourite. He has an enormous amount of pace and is 14-1 to win the competition.

Jet to Rocket Home

Ballyhimikin Jet is 5-4 to win heat 16 for Graham Holland. This flying machine is in plenty of people’s notebooks as he possesses a lot of speed. He stumbled at the traps last week in a race won by Lenson Bocko but he ran on well for second. Droopys Hunch (9-4) in trap six has to be feared as she won well in 29.51 and is perfectly drawn here but it’s all about Jet in trap five.

Saturday's Hotpot

4-1 – ALL TO WIN
Grangeview Ten (Tp4-8:57pm)
Run Happy (Tp1-9:12pm)
Ballymac Cooper (Tp5-9:42pm)

Saturday form

Key event dates:

Third Round – Saturday, August 31st
Quarter Finals – Saturday, September 7th
Semi Finals – Saturday, September 14th
Final – Saturday, September 21st

Incentives:

€3,000 to last bitch standing. This is confined to bitches competing in the event regardless of where they have travelled from. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two bitches are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last owner trained greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that are owner trained only. Any greyhound who is with an agent or private/public trainer do not qualify for this incentive. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last syndicate owned greyhound standing. This is confined to syndicate owned greyhounds regardless of their training status. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved.

€2,000 to last Trial Stake greyhound standing. This is confined to greyhounds that have entered the Irish Greyhound Derby via qualification through the BoyleSports Derby Trial Stakes. Placings will decide winner (4th/5th/6th) times will not be taken into account. If two greyhounds that meet the criteria are eliminated at the same stage and have same placing the pot will be halved

[BVADMIN]

AT SHELBOURNE SATURDAY 24/8/19::::



ON a night when there were many fine performances in the concluding second round heats of the BoyleSports Irish Derby, Killmacdonagh’s victory over Magical Bale and Lenson Bocko was the performance that will live long in the memory, writes Ian Fortune.

Already established as one of the fastest bitches to ever grace Shelbourne Park, Killmacdonagh was devastating as she displayed awesome pace to get the better of her two high-profile rivals down the back straight.

Magical Bale flew from traps to dictate the pace but Lenson Bocko showed fine speed to challenge off the second turn. As the front two bumped, Killmacdonagh made her move. The Irish Oaks champ went to the front at halfway, holding Lenson Bocko into the third turn before racing right away on the run in for a four length verdict in 29.49sec. Magical Bale rallied to grab second late from the tiring Lenson Bocko.

After a disappointing evening on Friday, Liam Dowling would have been delighted to record a fine double with Ballymac Anton and Ballymac Cooper. Anton was first into action in Heat 14 where he made every inch from an inside draw to stop the clock in 29.57sec. Jaytee Taylor was an eye-catching second in this contest, while Ballymac Cooper was forced to pull out all the stops by Music Toour Ears in Heat 15.

The latter set a strong pace to the third turn, at which point Ballymac Cooper moved to the front. Despite tiring on the run in, Ballymac Cooper held on by a half length from a rallying Music Toour Ears in 29.49sec.

Pat Guilfoyle’s Grangeview Ten is looking every inch a Derby challenger and he displayed awesome early dash again to post a fastest of the night 29.41sec in the three-dog Heat 12. Making every inch, clocking an incredible 16.94sec to the third turn, the Produce Stakes winner saw off Monbeg Bakayoko by four lengths.

Next fastest was the hugely talented Droopys Hunch. Not two years of age until next month, the Murt Leahy-trained bitch maintained her unbeaten record in the competition with a superb display of front running in the final heat. Going clear of her rivals to halfway, she held the late charge of Ballyhimikin Jet by two and a half lengths in 29.43sec.

There was real drama and a little controversy in Heat 13 where Jaytee Tornado was suspended for fighting after coming from out of the clouds to collar long-time leader Run Happy on the line. Jaytee Tornado was six lengths down at halfway but he joined and interfered with the leader in the final strides before taking the verdict by a head in 29.59sec.

Fourth-placed Ripley Lad, under Irish rules, was promoted to take Jaytee Tornado's place.

Graham Holland had a one-two in Heat 10 as Totos Park displayed a clean pair of heels to his rivals in a comfortable five length victory over Ballydoyle Valor in 29.67sec.

Mucky Brae took the opening heat of the night when repelling the persistent challenge of Winetavern Don. He made a decisive move at the third turn, forcing Winetavern Don out of his way before going on to score by a length in 29.62sec.

