Final 12 Face Off In Derby Semi-Finals

With just 12 remaining hopefuls left in the 2014 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby it is same to say we have reached ‘squeeky bum time’!

The Derby so far has had lots of talking points, shocks and star performances which I’m sure will continue into this week’s action.

From a betting perspective we have seen a huge rise in all the Ante-Post, special and heat betting markets, this week has been no different as we have seen a flourish of bets on all our respected markets which are all available on www.boylesports.com.

Our biggest loser left in the Ante-Post market is Vulturi and after last week’s performance there have been nibbles again for him to win his semi.

The opening semi from a betting perspective appears to be a match between the fastest quarter final winner Tyrur Sugar Ray and the outright favourite, Laughil Blake.

The old warrior Sugar Ray was a very popular winner last week and his loyal supporters have again got involved with him at 15/8 in our heat betting but, it is the pup Blake who leads the betting currently at 5/4.

Over the past few weeks it appears that Blake has captured the imagination of all punters and greyhound folk alike, he is now as short as 5/2 to win the prestigious event.

The start will be crucial in this semi because if the strong running veteran Sugar Ray can start as quickly as he did last week he could use his wealth of ability and experience to give Blake a shock but, I have seen enough from Blake for me to suggest that he is the one they will all have to beat and I expect him to win from Sugar Ray.

Outside of these two british raider Droopys Ward has again showed his ability to always find a way to qualify as he has reached this far but, this time he faces a much trickier trap draw. Ward has consistently proved popular among punters as the know he will nearly always bee involved at the finish however, this week it would appear punters are content to watch on as he is friendless at 6/1.

There have been a few nibbles for Emers Superstar in the outright market throughout and i think we could see some more late support for him in this heat before Saturday night because if there is something lacking in this race, it is that there appears a lack of genuine early on the inside and Emers has a decent draw so at 7/1 he could be a spot of value.

Barefoot Agent and Homeless Boy are still maidens in this year’s Derby but the pair of them have run extremely well for their connections to reach this far and they both have showed enough so far to suggest that given the opportunity they would be ready to pounce. So for me I think Blake will beat Sugar Ray and Emers Superstar in the opening semi to progress to the final.

The second semi final will also be an intriguing betting affair as we have the pair of Liam Dowling’s runners Ballymc Vic and Vulturi paired in with Skywalker Farloe to add a bit more spice.

Vic has proved the decision by Liam to run him in the Derby was the correct one as he currently tops the semi final betting at 6/4, he has been hugely impressive in the past fortnight in particular and from a good draw on the inside a repeat of those performances will see him land the honours for me.

Vic is still available at 5/1 to win the final which has proved popular so far this week and there have been support for him at that price as he looks good to progress to the final.

Vulturi is Vic’s kennel mate and despite all the big runs from other dog’s left in the Derby, it is Vulturi who is still our biggest loser in the book. He really does lack early pace but, his strong running style would make him very hard to keep out of the qualifying positions, he is priced at 7/2 to win his heat and I’m sure again we will see his loyal followers investing again.

Of the final 12 dogs left, I would say that Skywalker Farloe is one of the most frustrating performers for punters thus far. Despite making the semi-finals, Farloe is yet to win a round of the Derby and if you had of suggested that prior to the event you would of got a tasty price.

He doesn’t appear to be running as well as he did earlier in the year but, the fact he is still there, he has to be respected at 7/2 to win the semi. Next in the betting we have Deanridge Pennys at 9/2 who is also seeking his first win in the competition but, he has improved with his recent runs and after a huge run in defeat last week I think he represents a bit of each-way value.

Borneo has really progressed some what under the radar and he did see some support in our markets last week so we should keep a close eye on his price which is currently 7/1. The outsider of the field is Pat Curtin’s Ivy Hill Prince who has too progressed without much recognition but, if he is to make the final he will require a faster start than in recent weeks and if ou fancy him to win the competition he can still be backed at a generous 66/1.

I am going for a Ballymac Vic win over Deanridge Pennys with Vulturi going through in third.

What a weekend we have in store and despite making my selections even i can accept that there is likely to be a major shock or talking point over the weekend and to be honest I cannot wait to see what will unfold at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.

So if you can at all make sure you make it to Shelbourne to witness in person the thrills and spills of the greatest greyhound competition in the world, if you can’t you can watch the live streaming on the boylesports website and you can follow me on twitter for live updates, betting shows, pictures and results from all the night’s action.

Also don’t forget if you are interested in a punt then check out www.boylesports.com for all the betting markets. Bring on the action!!!