Superstars
will be born in Kirby 2015…….it’s back!
The success of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Puppy
Stake since it’s inception in 2013 has seen the event promote itself to one
of the most influential competitions not only in Ireland but on the world stage,
with it’s lofty tag as the richest puppy stake on the planet drawing envious
attention from all corners of the greyhound globe.
Making this success possible is the generosity of Noreen
& J.P McManus through their sponsorship and innovative inclusion of the
GAA Clubs in County Limerick which has made this festival of young greyhound
talent a compelling spectacle on the track but also in the stands with
enthusiastic support for all 72 contenders, guaranteed. All patrons, owners and
trainers are encouraged to express a debt of gratitude to the McManus Family at
every turn for the chance to race for our €80,000 first prize is a rare and
precious opportunity.
Unique in many ways, the relaxed age restriction on these
pups to 26 months of age means that the event receives these talented young
trackers at a further stage of development than any other puppy stakes around
the country and ready to launch themselves to the upper echelons of the sport
in what has become the birthplace of superstars. We have seen two phenomenal
greyhounds land the outright honours in our previous stagings as Owen McKenna’s
Roxholme Bully took the inaugural event in 2013 with powerful displays
throughout, while Brendan Matthews Boylesports Hero was breath-taking in his
march to glory last year. Both these wonderful winners subsequently had their
race careers cease prematurely but such was their prowess that we now eagerly
await the first of their progeny to hit the racing scene. We have also seen an
Irish Derby winner emerge from this stake through Slippery Robert along with
finalists Vulturi and Emers Superstar and last season’s English Derby third
Crokers Champ.
Roxholme Bully relaxing at stud!
Be fully aware that what you witness tonight and throughout
our five nights of “Kirby” action will have far reaching influence on the
greyhound word for you will be watching many of these runners contest future
major events of the sport and you will most likely be availing of their
services at stud or purchasing their progeny in due course….greyhound races
don’t get much more significant than this!
With varying levels of achievement across many venues
nationwide, one can not be adamant about a likely outright winner but some
novice events have provided good pointers in the past two years and can do
again now. Roxholme Bully began his career in Clonmel’s Champion Unraced Stake
before victory here and tonight we have four runners from this year’s final of
that event with the winner, Ballydoyle Honey taking his chance from trap 4 in
heat 2. He will be a match for most in the early strides but possesses huge
back-straight pace which has proved an essential weapon to land classics on
this circuit and the wide expanses of Limerick appear to offer highly plausible
claims of a deep run for the Graham Holland powerhouse. Holland is also responsible
for the runner-up in that event, Riverside Gold who has exceptional early pace.
He failed to break on his Limerick debut last time but if returning to top
form, would be a big force in heat 6 tonight. This pair may be the leading
players from the kennels strong team of seven entries.
Topping the list of entries with eight runners is trainer
Pat Buckley and the Irish St Leger winning kennels from November last has
assembled an impressive team for more Limerick classic glory now. His
Coolavanny Jap races from trap 2 in heat 10 tonight and can get his campaign
off to a winning start. He boasts sizzling clocks at Shelbourne Park before a
trip to Towcester and the significant scalp of El Flutter. His trials over the
past weeks here suggest he is primed for a big Kirby challenge. The kennels
will also lead Puppy Derby third Dolcino Flyer to trap 2 in heat 4 and he too
has trialled well at the circuit and a forward show can be expected on his
re-appearance. These two may lead the way but the Buckley runners throughout the card merit huge respect.
2014 winner Boylesports Hero
Last year’s winning trainer and coursing aficionado Brendan
Matthews returns for another tilt at Kirby glory with three interesting
comrades by Foleys Folly out of Toms Delight. None of these have been seen
since modest career starts last autumn but impressive recent sprint trials
suggest they have the required talent to make an impact in the competition and
who would dare put a repeat victory beyond the reach of this prolific training
establishment. They will contest heats 1, 5 and 10 with a watching brief
advised, for now!
These are just some of the likely highlights on our opening
night of action but there is a wealth of talent on show throughout the heats.
Prepare to have your breath taken repeatedly by these racing superstars and
gorge like a child in a sweet shop on the entertainment they are guaranteed to
provide over the coming month of mouth watering greyhound racing…..thank heaven it’s back!
BETTING Beaming Bucko 8/1 Droopys Braedon 10/1 Ballydoyle Honey 12/1 Farloe Hunter 12/1 Go Django 14/1 Rural Hawaii 14/1 Ballymac Gordie 16/1 Baile Mhic 20/1 Riverside Gold 20/1 Beaming Boost 20/1 Cunning Barney 20/1 Coolavanny Jap 20/1 Droopys Ford 20/1 Trinity Forest 20/1 Riverside Siesta 25/1 Bruno Ya Know 25/1 Dolcino Flyer 25/1 Rackethall Royal 25/1 Ballyhooly Henry 25/1 Jumeirah Mikey 33/1 Mimis Ace 33/1 Lenson Premier 33/1 Knight Invader 33/1 Milltown King 50/1 Clondoty Alex 50/1 Cabra Mufasa 50/1 Liscahane Royal 50/1 Davys Maestro 50/1 Dungill Rocket 50/1 Warrior Gwen 50/1 Shaeboy Dubh 50/1 Milldean Cougar 50/1 Boherna Pedro 50/1 Rockchase Master 50/1 Ivy Hill Bart 50/1 Razldazl Rubin 50/1 Country Legend 66/1 Leave At Dawn 66/1 Peregrine Falcon 66/1 Pale Moon 66/1 Fastaway Jayfkay 66/1 Ballybough Mike 66/1 Cable Bay 66/1 Teejays Bono 66/1 Tynwald Rodney 66/1 Steeple Rd Vic 66/1 Home Harvey 66/1 Slade Paddy 66/1 Across The Way 66/1 Hoodwinked 66/1 Minglers Suarez 100/1 Matts Marine 100/1 Anglo Steel 100/1 Ring Ben 100/1 Hawthorne Rumble 100/1 Munster Mission 100/1 Bullofstonehall 100/1 Greenisle Rover 100/1 Piecestown Away 100/1 Carrowkeale Spike 100/1 Winetavern Megan 100/1 Black Tom 100/1 Ballinclare Mars 100/1 Starlight Speedy 200/1 Bartlemy Queen 200/1 Cree Rumble 200/1 Fox Mountain 200/1 Go Ahead 200/1 Max A Million 200/1 Alfjack 200/1 Satin Tess 200/1 Willmount Jewell 200/1 Each way odds » 1/4 Places 1,2,3,4 Top
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
2014 Irish St Leger Final
2014
Kerry Agri-Business Irish St Leger…...the story so far!