[BVADMIN]

Third round draw for next Saturday, August 31:

Heat 1
1 Jumeriah Buddy
2 Run Happy
3 Winetavern Don
4 Ballyhimikin Jet (m)
5 Lenson Bocko (w)
6 Jaytee Taylor (w)

Heat 2
1 Allaghaun River
2 Ballymac Anton
3 Scooby Doo It
4 Sophies Man
5 Boylesports King (w)
6 Slippy Cian (w)

Heat 3
1 Deadly Dynamite
2 Lolos bear
3 Sliabh Liag
4 Great Eastern
5 Music Toour Ears
6 Droopys Pension

Heat 4
1 Lenson Blinder
2 Murts Boher
3 Totos Park (m)
4 Tiger Reef (w)
5 Droopys Hunch (w)
6 Cash Is King (w)

Heat 5
1 Laughil Josh
2 Grangeview Ten
3 Wolfe
4 Toolmaker Daddy (m)
5 Court Of Justice (w)
6 Dromrich Altair (w)

Heat 6
1 Cabra Firmino
2 Killmacdonagh
3 Toolmaker Me Dad
4 Ballymac Cooper (w)
5 Ribchester (w)
6 Ripley Lad (w)

Heat 7
1 Magical Bale
2 Knight Rocker
3 Sign On Aki (m)
4 Our Surprise (m)
5 Newinn Lester (w)
6 Jaytee Spirit (w)

Heat 8
1 Mucky Brae
2 Monbeg Bakayoko
3 Ballydoyle Valor
4 Ballyanne Sim
5 Deadly Expert
6 Highview Micro (w)

[BVADMIN]

Killmacdonagh, seen after her Oaks win, is now Derby favourite



BoyleSports make Killmacdonagh 6-1 Irish Derby favourite


Killmacdonagh, 6s from 10-1, is new BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Favourite

Magical Bale 10s from 16-1


Press release from BoyleSports


There are now 48 girls and guys remaining in the BoyleSorts Irish Greyhound Derby at HQ with the ante post market seeing a huge change with top bitch Killmacdonagh the new 6/1 favourite, cut from 10/1.

Cork man Kieran Lynch and his tremendous superstar stole the show at HQ on Saturday night as the Dundalk International champion landed her 18th victory in 29.45 in a performance that was nothing short of sensational.

The Cork and Shelbourne Park Oaks winner won the first round of the derby beating the boys in 29.39sec. She then came out again in the second round to run past the leader Magical Bale down the back straight with great ease to take up the lead at the third turn for a four-length victory.

Magical Bale has been trimmed into 10s having ran so well to overcome a tricky draw from trap four. Patrick Guilfoyle’s kennel star is only starting to get going and will improve as the Derby goes with a bonus of him securing trap one in the third round, the trap he won from in the opening round when making all in 29.62.

Wolfe was dramatically cut into 7-1 from 16s after his epic 29.22sec victory in the opening round but he failed to follow that up with a win in the second round. Wolfe was beaten two lengths by Toolmaker Me Dad in 29.60sec who remains unbeaten in this Derby. As a result, Wolfe has been eased out to 8-1 and Toolmaker Me Dad is 25s from 40-1.

It was a good night for Liam Dowling as Ballymac Cooper was an impressive heat winner in the second round as he tracked down Music Toour Ears, who returned to form, and led early wearing the red jacket. Cooper had a mission to complete however and he got up on the line by half a length in 29.49sec justifying his short odds of 4-9. BoyleSports have cut his odds into 10-1 from 14s as he joins Magical Bale as the joint third favourite.

It was a lovely double on the card for Dowling as Ballymac Anton won heat 14 comfortably by three lengths in 29.57sec, 20 spots off his clock from the week previous. Anton is a fabulous big fawn 81 lbs dog with his price now 12s from 14-1. Jaytee Taylor was unable to catch Anton but he had plenty of ground to make up as usual. Taylor has also been trimmed into 12s. Laughil Josh who ran on well is 40-1, cut from 66s.

The amazing Grangeview Ten has serious early pace and he went even faster to the third bend than last week with a 16.94sec sectional recorded, which is the fastest so far in this competition. The Patrick Guilfoyle-trained talent has been slashed into 12s from 20-1 following his 29.41sec victory on Saturday in a three-dog race, improving almost three lengths on his opening round win.

