‘MAC SETTING PACE AT SHELBOURNE...
THERE are two cracking heats of
The Shelbourne Open 600 to look forward to at HQ tonight with Ballymac Gizmo expected to produce another eye-catching display. With €15,000 up for grabs, this popular competition over 600 yards is the ultimate test of a greyhound’s speed and stamina.
Trained by Kerry man Liam
Dowling, Ballymac Gizmo impressed last week when clocking 32.33 along with a 5.98 sectional. This was his first time over the trip, not to mention only his fifth ever career start, so there is more to come from this son of Ballymac Cooper – Ballymac Arminta. He went off as the 4/6 favourite in The Future Champion 2024 And Michael Fortune Memorial Final at Enniscorthy earlier this month, but only managed to finish fourth after missing the break.
Danger
He is a dog to get excited about so add him to the notebooks with BoyleSports offering 7/2 for him to win outright. Singalong Dolly is the obvious danger in trap one for trainer Pat Buckley, having won the RPGTV Puppy Oaks here last year. Heat winner Ballinabola Jim is also a danger after recorded 32.67 last week for trainer Brendan P Murphy.
The bookies rate Ryhope Beach 11/8 outright favourite in the second semi-final. Trained by Michael J O’Donovan, this son of Droopys Sydney – Calzaghe Jan won his heat last week in 32.53 after taking the lead on the home run after a slow start. He can produce a much better start from trap six, so he is my race 10 choice with a battle for the qualifiers between Hanover Phantom in trap one, Azurite in trap two and heat winner Pennys Lynx in trap three.
A chance can be taken on Whyaye
Bonnylad in race 11 from trap three. Trained by Robert Gleeson, this 2023 IGOBF National Puppy champion had no luck in the Con & Annie Kirby or the Select Stakes, so it was great to see him win at Shelbourne last week in 28.41 for the 525 yards. Trap five Ravenswood Elsie has a nice turn of foot for trainer Gerry Barber so could set the pace.
The Shaun Conway trained Reaching Out can land another victory over the 350 yards sprint race after he won last week in a fast 18.87. I fancy this son of Ballymac Best – Shes Made It to win from trap six in race 3. Race 5 is also a sprint race and it’s competitive with Ballinakil Alf, Hopes Hurricane and Cree Jo Jo meeting again after last week’s battle in Limerick. Hopes Hurricane won so he gets my vote.
There is a lot to look forward to with the Islandbridge Open 350 and Shelbourne Champion 550 next week. We also have an army of Irish runners heading across the pond to get ready for the English
Greyhound Derby.
The €10,000 TIME Greyhound Nutrition Select Stakes Final is the main attraction at Kilcohan Park in Waterford with Jacktavern Bolt my selection for trainer Graham Holland. This powerhouse won in 28.28 last week. Trap one here Trinity Junior was a length behind, so he is a major player for trainer Peter Cronin along with heat winner Droopys Fidget in trap two who clocked 28.23. A cracking final and awesome supporting card with €1,000 to every winner on the night.
EYES ON THE PRIZE: Celtic captain Callum McGregor during a training session