Semi
shocks leave Limerick set for Classic Leger finale
Following two thrilling semi-finals on Saturday last, the
2014 Kerry Agri-Business Irish St Leger comes to a most anticipated conclusion
tonight with a mouth watering final line-up that will draw down the curtain on a
Classic renewal that has offered all that is good in the sport and maintains
this wonderful competition’s status as one of the most prestigious prizes in
Greyhound racing, very much intact!
In a truly remarkable performance twelve months ago, Irish
and Limerick Oaks winner, Locnamon Bridie ensured greyhound immortality with a
dominant final display. She made the bend in front from trap 3 and powered to a
commanding lead on the back-straight where even Tyrur Sugar Ray failed to make
inroads against the breath-taking bitch who registered a three and half length
victory in a brilliant 29.34. There was again a strong challenge by the fairer
sex this year in a bid to emulate the great bitch and tonight will see Borna
Central carry the flag as the last bitch standing.
Nidge led the way with record rd 1 win
This year’s event was sparked into life when in our opening
session of round one action Droopys Nidge set a blistering new standard for the
550 yard trip by dominating heat 8 in a new track record time of 29.29! He
would subsequently exit at quarter final stage but such has been the quality
throughout the competition that even his elimination could not detract from
what has been a sizzling month of Leger fireworks from the onset.
Others to leave an indelible mark on that opening night were
Pat Buckley’s Paradise Silva who scored a dominant heat 4 win in a slick 29.62
while Gerry Holian’s Emers Superstar looked at home now back at the Limerick
circuit when displaying devastating early pace before taking control of heat 6
off the second bend for a nine length win in 29.66. The concluding two heats of
night one action sent local patrons home with a smile as James Roche’s Ballyana
Foxtrot firstly scored an impressive early paced victory in heat 10 when
leading throughout for a two and a half length verdict over fellow finalist
Vulturi. Heat 11 then went to Tim Gilbourne’s powerful bitch Cloon Glory who
took up the running off the second bend to lead home Hannibal Rising by one and
half lengths in 29.97.
Big guns turn up the heat in round 2
With the luxury of a fourth qualifying place gone, three of
tonight’s finalists along with some of the competition’s main protagonists
signalled their respective intentions with brilliant round 2 performances that
threw the competition wide open as the new track record holder felt the classic
heat despite getting the better of Burgess Oscar in an epic heat 5 tussle. The
pair fought out a thrilling buckle all along the back-straight with Nidge just
getting on top approaching the line for a half length verdict in 29.62 over the
Cork raider who would influence the outright betting market following this game
display.
Another close affair on the night saw Liam Dowling’s
Vulturi, just mow down Metro Jack in the shadow of the post for his first heat
win by a shorthead in 29.84 before Ballyana Foxtrot went back to back in
another dominant display when one and a half lengths in advance of Big Bang in
29.75. Also remaining unbeaten was Emers Superstar with his early pace carrying
him to a seven length win over tonight’s finalist Castleivy Crash in a fast
29.58. General Wolf then took the penultimate heat, leaving a very good
impression when stretching to a twelve length verdict over Elevenerife in 29.74
despite not hitting the front until early in the back-straight. The fastest
performance of the night however was reserved for the concluding heat where
Paradise Silva made a fast start from trap 1 and this powerful runner galloped
relentlessly to a ten length verdict over Cloon Glory, again registering a
slick time of 29.52.
Silva and Emer remain unbeaten
Our quarter final heats saw two runners score hat-tricks of
Leger heat wins when firstly Paradise Silva again made a smart start for a
first bend lead in heat 2, recording a six length win over Castleivy Crash in
29.59 with Stone Boy King qualifying behind them and reaching his third big
Limerick semi-final having reached the same stage in 2013 in both the Leger and
Kirby Memorial. This immediately preceded another brilliant display of early
pace by Emers Superstar when he again led throughout heat 3 but not before
being forced to repel the eye-catching and sustained challenge of General Wolf
by just a head in 29.58 as the latter once again impressed with his
back-straight pace, Borna Helena followed these home, a further four and a half
lengths adrift.
Vulturi, a thorough professional
The opening quarter final of the night went to Vulturi who
was now warming nicely to his Leger task and the strong stayer showed clever
track craft for a daring third bend run on the rails when overtaking early
pacesetter Cloon Glory, Burgess Oscar and the struggling track record holder
Droopys Nidge for the gamest of victories in a thrilling heat. Burgess Oscar
followed him home at a three length deficit in 29.82 with the same back to
Cloon Glory in third as she consigned Droopys Nidge to fourth and his Leger
exit to boot.
Michael Dwan with Borna Central
The concluding quarter final was a heat to savour where Michael
Dwan’s Borna Central produced one of the most memorable moments of this years’
event when recovering from significant first bend bumping to scythe through a
high class field from last position off the second bend before mowing down
Hawaii Kinsale on the line in 30.12. This exhilarating success meant we would
have three bitches in the semi-finals but the heat also saw a gutsy display by
Ballyana Foxtrot who failed to lead for the first time in the competition but
managed to negotiate his way into a battling third qualifying place, an effort
that could prove crucial in the final script of this Leger!