Droopys Pension caught the eye on Friday night after he won heat one in 29.44sec beating the 4-7 favourite Ballymac Arminta, who was eliminated. Pension won’t be retiring anytime soon with his odds now 20s from 25-1. Trained by John A. Linehan, this black beauty is bred by top sprinter Quietly and is one to keep an eye on.

Droopys Hunch trained by Murt ‘Sexy’ Leahy was awesome when landing the concluding heat of the second round in 29.43sec. Hunch doesn’t turn two until next month with a bright future in store for her. Her odds have been cut into 16s from 25-1 as she held off a challenge from the fast Ballyhimikin Jet, who ran on well.

Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “What a stunning completion to the second round of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby with Killmacdonagh impressing the most. Her odds are now 6-1 from 10-1 which makes her the new favourite over 8-1 shot Wolfe. The third-round prices will be available Monday with another thrilling weekend of action expected at Shelbourne Park this Saturday with eight fantastic heats."

Third round draw for next Saturday, August 31:
See full form HERE

[SALFORD GIRL]

Graham Holland has five though to the last 24


Third round Shelbourne treble for Holland and double for Guilfoyle



THERE was incredible drama in the third round of the Boylesports Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night and sadly, on a night of many brilliant performances, the main talking point centred around the shenanigans in Heat 5 where Laughil Josh nearly caused a serious incident after turning back up the track following a fall at the turn, writes Ian Fortune.

Thankfully, no greyhound was hurt and it was Grangeview Ten, a kennel companion to Laughil Josh that actually came out on top. Grangeview Ten and Wolfe dominated the betting in this heat and the race was shaping up like a straight match into the corner as Grangeview Ten led his rival.

Laughil Josh was on the inside, however, and this set up an unfortunate sequence of events. Grangeview Ten continued to dictate into the back straight but Laughil Josh got up the inner of Wolfe and the pair bumped.

As they approached the second turn, Laughil Josh seemed to lose his footing and he brought down both Wolfe and Court Of Justice. Wolfe and Court Of Justice got up immediately and galloped after the leaders, although it was clear their Derby challenge was over.

Unfortunately, Laughil Josh got up and turned the wrong way. Grangeview Ten led both Toolmaker Daddy and Dromrich Altair into the straight but they were met by Laughil Josh. Grangeview Ten largely ignored his kennel companion but Toolmaker Daddy certainly didn’t.

He checked up, losing second spot in the process. At the line Grangeview Ten had a length and a half to spare over Dromrich Altair in 29.82 secwhile Toolmaker Daddy was third. Luckily, the incident didn’t cost any of the front three a place in the quarter finals but it could have been so much worse.

Graham Holland had a mixed night, although his three winners may make up for the disappointment of Wolfe. The highlight was undoubtedly the display of Lenson Bocko in the opening heat as he saw off a brilliant line-up with ease.

The brilliant young tracker shot from trap five and quickly moved clear. Jumeirah Buddy was his nearest pursuer throughout but never looked a threat. Lenson Bocko raced on to a sensational five length success in 29.27sec, the fastest of the night. Jaytee Taylor was a big-name elimination in this contest after finding plenty of traffic.

Holland also claimed the second heat as Slippy Cian held the late charge of the hugely promising Boylesports King. Slippy Cian was headed to the turn by Allaghaun River but was in front by the second turn as the latter was clipped from behind.

Once going clear Slippy Cian looked certain to run out a comfortable scorer but Boylesports King kept him honest and at the line only a length separated the pair in 29.41sec.

Holland completed his hat trick in Heat 4 as Murts Boher finally opened his Shelbourne account.

His kennel companion Lenson Blinder was favourite for this contest but was flat-footed in the early yards despite making a fast start. In contrast Murts Boher was in the firing line at the turn and, with the inside line in his favour, moved into a clear lead as they entered the back. Lenson Blinder flew home to grab second, but there was no catching Larry O’Rourke’s Murts Boher who went on to score by a length and a half in 29.61sec.

Magical Bale produced a trademark display of professionalism in Heat 7 as he reminded all present that he is still a major player in the competition. He flashed from the inside box and raced clear of his rivals throughout to beat Knight Rocker by five lengths in 29.46, completing a double for Pat Guilfoyle in the process.

