2020 Irish Greyhound Derby Final Preview

The best six weeks in the Irish greyhound calendar peaks on Saturday night at 9.24pm with the final of the Irish Derby. From four antepost tips, it’s the biggest one – Kilara Icon – who has made the final for us, flagged up at 150/1. It’s going to be hard for him to win the big one but those who got involved will be rewarded with a 37.5/1 winner no matter what happens with six places paid each way. Let’s break down the final 6.

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The Field

Ballymac Wild

Slick 29.07 winner in the quarter finals, he was two lengths behind Pestana in his semi. That kind of time would put him right in the mix, especially if he can take advantage of being on the inside of the four railers. His slowest sectional in the competition, however, came from this slot in the third round which is a slight concern.

Meenagh Miracle

The sole bitch in the final, she has been a model of consistency to reach this stage. She produced her best sectional in the semis but was still three and a half lengths adrift of Newinn Taylor at the line. 1999 was the last time a bitch won the Derby, she’ll need a career best to follow in Spring Time’s paw prints.

Kilara Icon

Our 150/1 antepost tip looks to have a lot to do if he is to win more than the each way part of that bet. His powerful finishes have been enough to see him go through the rounds for connections but on the clock, he needs the principals to under-perform to carry off the glory.

Pestana

A social media favourite in this competition, his rocket launched trapping wowing fans. He became the first dog ever to duck under 29 seconds over this trip at Shelbourne when beating Newinn Taylor in the second round. He needs to smash the lids down again as he’ll turn straight left from the cans but worryingly his semi win was his slowest of the competition, is he getting tired?

Ballymac Cooper

Stong runner was beaten two lengths by Pestana in the quarter finals and the same margin by Newinn Taylor in the semis. More than capable of a fast clock and with 4 heading straight to the rails, connections will be hopeful he can turn clean and hunt them down.

Newinn Taylor

An exceptional talent, winner of 15 of his 17 career races. He has really found his trapping boots in recent outings, especially compared to when turned over by Pestana in the second round. He cleared the 5 in the semis from this same slot and looks the best drawn hound in here, keeping straight to the bend.

Conclusion

As much as a win for Kilara Icon would be incredible, it does look unlikely. Pestana has been a hugely impressive trapper all the way through this competition but his slowest time in the semis does cause concern that the heavy schedule is starting to catch up with him. NEWINN TAYLOR on the other hand is thriving on the weekly battles and looks the best drawn dog in the final. The ground that Pestana will forfeit as he heads straight to the rails is going to cost him off the last bend as the selection inches to the front.