Favourites fall victim to Crash in semi shock
So often the semi-finals of major events can prove a
stumbling block for big outright fancies, for classics are rigorous tests of resilience
and the ability to safely negotiate early rounds whilst retaining top form in
readiness to produce your racing best when the chance comes your way can be a
potent weapon. So it proved for Denis O`Malley’s 12/1 shot Castleivy Crash in
last weeks’ opening semi-final when he found his best split of the competition from
trap 4 and tracked early leader Cloon Glory to the opening turn. He showed good
pace to overhaul the lead entering the third bend as 2/5 favourite Vulturi
began to close on the heels of the leading duo but was inconvenienced by a
tiring Cloon Glory at the corner, leaving Castleivy Crash to record an
impressive one and a half length win in 29.78, the best run of the youngster’s
career to date. Three bitches went to traps for this heat and following the
heroics of Locnamon Bridie in 2013, it was only fitting that at least one of
these would advance to attempt to emulate her great feat. It was Borna Central
who claimed the third final place and will have added yet more admirers when
again overcoming a poor draw in trap 6 to recover from fifth place at the
second bend to be only a half a length behind Vulturi at the line.
Foxtrot dances back to best as Silva sneaks through
Ballyana Foxtrot
The second semi-final was an eventful affair where Emers
Superstar just shaded favouritism at 7/4 with his trap 1 draw over fellow
unbeaten runner, Paradise Silva who had a treacherous draw in trap 5. The
former missed his break and his Leger aspirations were tenuous in the opening
strides as both Burgess Oscar and Ballyana Foxtrot made fast starts from traps
4 and 6 respectively. They led at the first bend with James Roche’s local
favourite negotiating the turns much more smoothly for a back-straight lead
that would see him safely advance in 30.03. The story in behind was much more
complicated but Burgess Oscar held his second position entering the
back-straight with Emers Superstar using his early pace to challenge for third
ahead of the menacing General Wolf who was flying on his outer. However, with
Burgess Oscar occupying the rails position at this point, Emers Superstar
switched for a run on his outer and a bump between him and the advancing
General Wolf shuffled both backwards into a veritable dog fight for the third
qualifying place. This duo were still in advance of a closing Hawaii Kinsale
and Paradise Silva entering the closing bends but despite suffering all the
predicted traffic problems from his trap 5 draw the game Pat Buckley charge
crucially found a rails run and denied General Wolf a final berth by a half a
length, in a cracker!
The Finalists
Trap 1 Vulturi The Liam
Dowling trained Vulturi has developed into one of Ireland’s most formidable
competition trackers since blasting onto the open scene over 575 yards at
Shelbourne Park as a pup before recording a blistering 28.25 at Limerick in the
Con & Annie Kirby back in March. Fourth in this years Derby he has
maintained an admirably high level of form over the past months and whatever
beats him tonight will need an absolute clear run for his staying power will
see him flying on the rails off the final bend but for victory, he must keep
very close touch with Paradise Silva on his immediate outside for a
back-straight challenge as that rival will not surrender the inside graciously.
15/8
Trap 2Paradise Silva
Pat Buckley’s Paradise Silva, always capable of blistering times, found a level
of consistency in the early rounds of this event that saw him lead at the
opening bend for a hat-trick of heat wins. He suffered first bend bumping in
his semi-final from a predictably tricky draw but always a strong runner he
gamely stayed well to claim his place in the final and holds big claims of
victory now as he can lead Vulturi in the early strides for a rails run. Having
recorded 29.62 or better on three occasions a likely clear run just about earns
him the winning vote. 15/8
Trap 3Castleivy Crash
Denis O`Malley’s locally trained youngster Castleivy Crash has charted his way
through this event with admirable track craft at the tender age of twenty-six
months and this Puppy Derby heat winner continues to improve with his fastest
semi-final win over Vulturi being the best of his career thus far. He can
conceivably go even faster now but he will need a repeat of his recent fast
start, for his win claims will hinge on leading Paradise Silva to the opening
turn. Ignore him at your peril however and should he lead at any point, brace
yourself for deafening cheers that may well carry him to victory. 9/1
Trap 4Borna Central
Michael Dwan’s wonderfully game bitch, Borna Central had passed two years of
age before recording her first open time and had been campaigned solely at 525
yards before tackling this event without a race or trial at Limerick before her
opening heat in the Leger. Despite poor draws throughout, this inside seed has
negotiated her way to the final when never beaten more than two lengths in any
heat, even when faced with seemingly impossible tasks. Her quarter-final win
when coming from last to first means that she must be respected and should
there be any traffic problems for the early pacers, she will scare any on the
home-straight if within striking distance off the second bend. 14/1
Trap 5Burgess Oscar
Sheila Spillane & J.J Fennelly’s Burgess Oscar is the only finalist without
a heat win in the competition but do not let that detract from the high class
performances he has produced throughout. He has registered 29.65 in a round 2
defeat and should he produce that level of form he will hold claims of victory as
he can both start well and he fully sees out the trip at the highest level. He
matched the early paced Ballyana Foxtrot to the opening bend last week but
surrendered his chance when not galloping the bends smoothly which does temper
confidence now but should he remedy that the youngest finalist at just
twenty-five months old, Oscar, has a chance! 9/1
Trap 6BallyanaFoxtrot Another
locally trained runner that will inspire rapturous cheers, James Roche’s
Ballyana Foxtrot has won three of his four Leger heats and finally gets his
crack at a big classic final after the early pacer bounced back to form in a
quality semi-final win. Usually eliminated when failing to lead in similar
situations, he gamely found a way to qualify from his quarter-final and holds big
claims now as this race has a very similar set up to that which saw him defeat
Burgess Oscar last week. He must lead to win but he can and with 29.65 to his
name, those looking to come from behind will need a clear passage to mow him
down….catch me if you can! 11/4
2014
Kerry Agri-Business Irish St Leger Final……the verdict?!
Attempting to predict the outcome of this mouthwatering
final has proved a difficult problem to decipher and is greatly complicated by
the attractive prices available with some firms about those labeled outsiders.