Killmacdonagh also continued her brilliant run of form in Heat 6, although she seemed likely to end her winning sequence when turning only fourth into the back straight. Brilliant youngster Ballymac Cooper led into the third turn and seemed likely to add to last week’s success, but Killmacdonagh is exceptionally strong and once going third at halfway she was never going to be far away.

The Oaks champion flew up the home straight to collar Ballymac Cooper in the final yards for a head verdict in 29.61sec.

Droopys Pension maintained his unbeaten record in the competition in Heat 3 despite making a tardy start. He was racing in the stripes and was left with the room of Shelbourne Park after Music Toour Ears cut straight inwards from trap five. In the end Droopys Pension made the turn quite comfortably and then raced on to a five length verdict over the aforementioned Music Toour Ears in 29.65sec.

The round ended with Mucky Brae making all from an ideal draw in the fence. Defending champion Ballyanne Sim was a casualty in this contest after he took a bump at boxes and failed to recover. Instead Mucky Brae shot into a clear lead and dug in to contain the late challenge of Highview Micro by a length in 29.59sec.



Draw for Saturday’s quarter finals:

Heat 1

1 Run Happy
2 Grangeview Ten
3 Deadly Dynamite
4 Dromrich Altair (w)
5 Highview Micro (w)
6 Lenson Bocko (w)



Heat 2

1 Sophies Man
2 Jumeirah Buddy
3 Knight Rocker
4 Mucky Brae
5 Boylesports King (w)
6 Ballymac Cooper (w)



Heat 3

1 Magical Bale
2 Ballydoyle Valor
3 Killmacdonagh
4 Cabra Firmino
5 Droopys Pension
6 Slippy Cian (w)



Heat 4

1 Music Toour Ears
2 Lenson Blinder
3 Murts Boher
4 Toolmaker Daddy
5 Our Surprise (m)
6 Cash Is King (w)

[BVADMIN]

[SALFORD GIRL]

YOU could be forgiven for thinking you were watching a series of replays at Shelbourne Park on Saturday evening as three of the four quarter-finals of the BoyleSports Derby bore a striking resemblance to the winner’s third round victories, writes Ian Fortune.

Lenson Bocko was the prime example. The new Derby favourite was understandably installed an odds-on favourite for the opening heat and he duly obliged. And he did so in almost identical fashion to seven days earlier.

Breaking fast, the Graham Holland-trained superstar displayed awesome early dash to put the race to bed by halfway. Run Happy gave gallant chase throughout, but it was futile. Lenson Bocko was on his way to retaining his position at the head of the outright betting.

Staying on well, the brilliant son of Droopys Jet emerged an easy seven and a half length scorer in 29.27sec, the exact time he posted in the third round. Run Happy held the advancing Deadly Dynamite to take second by a head.

Holland later completed a quarter-final double as Murts Boher repeated his third round victory in the final heat. Remarkably, he also posted an identical time to his previous success when coming home ahead of Our Surprise in 29.61sec.

Predictably Music Toour Ears shot up the fence to set the pace but he was always under severe pressure when Murts Boher turned a close second despite taking a bump on the turn. By halfway Murts Boher was on terms and he asserted into the third turn.

At this point Our Surprise went second and stayed on well as runner-up, but there was no stopping Murts Boher as he held on by three parts of a length. Music Toour Ears dug in deep to contain Lenson Blinder for third.

Magical Bale also produced a strikingly similar display to seven days earlier to win the red-hot third heat. The popular Pat Guilfoyle-trained dog flew from traps and held the advancing Droopys Pension into the corner to enter the back straight with almost two lengths in hand.

Once doing so he was always in the driving seat. Ballydoyle Valor did finish fast to get to within three parts of a length although Magical Bale never looked threatened as he crossed the line three parts of a length to the good in 29.35.sec Killmacdonagh overcame traffic problems to take third and keep her Derby dream alive.

The remaining heat saw the Peter Cronin-trained Sophies Man produce the performance of his career to claim his place in the semi finals. He was prominent into the turn although Mucky Brae held a narrow lead.

Sophies Man wouldn’t give up his rails pitch, however, and he drove through to lead the field into the back straight. Increasing his lead into the third turn, he eventually went on to see off the fast finishing Boylesports King by two lengths in 29.45. Mucky Brae got the better of Ballymac Cooper to take third.


Later, Worseforwear was fastest in the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate for the second week running in turn initiating an event double for Peter Cronin, who later won the final heat with Da Head Hunter.

