SAPPHIRE IS IN CLASS OF OWEN
THE Owen McKenna-trained
Susie Sapphire became the first bitch since 1999 to win the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby last Saturday, and did so in superior fashion.
Owned by Peter Comerford, this speedy lady became the first bitch to win the Irish Oaks/ Derby double, as well as clocking the fastest- ever time recorded in the race in 29.18.
She became the first greyhound since 2009 to go unbeaten in the competition, and all before she turns two in November.
It was an outstanding result for the industry, with this year’s Derby one that will be talked about for many years to come.
As one Derby finishes, another starts, with the second round of the SIS Juvenile Derby at HQ this evening, with Serene Ace the 5/1 ante- post favourite with BoyleSports to claim the € 20,000 prize.
This Mark O’Donovantrained youngster really caught the eye last week in the opening round, with a blistering 28.11 over the
525-yards trip.
Strong
Serene Ace narrowly getting my vote ahead of the bitches.
Con Guiney has a very special dog in Feora Chris, with his outright odds at 8/1. He has won seven of his eight races showing beautiful early pace. He clocked 28.29 in the opening round, so is the one to beat in Race 7. The BoyleSports Derby Trial Stake winner, Re Sure, in trap six, qualified last week in fourth place after meeting some traffic problems, so he can’t be dismissed here for trainer Martin Lanney.
A chance can be taken on Russian Glory in Race 8 from trap five for trainer Graham Holland, while the exciting Coolavanny Duke is the one to beat in Race 9 for Mark O’Donovan, who has a tremendous kennel.
Race 10 will be all about Crokers Spirit for Matthew Harte, who won his heat in 28.34.
Ballyhimikin Pip was well backed last week when winning in 28.33 for Graham Holland. She pulled away from her rivals to win by six lengths, so she gets my vote in Race 12 if she can hold off the likes of Amidus Luke.
The Irish Laurels is kicking off at Curraheen Park with Good Cody the 6/1 ante- post favourite. This Patrick Guilfoyle- trained star clocked 20.86 over the 400-yards race in Dundalk when winning the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup, so is hard to dismiss if taking to this southern track.
There are 12 heats to jump into, with Singalong Sally the one for me in Heat 3, the runner- up in the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby behind Susie Sapphire after running the race of her life. This Pat Buckleytrained black- and-white beauty wears the red jacket in this heat and will take all the beating.
Shelbourne Park
Race 6 – Trap 2 Serene Ace NAP Race 7 – Trap 2 Feora Chris Race 8 – Trap 5 Russian Glory Race 9 – Trap 2 Coolavanny Duke Race 10 – Trap 2 Crokers Spirit Race 11 – Trap 1 Lenson Johnnyboy
Race 12 – Trap 6 Ballyhimikin Pip Curraheen Park
Race 1 – Trap 1 Skywalker Barry Race 3 – Trap 1 Singalong Sally Race 4 – Trap 1 Ballymac Wild Race 7 – Trap 6 Epic News Race 9 – Trap 6 Rural Star Race 11 – Trap 5 Good Cody Race 12 – Trap 5 Coom Leo
This son of Scolari Me Daddy, Boleys Ace has won seven of his 10 starts and looks a promising prospect for owner Edmond Ryan. He races from trap two in Race 6, with his 1.98 split sure to see him take up the lead again here.
It’s a hot heat, with Droopys Gloss in trap three for Murt Leahy. This lady produced a fast 28.06 in her heat in winning by three lengths. She stays strong having won over the 550 yards in 29.32 recently, so she is one to keep an eye on.
Magical Mary is trap four is the bitch everyone has been talking about for Patrick Guilfoyle. This daughter of Droopys Jet, Mystical Moll won her first- ever race at Limerick Stadium last month in 28.10, with a solo trial at Shelbourne Park in 28.23. She is clearly a special lady with a bright future. Mary was slow away last week on her Dublin debut but ran on strong to grab a qualifying spot, so more is expected tonight.
Off The Pitch, in trap five, for Marie Gilbert is not without a chance either but was beaten fair and square last week by Droopys Gloss. It’s a top- class race with