Despite housing five inside seeds, the trap draw appears to offer a plausible
chance for a clean run race with the sole middle seed Ballyana Foxtrot clearly
comfortable in the stripes.
Outsiders have plausible claims
Trap 5 for Burgess Oscar on his inner may not read as
acceptable being widest of the inside runners but he made his best start of the
competition from trap 4 last week and has a brace of trap 6 wins to his name so
with a slower starter on his inner, this draw may be very suitable as he should
have room to drift inward on the run to the bend. He is the youngest runner in
the field at twenty five months and should he run the opening bends smoother
than he did when upsides Ballyana Foxtrot in the semi-final he may find the
very slight improvement needed to score and a pillar to post victory is not a
forlorn hope at the final’s most attractive odds of 9/1.
The big fly in the ointment tonight is Castleivy Crash
following his brilliant semi-final display which on the face of things would
give him a much greater chance than his 9/1 quote would suggest. At twenty-six
months of age that run can not be readily dismissed as a one off performance,
as further progression is clearly possible given his youth. He however must
lead on the inside because although fending off Vulturi last week, that rival
was closing with menace on the back-straight until slightly crowded at the
third bend. Further complication for his chances is the presence of Paradise
Silva on his immediate inside who will be more comfortable tonight now back
close to the rails.
An inside seed, Borna Central has hardly caught sight of the
white paint throughout the Leger but to her credit runs a straight line,
whatever trap she exits. She will not lead to the first turn tonight but she
continually finds a way to get competitive and will again fly from halfway. For
win claims, one would much prefer to see her drawn on the inside of Vulturi in
particular, as attempting a late swoop against a similar style of runner with a
better draw will prove difficult. She will need help from somewhere to be close
enough for a winning bid at the closing bends but the powerful bitch must be
respected after an admirable Leger campaign.
Silva service can resume now back near the rails
So to the short priced runners, Vulturi and Paradise Silva
have vied for favouritism all week at prices close to 15/8 and at those odds
the clear choice between the pair must be Paradise Silva. He came through a
horror draw last week when gamely recovering from first bend bumping to reach
this final and gets the vote to gain his reward for those exertions with his
much more favourable now. He has two wins from trap 3 and another from trap 1
in the opening heats and again showed smart early pace compared to Burgess
Oscar and Ballyana Foxtrot after a slow start from trap 5 last week. He can
outpace Vulturi to the bend now and the rails pitch offers more ways for him to
win than any else in the final. Even if led to the opening bend, the manner in
which Burgess Oscar moved off the inside at the corner last time could offer an
inviting gap for Silva and he also possesses powerful back-straight pace that
may mow down Ballyana Foxtrot even if that rival produces his best form on the
outer. His win times from the early heats are impossible to ignore and with no
value in tipping bigger priced losers, Silva is the percentage call.
Although both feared and respected in equal measure, it
seems clear that Vulturi will need Paradise Silva to miss a beat at some stage
if he is to claim victory. He has not bettered 29.82 thus far and although trap
1 offers a chance for clear racing room, a similar run for his market rival
makes this a tough proposition and the likely odds are not so attractive. The
11/4 available about Ballyana Foxtrot does seem more on the mark however. His
chance of victory is a simple one, he must lead around the opening bend and try
to hang on which is a plausible prospect. With 29.65 to his credit he merits
plenty of respect with a likely clear run on the outer. Prediction: 2-1-6
Four wonderful heats of the 2014 Kerry Agri-Business Irish
St Leger provided all the thrills and inevitable spills that only the classics
of Greyhound Racing can deliver as both Emers Superstar and Paradise Silva kept
their unbeaten competition records intact as new track record holder Droopys
Nidge suffered elimination when heat 1 sparked the Leger quarter finals into
fiery action an Saturday last.
That opening heat was highly anticipated as Droopys Nidge
and Burgess Oscar would reoppose following their epic battle just a week
previous but the presence of Vulturi in trap 1 looked an ominous threat and he
duly proved just that, in a cracker! Elevenerife began best from trap 5 to lead
from Droopys Nidge on the outside who showed pace to almost join the leader
before a brief bump between the pair shuffled him back to a one and a half length
tie for second place with Cloon Glory who had made good headway with smart pace
from trap 4. The latter overhauled the leader early in the back-straight and
was joined by Droopys Nidge but the expected back-straight surge of the track
record holder failed to materialise as Tim Gilbourne`s local favourite put up
stubborn resistance that would ultimately seal Nidge’s fate when unable to beat
him to the third bend.
That was where the whole complexion of this race changed
when Burgess Oscar began to range up on the inside of Cloon Glory with a
threatening challenge but as he did, left an inviting gap for the strong staying
Vulturi who in turn made his bid on Burgess Oscar’s inner for a winning run. He
stretched on for an impressive three length verdict over Burgess Oscar with
three more lengths to Cloon Glory, who were both admittedly inconvenienced by
his rails run, in a time of 29.82. This heat also brought the elimination of
Hannibal Rising who was unluckiest of the remainder when his big late bid was
blocked at the third bend but Paudie Ryan’s track regular can be very proud of
his Leger campaign in spite of his injury worries.
Paw perfect Emer was dominant…..in General!
Gerry Holian’s Emers Superstar was the fastest winner of the
night in heat 3 and this brilliant early pacer found a smart break to register
a sizzling 2.77 split on his way to a first bend lead over General Wolf who
impressively was just one length adrift of the pacesetter. Emers Superstar
however has an enviable ability to run these opening bends at Limerick with
apparent acceleration and he stretched clear to a four length lead on the
back-straight. Borna Helena showed canny track craft after her slow start form
trap 6 to chase this pair off the second bend and the order would remain the
same throughout but not without a late scare for backers of the 4/6 favourite
out in front. General Wolf impressed greatly with his running from halfway the
previous week and found a threatening late thrust on the run to the line which
Emers Superstar only just managed to repel by a head in 29.58 with four and
half lengths to Borna Helena in third.
