TWO BARRY GEMS TO LOOK FORWARD TO AT SHELBOURNE
Ian Fortune
Saturdays at Shelbourne Park rarely disappoint, but with two top-class 600-yard contests to savour, backed by a superb undercard, tonight promises to be another outstanding night of racing.
The semi-finals of the Yvonne Barry Track Bookmaker Open 600 are the undoubted highlight, with both contests more than capable of justifying the price of admission alone.
Both heats make for fascinating viewing, with plenty to ponder for punters and layers alike as they attempt to unravel two intriguing contests.
DYNAMIC BY NAME, DYNAMIC BY NATURE
Paul Hennessy will fancy his chances in the opening heat as he sends out both Lennies Dynamic and Priceless Romeo.
The duo are likely to start favourite and second favourite, although neither can afford mistakes with some talented rivals waiting in the wings.
Croydon Web is very strong and undoubtedly promising, while Miami Hans ran a big race in defeat last week. Throw in the powerful finishers, Goodnitekathleen and Coolemount Fame and it really is a conundrum.
Most will expect Lennies Dynamic to set a searching gallop. Although not electric from traps, he has sprinters pace into the bend. And should he go to the front, he can only increase his lead to halfway. He did tire a fraction on the run-in last week but stayed on well enough to post 32.25. A repeat of that form may well be good enough but securing that early lead is imperative.
Priceless Romeo was actually the second fastest qualifier from the opening round when chasing home Riverside Rex. He has a wonderful profile for 600yd racing, with enough pace into the bend to turn close, the back straight speed to remain in contention and the strength to stay even further, he is a very obvious danger to his kennel companion.
Miami Hans is perhaps the main threat to the Hennessy duo but he needs to do everything right. Slight preference is for Lennies Dynamic over Priceless Romeo, but his many backs will be hoping his latest run over the testing trip won’t leave a mark.
STAR SET TO SHINE AGAIN
The second heat is another belter with opening round winners Riverside Rex, Highbury Days and Waitingforastar locking horns.
The versatile Ello Ello is also well housed on the fence, while Droopys Winsome and Mona Lee Monbeg are also fast enough to play a part.
Riverside Rex set a strong standard last week, getting loose early to win in a rapid 32.03. Should he repeat that form, he will again make a bold bid. But Waitingforastar casts a large shadow over this contest.
He may have missed the start last week but picked up three of Ireland’s fastest and strongest in the manner of thoroughbred taking on Shetland ponies. His pace and power is there for all to see and if he finds a slightly better start, he could turn considerably closer this evening.
The draw is also very much in his favour. Drawn in five with Droopy Winsome certain to cut inwards from four, Waitingforastar won’t have to wait for a gap. With the prospect of plenty of racing room in the early yards, he has to get the nod. Riverside Rex is a clear danger but Waitingforastar is potentially very special over 600yds and it would be no surprise if he went very quick.
TICKET TO OBLIGE
The final of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust A0 525 is the fourth race on the card and No Tickets will be favourite to follow up his impressive semi-final display to land the €3,000 prize.
A winner in 28.13 for Brendan Cullen and the Lord of the Ring Syndicate, their ‘precious’ can assert early to emerge a good winner over the talented duo of Button It and Montore Magic.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ADMISSION FOR RACING IN SHELBOURNE PARK