View From The Terraces – Round 3 Review

Shelbourne Park hosted the Round 3 of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby on Saturday night and after sub standard performances by ante post market leaders over the last fortnight there were plenty of questions to be answered…

The first heat off the evening was expected to see a return to form for Easter Cup Winner Skywalker Farloe (5/4) but after a tardy start and trouble in running the latter had to play second fiddle to the fast finishing El Flutter (5/1) who wasn’t unsupported for the Peter Cronin kennel.

Skywalker Farloe handled by a master will need to show improvement sooner rather than later. Terrace punters hoped more than expected to see Droopys Nidge (2/1) get his Derby bid back on track in the second heat but it was soon apparent that the spark was gone as Paradise Maverik (6-4/1) blitzed his opponents to score in 29.43.

End of a dream but Nidge will be back…

Last weeks punting debacle was now fresh in the minds of favourite backers but they kept faith in the Michael O’Donovan trained Laughil Blake (2/1 6/4) in the third heat and they never had a moments doubt, eight lengths the winning margin. Impressive. Similar to the previous winner, Jaytee Osprey (11-4-7/4) had been an unlucky loser in the second round and with wind in their sails punters waded in at all prices, Jaytee Osprey flew fast and late to collar Thornvalley in a thriller, more squeaky bum than plain sailing.

Terraces nosed to the front…

Opinion was divided in the fifth contest between Vanfrankie (2/1) and Indigojack (2/1) but this pair collided at traps and Kisses For Cloda (4/1) raced clear for handler Olly Bray, recording a personal best 29.51. Old stager Tyrur Sugar Ray performed miracles to finish second and book his quarter final place.

Last weeks flying winner Ballyana Foxtrot (9/4) was shunned in the market for the sixth heat but again this lady delivered in gritty fashion, fending off her male challengers to score in 29.56.

After a few quiet betting events terrace punters took aim in the seventh heat and hammered into Ballymac Vic (5/4) and the travelling Kerry supporters were in full voice after a few strides as this old stager handed out a lesson, scoring comfortably for handler Liam Dowling. Kennel companion Green Prince stayed on for third place, a fair training performance.

The final heat looked a formality for Mind The Net (1/2) and the ante post Derby favourite didn’t disappoint, whistling to the front around the opening bends to score in 29.54 much to the delight of favourite supporters.

Terrace punters narrowly won the battle but the war continues next Saturday night….