Silva service has Buckley in Paradise as Stone Boy makes
third Limerick semi
Stone Boy King is now in his third big semi at Limerick
Trainer Pat Buckley must be delighted with the consistent
breaking form that Paradise Silva has found in this Leger campaign and though
producing his slowest split of the competition he again put himself in prime
position to maintain his winning run when quickly to stride from trap 3 for a
first bend lead in heat 2. A strong runner from the second bend,victory would never be in doubt and he raced
to an uncontested six length verdict over Castleivy Crash who used his rails
pitch from trap 1 to good effect ahead of the ever game Stone Boy King who
claimed a second Leger semi-final place when two and a half lengths further
back in 29.59. Eleanor Mullins & Mark Curtin`s Stone Boy King reached the 2013
Con & Annie Kirby semi’s here when a puppy before making the same stage of
last year’s St Leger. He had suffered significant balking in that first big
semi-final before cruelly KO`’d in this event twelve months ago. Without prejudice
we wish this most gallant of racers a safer passage throughout his heat
tonight, whatever the result!
Borna’s bid to emulate Bridie…..on the double!
Michael Dwan with his Borna Central
The formidable Borna Kennels of the Dwan family in Thurles
continued their bid to emulate the heroics of super bitch, Locnamon Bridie,
when having already guided Roger`s Borna Helena to third place in heat 3, they
witnessed Michael`s Borna Central produce a stunning display of guile and
determination to score victory in the concluding quarter-final despite being
plumb last off the second bend. Fast trapping Macho El led into the
back-straight from Metro Jack and Ballyana Foxtrot who failed to lead for the
first time in the event. Hawaii Kinsale mounted his challenge around the
closing bends having been fourth down the back and ranged up on the outside of a
tired leader with Metro Jack also fading out of contention before the eventual
winner finally laid down her claim. Borna Central had suffered bumping at the
first bend which left her with much ground to make up. She was moving fastest
of all however on the back-straight and despite racing widest in the white
jacket, continued to pass rivals around the closing bends. Her sustained
challenge mowed down Hawaii Kinsale by a shorthead in 30.12 with Ballyana
Foxtrot gamely sneaking third a further one and a half lengths adrift.
Semi-Finals
Vulturi appears best housed runner of the night
1) Vulturi 2) Stone Boy King 3) Cloon
Glory 4) Castleivy Crash 5) Borna Helena 6) Borna Central
Liam Dowling's Vulturi has plumb draw in heat 1
It might seem obvious to say that Liam Dowling’s Vulturi has
the best draw in trap 1 of six inside seeds but such is his running on the
inside, that the clever railer is almost guaranteed a clear run now. His splits
compare well with those on his outer and he gets a confident vote to defend his
position and strike the front on the back-straight, or sooner! The remaining
qualifiers are not so straight forward to predict however and a plausible case
can be made for all runners. That said, Cloon Glory just edges the advantage on
the early splits and he has hardly put a paw out of place in the competition
thus far. He can hold a prominent position at the opening bend and convert that
to a trio place as he is strong enough to fend off some of the likely fast
finishers. Most formidable of those finishers is Borna Central and though drawn
worst of all, a glance back her previous outside draws in the competition
suggests that she will keep a straight line to the bend and if that brings her
a clear run she will be almost impossible to keep out of the places. Prediction:
1-3-6
Unbeaten pair collide but watch out, the Wolf is at the
door!
1) Emers Superstar 2) Hawaii Kinsale 3)
General Wolf 4) Burgess Oscar 5) Paradise Silva 6)
Ballyana Foxtrot(m)
Pat Buckley and Paradise Silva face tough draw
Treacherous was the first word that came to mind upon
witnessing this draw and the line-up would grace any classic final. There is
conceivable danger for every runner from the moment traps open but the
percentage call must be Emers Superstar to continue his unbeaten run from trap
1. He has won two from four when wearing red and if breaking on terms, his
early pace will see him defend the rails pitch at the first bend. Hawaii
Kinsale found his best split last week and he really will need that again now
but on balance, General Wolf must be fancied to lead him in the early strides.
He has enough early pace to fend off those on his outer if so and gets the
second vote for a qualifying place as the back-straight pace he has shown
throughout the competition is laudable. To be choosing a trio contender from
the three phenomenal trackers on the outside seems a ridiculous situation but
such is the quality of this heat and although unbeaten thus far, Paradise Silva
has been handed a horror draw now. Not only has he the headache of those fast
early runners near the rails and the teak tough Burgess Oscar on his immediate
inside but he also has fast early pacer Ballyana Foxtrot on his outer. The
latter, has in the past, been eliminated from classics when failing to lead
early but he earned himself a gutsy reprieve last week and he can complicate
this heat greatly for Paradise Silva if returning to his best breaking form.
Burgess Oscar has shown too much class throughout the heats to rule him out now
and he earns the final vote to qualify by tracking General Wolf around the
opening bends in pursuit of Emers Superstar. Prediction: 3-1-4
Silva
goes fastest as Classic posse gathers around Nidge!
New track holder and outright favourite for the 2014
Kerry Agri-Business Irish St Leger, Droopys Nidge, gamely registered back
to back opening round wins when just fending off the sustained challenge of
Burgess Oscar in a thrilling Heat 5 buckle. However, on a wonderful night of
classic action a host of aspiring champions emerged with every passing Round 2 heat
to breath down the neck of this young superstar like schoolyard bullies determined
to send him back down the pecking order as Paradise Silva went fastest in a
dominant Heat 8 display.
Silva goes fastest in Rd 2!
Pat Buckley`s powerful Gold Cup runner-up closed the night’s
action by lowering his round 1 clock in landing heat 8 with another strong
running performance following a level start from trap 1. He defended his inside
pitch at the bend before streaking to an unassailable lead early in the
back-straight, with bumping for those in behind. Never seriously threatened, he
held ten lengths over Cloon Glory and Glideaway Con, who recovered well from
early traffic to fill the places in a brilliant 29.52. Paradise Silva has found
his best breaks in the opening heats and should that continue, his powerful
gallop from the second bend makes him a leading hope for outright honours.
