The first semi-final odds made Waitingforastar favourite after a sequence of top class performances.
His only Achilles heel at this level is a tendency to break marginally slower from the traps than the opposition. He attempted to make ground from the back of the field but could only finish fourth.
On this occasion, the outside traps held the early advantage with Hackney Dancer, Bockos Gold and Im Here all vying for the lead.
Around the second bend, Im Here grabbed the chance to open a slender lead while Croydon Avenger was pegged back with Coloursaregreen now bringing up the rear.
It was tight coming round the last two bends where Bockos Gold came inside on the run-in to just get the better of Hackney Dancer by half a length with Im Here a further length behind in third.
Odds-on favourite
Bouncing Monarch was odds-on favourite in the second semi and just managed to get to the front at the crucial first turn.
There was scrimmaging in behind with Low Profile running into the back of Wi Can James who did well to stay on his feet.
From then on, Bouncing Monarch took control down the back straight and opened up a commanding lead.
Sleight Of Hand made progress and chased hard to get within two lengths of the winner close home.
Wi Can James ran on to take the last qualifying spot by only a short head from Priceless Romeo.
Glengar Phantom weakened towards the end after being in contention with Low Profile also missing out behind the wide runner in fourth.
The final
The all-important draw was carried out as usual after racing with Im Here slotted into trap 6 as the only wide seed.
Bockos Gold has the inconvenience of trap 5 again but supporters will be heartened by the fact he won from that position to reach the final and achieved his quickest break at the same time.
Sleight Of Hand has the box seat nearest the fence with Bouncing Monarch next door in trap 2.
Wi Can James’s best performance to date was from trap 3 so shouldn’t be a hindrance.
Hackney Dancer has also drawn trap 4 again to make up the sextet of canine superstars.
Bouncing Monarch is still unbeaten and has always led in each race which is a big advantage of course.
Based on average split times, it is possible Hackney Dancer could lead and here lies his chance of winning from off the front.
Sleight Of Hand has won in 29.10 from trap 1 so if trapping on level terms has a chance to repeat that feat.
Bockos Gold came back to his best so look out if he reproduces a strong finish similar to his semi-final victory.
Wi Can James also has a 29.10 finish on his CV and remains second favourite for that reason.
Im Here should have a solo run on the outside – can he do an Astute Missile (28/1 outsider) and get his nose in front when it matters having been winless throughout the earlier rounds?
Ratings
Plenty of statistics provided for your information prior to the final.
Bouncing Monarch has remained at the top of the tree after every round and on current form is expected to maintain his superiority on Saturday.
It’s never a formality, especially in such a competitive line-up. He wouldn’t want Bockos Gold close behind in his slipstream at the business end otherwise it’s ‘game on’.
Hackney Dancer is overpriced at 16/1 and represents a touch of each-way value if there is trouble in behind and manages to scoot clear.
Good luck to all connections in the final and the accompanying races on the night.
It has been a fantastic five weeks and a shame it has to end but Shelbourne Park is where you want to be this weekend.
They know how to showcase greyhound racing at its best!
In the meantime, I’m about to learn how to use Arc Studio Pro – no relation to Arena Racing Company I hasten to add.
Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate
Apart from the first round of the Derby when crowded out and trailed in last, Ballymac Setanta has been in impeccable form.
All the evidence points to an emphatic victory as a consolation to connections in the Plate competition.
Ballymac Deniro, his main rival in the betting suffered defeat by BallyHooly Cliff so has to step up on that effort if he is to trouble the favourite.
The danger could come from Grouchos Frank who now drawn in red will need to boss the inside.
