Greyhound ratings analyst Peter Walker runs the rule over the runners competing in the Irish Greyhound Derby First Round heats.
The delay in holding the Irish Derby this year at Shelbourne Park has only added to the build up of excitement as we approach the first round beginning on Friday 18th October. The facilities have been upgraded but the track remains one of the best there is! If our new track planned at Wolverhampton racecourse needs a blueprint for success, this is it in Dublin. I am retiring fully from my part-time cataloguing position at the British Library next year and a visit to the track is high on my priority list.
What is also special this year is we have several greyhounds going across the pond to compete in the event in the shape of March On Freddie, Keefill Maverick, Arthur Cornflake and Greenwell Coe (he’s staying in Ireland for the duration and as far as I’m concerned, he’s British trained, no question!) Crafty Shivoo has been a revelation since returning to race in Ireland but I think she can be regarded as bipartisan. March On Freddie broke the track record recently at Nottingham while still a puppy in August and connections of all entrants have to be applauded for taking the plunge. Let’s hope they become a trailblazer for more future British entries in the years to come. Although we will never match the size of the Irish contingent taking part in our Derby, it can only have a positive effect on the sport, either side of the Irish Sea.
On the subject of records, the present track record at Shelbourne is held by Pestana in round two of the event in 2020 and stands at 28.99. That time will take some beating, but you wouldn’t bet against it with the quality of greyhounds taking part this year. Good luck to all greyhounds, whether the ante post favourite Bockos Diamond at best odds of 13/2 or several runners priced at 500/1 as taking part is surely a thrill in itself.
Similar to the coverage of the English Derby, my ratings in the first two rounds are assessed on an individual race basis. When we reach the third round onwards, all remaining qualifiers will be compared collectively. Hopefully the ratings will assist in backing a few winners (or losers if laying is your preference), and as always, seeking out where the ‘value’ exists as the competition progresses.
Race no. 1
Race no. 2
Race no. 3
Race no. 4
Race no. 5
Race no. 6
Race no. 7
Race no. 8
Race no. 9
Race no. 10
Race no. 11
Race no. 12
Race no. 13