Six runners remain unbeaten
Five more winners will defend unbeaten tags in our quarter
finals and the first to score back to back victories last week was Adrian
McPherson`s Lemon Pumba who produced another impressive early paced display
when just denying Burgess Four a first bend lead in heat 2. He was tracked into
the back-straight by Jackal Frampton but a bigger challenge materialised at
the closing bends as De Real McCoy continued his impressive comeback with a
strong late challenge which fell short by just a head in 30.16 with Jackal
Frampton in third.
The Gerry Holian trained early pacer Emers Superstar showed
an impressive turn of foot on the run to the opening bend in Heat 6 before
smoothly galloping to his seven length winning margin early in the
back-straight. He relegated the race to little more than a procession
thereafter when chased home by Castleivy Crash and Borna Helena in a brilliant
29.58. A Kirby finalist here back in April, he was improving on his opening
29.66 win despite suspicions that the track was slower than the previous week.
Emers Superstar continues to grow in stature and his Derby campaign proves that
he can withstand the rigours of a tough classic campaign which will make him a
formidable opponent as the event progresses.
Nidge nails stubborn Oscar in a thriller
This heat was preceded by that epic tussle between Droopys
Nidge and Burgess Oscar where the latter showed the best early pace having been
just headed in the early strides from trap 2. He held the inside pitch at the
bend where Droopys Nidge came to within one length having paced up well in
splendid isolation on the outside after breaking just behind the lead despite
charging at his trap 6 door before trap rise. A protracted buckle from the top
of the back-straight saw Nidge draw alongside Burgess Oscar at the halfway
point but the response was strong and sustained by the Cork raider until
eventually succumbing in the home-straight but only by a half a length in a
slick 29.62!
James Roche`s Ballyana Foxtrot again showed his Limerick
prowess in Heat 4 when quickest to the opening bend after a level break from
trap 5 to lead Big Bang into the back-straight. The latter gamely reduced a
five length halfway deficit to just one and a half lengths at the line in 29.75
with Hawaii Kinsale recovering from a tardy start to claim third. Graham
Holland`s General Wolf then added to his impressive Limerick record despite
being led to the opening turn and slightly inconvenienced by fast trapping
Macho El en route. He quickly overhauled the leader however when swinging off
the second bend and streaked clear to an eye catching twelve length success in
29.74 with Macho El just relegated to third by Elevenerife.
Close calls throughout exciting Round 2!
Heat 3 served up another cracker where Metro Jack used his
rails pitch to good effect for a four length back-straight lead over Vulturi
who tracked the early pace for a rails run at the corner. The leader maintained
a strong gallop from this point and still had two lengths in hand off the final
turn but Liam Dowling`s Derby finalist found his trademark fast finish to just
deny the Paul Hennessy charge by a shorthead at the line in 29.84. Catching the
eye when claiming third was Paudie Ryan`s Hannibal Rising who lost no ground on
the winner from the second bend to home, having been plumb last in the early
exchanges.
There was little more than the minimum winning margin in our
opening heat also as Dromore Premier just held the inside at the first bend and
gamely kept his neck in front all the way despite being hard pressed throughout.
His final challenger was the strong staying bitch Borna Central who just failed
to get up on the line in 29.97 with Stoneboy King filling third in a highly
entertaining heat that set the tone for a wonderful Round 2 session.
Solo for show, now race for dough!
We have seen stunning displays of racing excellence by some
of Ireland`s most impressive trackers in the opening round heats of the 2014
Irish St Leger and while there was still the odd wide margin winner last week,
we also saw many heats with the result still in doubt upon exiting the final
bend. Expect that latter trend to continue into our quarter finals tonight and those
who registered fast clocks with little fuss can expect greater competition for
racing room now as the ability to secure a competitive position in the face of
adversity becomes infinitely more important than the stopwatch.
Nidge faces biggest test tonight!
For one runner in particular, this will prove the biggest
challenge of his career as the supremely talented Droopys Nidge attempts to
graduate from speed merchant……to racing champion! He deserves great credit for
responding to the challenge laid down by a resilient Burgess Oscar last week
and reopposes that rival in Heat 1 tonight but Classics get tougher with each
round and the presence of Vulturi with the plumb trap 1 draw makes this three
way clash a mouthwatering prospect. Nidge will need to be at his best to secure
victory here and that includes relaxing in traps. He charged the trap door as
hare exited the final bend last week and any repeat of this tonight could cost
him dearly. Conversely, Vulturi rarely puts a paw too far out of place and with
a likely clear run on the inside of Burgess Oscar, just gets the nod to lower
Nidge`s colours for now.
The second heat, on paper at least, appears the most
straight forward to predict and Paradise Silva will go to traps a very short
priced favourite. Without the presence of a confirmed early pacer to rival him
for a first bend lead that would seem justifiable and he should hold the inside
pitch at the bend, allowing him to skip clear at the top of the back-straight.
Glideaway Con has posted smart splits in his opening heats and can give the favourite
most to worry about if fending off Jackal Frampton in the early strides.
Our third heat brings three unbeaten runners together in a
vicious draw where connections will gladly settle for any qualifying spot but
the slick early pace of Emers Superstar can prove decisive. Expect him to
outpace likely early challenger Lemon Pumba off the second bend, provided he
matches General Wolf at trap rise. Trap 4 in this particular situation is far
from ideal for the Wolf and he must be smart in the early strides to secure a
run as Emers Superstar will drift towards the rail at the earliest sign of
clear space, making this a complicated heat for the places, especially as De
Real McCoy appears close to his very best form on latest evidence. Big Bang and
Borna Helena will pick off the early pacers that fail to secure racing room and
the trio combination in this heat really could be anything!
