The 2019 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby gets underway at Shebourne Park this evening, with a star-studded entry list that promises to produce an exciting competition. Our greyhound tipsters David Mitchell and Matt Newman managed to put up two dogs that made the English Derby final in Droopys Expert at 50/1 and Skywalker Logan at 25/1 and they’re hoping to replicate that success here.
We’ll be back this evening from 6pm with greyhound tips from Romford, which is live on RPGTV. We’re looking to land another clean sweep after smashing in 82/1 & 8/1 accumulators on Tuesday at Sheffield.
Magical Bale 16/1
Runner-up in this competition last year, heading into this after running brilliantly throughout the English Derby. Trained in Ireland by the masterful Patrick Guilfoyle who himself has already landed an Irish Derby back in 2017 with the superb Good News. Bale warmed up with a brilliant trial over 525 yards at Shelbourne Park clocking a fast 28.19, that should see him spot on for the start of this competition. He’s got plenty of experience and many think this year could be his for the taking.
Wolfe 18/1
Twelve races to his name at Shelbourne Park with eight victories at the top level. He set chins wagging last Thursday when he was seen flying around Shelbourne Park in what turned out to be the fastest Derby trial over the standard trip. Trainer Graham Holland firmly believes that he’s one of the fastest dogs in England and Ireland. He does run the track extremely well but like most top dogs he has his quirks, if they keep him sweet throughout this competition he’ll prove to be a major player as the rounds go on.
Lenson Bocko 25/1
The youngster of the party, but a dog to be taken very seriously in this competition. The son of Droopys Jet has been one of the outstanding pups in Ireland this year and he looks to have all the makings of a top quality dog for owner Len Ponder. Trainer Graham Holland described the dog as “businesslike” and he loves to just get on with it and it’s that attitude that can see him go deep into this. He has electric early pace and if he can utilise that he would have a great chance.
Deadly Dynamite 66/1
Just seven races in his career, this son of Ballymac Vic is still very much a blank canvas. He beat Slippy Cian (33/1) and Clonbrien Prince (20/1) last time in a race that, despite comments, was clean run. His lack of experience may catch him out but he has the tools to go a long way in this competition with improvement to come.
Ripley Lad 125/1
A wide runner, he should get his draw in the majority of rounds with a bit of luck. He’s not a flashy type but he’s consistent, stays the trip strongly and appeals as the type to keep just doing enough late on to qualify.
Newline Darn Hot 200/1
Another pup, one who has taken well to open racing of late. He’s a lightly-raced type and while the concern is that he lacks a length of middle pace, the way he comes home over the 480m trip at Shelbourne suggests he’ll relish the extra yardage. He’s another who can keep chipping away round by round.