Gone To The Dogs will be at Monmore this Saturday for the climax of the Gold Cup and Summer Stayers Classic – and it’s sure to be a great night of open racing.
It does clash with the second night of the Irish Greyhound Derby’s first round.
I will therefore be concentrating my coverage for the next six weeks on the highlight of the calendar at Shelbourne Park, writes Peter Walker.
Ladbrokes Gold Cup
It proved a wise move to avoid the first semi-final as both the front two in the outright betting were eliminated at this stage.
Headford Dane, who won the PGR Puppy Derby here in March, took the honours and was chased home by Avarus Zlatan.
Jacktavern Chief left it late again after a moderate break to come from last to first in a blanket finish.
Ardera Sam showed great determination to take the runners-up spot after getting held up after another fast start.
The each-way selection Gingers Prince was backed into favouritism but was no match for Armagh Daithi.
His quickest time of the night makes him a big player if repeating that performance in the final.
The ‘Chief’ will surely need to break better from trap six and supporters will be hoping it’s third time lucky in a wide-open decider.
Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic
The six-bend competition was more predictable, although Roman Empire just missed out coming third in his semi-final won from off the pace by Clona Ice.
The selection Gary The Arb did qualify but was soon in the wake of New Destiny, who led all the way.
Vhagar also won in similar style, finishing just four spots slower than his kennel mate, and they look to have the race between them.
Gary and Antigua Kestrel are capable of a quick break but will need to establish a healthy lead in order to get the better of the two joint favourites.