Ballyana Foxtrot will bid to continue his winning ways in
our closing heat and likely racing room from trap 6 makes this a clear
possibility as he can post a time that will make him extremely difficult to
reel in. Fast trapping Macho El can lead on the inner and by doing so, give
Metro Jack a tow into the race on the back-straight and he can chase Foxtrot
around the closing bends while Borna Central may again secure a qualifying spot
with her powerful pace from halfway.
Outright Betting:Droopys Nidge 2/1 Vulturi 7/2 Paradise
Silva 4/1 Emers Superstar 7/1 Ballyana Foxtrot 7/1 General Wolf 12/1 Metro Jack
25/1 Jackal Frampton 25/1 De Real McCoy 33/1 Lemon Pumba 40/1 Burgess Oscar
40/1
Nidge
sets new record on Limerick debut in flying start to Leger 2014
…by Paul Cooney
A large crowd filed into Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday
last and that special air of expectancy that only accompanies the major events
of our sport was palpable in anticipation of the imminent Classic action. These
high expectations were fully justified given the quality of performance we have
become accustomed to in recent renewals of the Kerry Agri-Business Irish St
Leger but one aspiring champion surpassed even the most optimistic of
predictions when Robert Gleeson`s Droopys Nidge set a blistering new standard
for the 550 yard trip by dominating heat 8 in a new track record time of 29.29!
He was sent to traps an odds on 1/4 favourite for a first
race outside Shelbourne Park but confidence was high ahead of his Limerick
debut having clocked a sizzling 27.95 in his preparation trial over 525 yards.
The prospect of a new track record was not immediately apparent in heat 8
however as Nidge could be seen pawing at the trap door while hare exited the
final bend ahead of his moderate start from trap 6. He paced up well in the
early exchanges and raced wide of early leader Tyrap Rush at the opening bends
before hitting the front early in the back-straight. Having claimed the lead at
this point, what followed was truly breathtaking as Nidge quickly extended his
advantage and the manner in which he smoothly galloped the closing bends was a
sight to behold.
He crossed the line with twelve lengths to spare over
Knocktoo Kingo with Stone Boy King recovering from early crowding to fill
third, a further one length adrift before the winning time flashed up on the stadium
clock and drew gasps from the stands. He reopposes Knocktoo Kingo in Heat 5
tonight in a race that appears to be at his mercy and a chance to lead on the
outside brings with it the opportunity for fast time and the possibility of
another track record is a real one. Greyhound racing`s latest superstar is best
priced 5/4 for outright honours ahead our Round 2 action, not a come and back
price and if you didn`t get on before Round 1, an investment now is not
advised. This is after all a classic, with some of the most impressive trackers
in Ireland and while the raw speed of Droopys Nidge may carry him to Leger
glory, he will face some daunting opponents as the competition progresses,
making a clear run on the outside more and more difficult…….you may yet end up
backing him at 5/4 for a single heat, never mind a classic with 48 runners
remaining!
Buckley and McPherson score opening round doubles
Though admittedly eclipsed by our new track record holder,
there was many other potential headline grabbers on the night and by the conclusion
of Heat 5, two trainers had registered a double on the card with Pat Buckley
claiming his brace through Kippers Usain and Paradise Silva. The former found
his trapping boots in Heat 2 and with smart early pace from trap 4, dominated
throughout for a three length victory in 29.90 over De Real McCoy who will have
pleased trainer Paul Hennessy greatly after a four month layoff. Paradise Silva
completed the Buckley double in Heat 4 when also breaking smartly from trap 3
and was never seriously challenged when seven lengths in advance of Ten Feet
Tall in a slick 29.62.
Paradise Silva
The opening heat on the night went to Lemon Pumba who showed
much the best early dash from trap 2 and stayed stoutly to the line despite
Dysert McCoy`s attentions at the closing bends. He also posted 29.90 in a three
length win, leaving a very good impression on his Limerick debut. Owner &
trainer Adrian McPherson registered his Leger double when guiding Honour And
Glory to a game success in Heat 5 despite a slow start from trap 3. He showed
pace on the run to the opening bend and displaying clever track sense in his
LMK debut, found racing room to claim second place at the top of the
back-straight before overhauling early leader Macho El at the third bend. He
clocked 30.21 in a one and a half length verdict over Macho El with Dromore
Premier just a neck further back.
Mixed fortunes for strong outright fancies
Contrasting fortunes for runners with real classic pedigree
was no more evident than in Heat 6 where Derby finalists Emers Superstar and
Borneo came face to face once more and the impressive Limerick record of the
Gerry Holian trained Emers Superstar proved the deciding factor as he put the
race beyond doubt with an explosive burst of early pace to claim the inside
pitch at the bend despite a tardy start from trap 4. He impressed all with his
smooth gait throughout a nine length victory over Parish Hero. Borneo however
made his exit from the competition when caught widest of all and suffering the
consequences of first bend bumping, leaving him with too much ground to claw
back.
Liam Dowling will have been pleased with the opening effort
of his Derby fourth Vulturi despite defeat in Heat 10 when again showing
impressive back-straight pace on a circuit that suits his strong running style.
The story of this heat though was the sparkling return to his favourite track
by James Roche`s Ballyana Foxtrot. He produced a fast sectional from trap 5 and
scorched to a seven length lead midway along the back-straight before ceding
much of his advantage to the strong finish of Vulturi but a classy 29.62 puts
the local charge firmly back in classic contention.
There was contrasting performances also from our two 2013
finalists as Graham Hollands General Wolf again displayed his prowess at
Limerick by leading at the first bend in Heat 3 with smart early pace after a
good start from trap 1. He defeated a game Glideaway Con by one length in 29.91
with three lengths further back to Jackal Frampton in third. Last year`s fourth
however, Skywalker Farloe looked far from his brilliant best in Heat 7, running
wide off the second bend and the Easter Cup winners usual strong challenge from
halfway failed to materialise when fourth to a impressive performance by
Michael Kiely`s Shaneboy Frankie. He drew gradually clear following a level
break from trap 3 and was never seriously threatened in a three and a half
length defeat of Hawaii Kinsale with Burgess Rumble a close third.