Worseforwear led in the final stride to deny long-time leader Blue East by a short head in 29.44sec, while Da Head Hunter led from the opening turn in a three length victory over Manuka Man in 29.77sec.

Graham Holland had the first two home in the second heat with Macaroon Cruz upsetting his more fancied kennel companion Clonbrien Prince. Elite Black set the pace but faded close home, leaving Macaroon Cruz to score by a length in 29.56sec.

The remaining heat went to Jirano Classic as hot favourite Clona Blaze tired to finish third. Jirano Classic was second for much of the way before taking over on the run in to beat the fast finishing Boleys Fella by three parts of a length in 29.80sec.

Key event dates:

Semi Finals – Saturday, September 14th
Final – Saturday, September 21st

[BVADMIN]

[SALFORD GIRL]

[BVADMIN]

THERE may have been only two semi-finals of the BoyleSports Derby at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night but there were three winners and even more remarkable was the fact that all three posted an identical time, writes Ian Fortune.

Lenson Bocko justified his billing as the one to beat in this year’s competition with another foot-perfect display, although the real drama came in the second semi with the judge failing to separate Mucky Brae and Our Surprise.

Lenson Bocko was understandably installed a 4-7 chance to continue his march through the competition and he again produced an incredible display of acceleration to dominate from the outset.

Deadly Dynamite, despite moving off the fence, raced a close second in the opening yards and was just two lengths behind Lenson Bocko on the turn. Lenson Bocko increased his lead to three lengths into the back straight and it was clear he was on his way to another faultless victory.

The race for the remaining qualifying spots was an altogether different story, however. Run Happy, who had been been bumped from the rear, was far from finished with and he unleashed a massive turn of pace to shoot up the inside of Deadly Dynamite at the third turn to go second. Meanwhile, after taking a hefty bump on the turn and clipping heels with the dog in front of him at the second turn, Boylesports King looked dead and buried at the tail of the field.

Boylesports King moved fifth between the last two bends but still had a mountain to climb. Lenson Bocko duly raced to an emphatic three and a half length verdict over Run Happy in 29.32sec, while Boylesports King arrived with a rush to grab third of a tiring Deadly Dynamite.

15 minutes later Mucky Brae and Our Surprise served up a thriller, although the failure of Magical Bale to land a blow was also a major talking point. It was widely accepted that Mucky Brae faced the worst draw of the 12 semi-finalists, but a lighting fast start from two put a stop to any such thoughts.

In contrast Magical Bale missed the start and his Derby challenge came to an end when his kennel companion cut inwards from trap three to bump him in the early exchanges. He found further traffic as Ballydoyle Valor cut the corner.

Our Surprise was last to hit the ground at traprise, but he flew up the outside and ran a tremendous bend to turn second, while Ballydoyle Valor turned third ahead of Killmacdonagh.

The race was now on for all three qualifying spots. Mucky Brae entered the back straight with two and a half lengths to spare and held that lead passing halfway before Our Surprise started to close the gap into the third turn. Behind the front two, Ballydoyle Valor was holding Killmacdonagh.

As you would expect, Our Surprise continued to come at Mucky Brae on the run in and the pair flashed past the post together, stopping the clock in 29.32sec. The photo couldn’t separate the front two and a dead-heat was declared.

A further four and a half lengths adrift, the race for third was also a close run thing with Killmacdonagh finally mastering Ballydoyle Valor in the final strides by a head.

The draw for Saturday’s final:
(with BoyleSports' odds)

1 Killmacdonagh 4-1
2 Run Happy 12-1
3 Mucky Brae 4-1
4 Our Surprise (m) 9-1
5 Lenson Bocko (w) 8-11
6 Boylesports King (w) 10-1

Link to form for the Shelbourne finals

Also on the Shelbourne card, Graham Holland recorded a tremendous double in the semi finals of the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate. Blue East led from the outset, avoiding traffic to win the second heat by four and a half lengths from Manuka Man in 29.59sec.

The opening heat was also a messy affair with Jirano Classic and Da Head Hunter coming together between the last two bends, leaving Macaroon Cruz to take advantage. He went on to score by three and a half lengths from Dromrich Antares in 29.91sec.

The draw for the final:
1 Blue East
2 Clonbrien Prince
3 Manuka Man
4 Macaroon Cruz
5 Boleys Fella (w)
6 Dromrich Antares (w)

[BVADMIN]