Regular patrons of Limerick were sent home happy following
our concluding Heat 11 as two track favourites filled the forecast places with
Tim Gilbourne`s Cloon Glory showing his local knowledge at the first bend for a
rails run and a lead on the inside of Barefoot Apollo. He galloped to a one and
a half length win in 29.97 over Paudie Ryan`s Hannabil Rising who again
produced his now trademark power finish to claim second having been last into
the back-straight.
Box office Nidge tops the bill in Round 2
There can be no doubt that Droopys Nidge is the star
attraction of Round 2 and the prospect of lowering his track record is a
mouthwatering one. There is however much more for the racing palette to
salivate over and Heat 3 will see a heavyweight clash between Metro Jack and
Vulturi. Both can fly from the second bend and a clean run race could bring an
epic back-straight shoot out between the pair while the presence of Shaneboy
Frankie with his early pace adds spice to an already sizzling heat.
Heat 7 brings two impressive round 1 winners together with
Kippers Usain in trap 1, which may be crucial in the early battle for supremacy
with General Wolf on his immediate outside while the early paced Macho El adds
intrigue to that first bend rush as he can trap very smartly from trap 3. A
possible return to top form for Elevenerife, now with his Limerick debut behind
him, further complicates matters as he may get a clean run on the outer from
trap 6.
Pic: Kippers Usain can use the red jacket to good effect!
These are just some of the possible headline makers in our
eight second round heats but with the safety net of a fourth qualifying place
now gone, expect to see the major outright contenders lay down markers
throughout tonight`s action in the 2014 Kerry Agri-Business Irish St Leger.
Happy 71st
for Classic Limerick Leger 2014byPaul Cooney
The Irish Greyhound St Leger celebrated it`s 70th
birthday just a short twelve months ago with a truly epic renewal of this most
prestigious event which has left 2014 with much to live up to. The continued
support of our generous sponsors however has again ensured the presence of
Ireland`s top trackers among our 66 strong field in pursuit of a €25,000
winners prize and the classic that has enthralled the greyhound world since
1944 promises yet more thrills in the 2014 Kerry Agri-Business Irish St Leger.
A move to our late October start date has proved popular and
affords Irish Derby contenders a six week break to prepare for a Leger tilt but
these were all foiled in 2013 when Irish and Limerick Oaks winner, Locnamon
Bridie ensured greyhound immortality with a dominant final display. She made
the bend in front from trap 3 and powered to a commanding lead on the
back-straight where even Tyrur Sugar Ray failed to make inroads against the
breath-taking bitch who registered a three and half length victory in a
brilliant 29.34.
Hennessy is hot but Nidge can be prime time!
Locnamon Bridies trainer Paul Hennessy, who also guided
Jaytee Hellcat to last year`s final after narrowly missing out on victory with
Priceless Sky in 2012, is the Leger`s in form handler and returns with a strong
hand this year. He will hold claims in our concluding heat with Barefoot Apollo
who can benefit for his Limerick debut last week and looks capable of a deep
run in the competition as does Da Real McCoy if he returns from a recent layoff
in top form. He won a heat here last year before exiting at quarter final stage
and will give Kippers Usain plenty to worry about in Heat 2 if fully tuned.
Heat 8 sees Shelbourne Park puppy sensation Droopys Nidge
make a first race appearance outside the capital and although his Irish Derby
campaign did not go to plan, his appearance in this event has been eagerly
awaited since news of his entry. He looked a champion in the making when
clocking 28.00 in just his second race and confirmed that promise when gamely
winning the ECC Timber Champion 550. He was not at his brilliant best in the
Derby but appears to be as good if not better than ever now following a simply
awesome 27.95 trial here last Saturday evening. The vast expanses of Limerick`s
circuit look ideal for the wide seed, his young trainer Robert Gleeson has
already tasted classic success with Slippery Robert and his anticipated deep
run in the competition will pack the stands and draw the attention of the wider
greyhound community. He looks un-opposable in tonight`s heat where he faces
Stone Boy King who is one of the unluckiest classic contenders ever at
Limerick. He reached the semi-final of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial in
2013 where he was cruelly knocked over at the first bend, a fate that also
befell him at the same stage of this competition twelve months ago. He returns
to action tonight after a five month break and can hopefully secure a safe
passage to round 2.
Five bitches will attempt to emulate the heroics of Locnamon
Bridie this time around and chief among them is Pat Buckley`s brilliant Oaks
runner-up Always With Me. Just three quarters of a length from classic glory at
Shelbourne Park, she appears to have taken well to Limerick in recent trials
and the extra 25 yards of the Leger will suit her ideally. She gets the vote in
a highly competitive Heat 9 against the Peter Cronin trained pair Global
Chariot and powerhouse Metro Jack.
Derby form & Limerick experience can be worth
following
Irish Derby form has become very significant in the Leger
since returning to an October start and tonight`s opening round features three of
this year`s Derby finalists with two of them coming face to face in Heat 6!
Emers Superstar gets a narrow vote over Borneo, solely on his Limerick
experience which carried him to the Con & Annie Kirby semi-final in April.
Liam Dowling`s Vulturi also has form to recommend him on this circuit having
clocked 28.25 here before injury struck in the Con & Annie Kirby. He
followed his Derby campaign with a victory in the Mulvanney 600 and re-opposes
runner-up Blenhiem Cracker in a mouthwatering Heat 10 tonight and just gets the
nod in a likely thriller where Ballyana Foxtrot may well steal their thunder on
a track he loves!
Those looking for value in the outright market may also
consider Leger finalists Skywalker Farloe (heat 7) who ran Limerick extremely
well last year and claimed Easter Cup victory back in April while General Wolfe
(heat 3) has always looked at home in classic company since Leger 2013 and is overdue
another final appearance!
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