BoyleSports Coursing Derby 2018 – Preview

With the BoyleSports Coursing Derby fast approaching, let’s have a look at who’s in contention!

Crescent Ash (Razor Ashmore-Kincora Chubbys) April – Liscannor

First qualifier of the season. Hasn’t appeared out since this win. Two winners have come out of this trial stake (Sorry Not Sorry and Barrow George). Only an April pup so expect improvement. Breeding suggests he will love the hill. Trained by David Flanagan.

Knockderk Flyer (Vale View Flyer-Small Bit Bright) – April – Reserve winner South Clare

Had three outings before picking up this reserve trial stake in South Clare; was clocking behind the All Age Runners at the meeting. His best attempt before winning came in Limerick City where he reached the quarter-final. Will really have to up his game if he is to mix it with the leading players in this year’s Derby.

Granard Flash (Adios Alonso-Granard Storm) January – Regional

First of three qualifiers in the Derby, for Granard Storm. Winner first time out in impressive fashion, then reappeared in the opening round in the Corn Na Feile in Abbeyfeale, where he won his first course and was then withdrawn. Two winners have come out of the Trial Stake in Regional, including the highly thought of Kyle Steel.

Fingal Salmon (Adios Alonso-Fingal Floss) April – Westmeath United

First time out winner in Westmeath for Pat Savage. Form from this Trial Stake doesn’t look the strongest (one winner Wi Can Scurry in Nenagh), clocks here were well behind the All Age winner (Reikers Island). Interesting we haven’t seen him out since, the Fingal runners are normally as tough as old boots!

Tin Man (Mafi Magic-Pretty Stranger) April – Tradaree

Winner of a 16 dog Trial Stake first time out (meeting held with Regional). A few winners have come out since! Trained by Dan Lynch. Always looked to be top of the pile in this trial stake, clocked consistently throughout. He beat the Borrisoleigh winner in the semi-final. Appeared in the Corn Na Feile Derby and was beat in round two by the winner, Silent Whisper.

Outoftheshadow (Timber House-Mad Moment) June- Cashel

Purchased after winning this Trial Stake by Mark Dilger and went to the top of the Derby betting. Beat the highly thought of and subsequent Knockgraffon trial stake winner, Part Exchange, in the final. Appeared in Abbeyfeale, where he put in some saucy clocks in the early rounds of the Corn Na Feile, before going down in the final in an extremely close buckle. Whatever meets this lad early will be going home! Will be vying for favouritism in this year’s Derby

Ballymac Billy (Ballymac Best-Ballymac Adelpha) January – Ballyheigue

Winner second time out for team Dowling. Form in the trial stake looks solid, three of the last four in the semi-final have qualified for the Derby. Bred for both track and field, Billy has a lovely turn of early place. Beat in the first round of the Corn Na Feile by Ashmore Derby.

Zizu (Adios Alonso-Simtam) January – Fermoy

This heavy weight changed hands after winning first time out in Fermoy. Now under the care of Paudie Lyons. Looked head and shoulders above the rest in the trial stake. Was beat three lengths by the Corn Na Feile winner (Silent Whisper) in the first round in Abbeyfeale. Improvement needed.

Oakview Wave (Vale View Flyer-Big Wave) April- Loughrea

Winner first time out in Loughrea and was favourite after one run up. Was clocking on par with the all age runners at the meeting. Appeared in the Paddy Doyle Cup in Johnstown after, but was beaten in the first round by Hilark James. Needs to improve to come into the Derby picture.

Granard Breeze (Adios Alonso-Granard Storm) January – Abbeydorney

Beaten in the third round in Glin, first time out, but improved dramatically to get the job done next time. Second of the litter to qualify. Was clocking a few lengths behind Cup winner Floating Victor at the meeting, Kyle Vivaldi has since come out and won from this trial stake.

Watchman (Newinn Wonder-Bossa Nova Babe) April – Edenderry

Yet another winner from the in-form kennels of Kevin Barry. Won first time of asking and looked to improve with every run. Any further improvement will put him right up there with the best of them. Bred in the purple. Impressive winner.

Crohane Hilltop (Adios Alonso-Honeycomb View) January – Crohane & Killenaule

An extremely popular winner for Tom Simpson. Won first time out and looked to thrive on the rising ground. Form from this trial stake doesn’t look to be top class, but the field is always a good guide for Powerstown Park. Hasn’t been seen in public since.

Hilight Warrior (Latest Trick-Lolas Molly) February – Mallow

Winner second time out. The last four in the trial stake in Mallow have qualified for the Derby. Looked to be doing his best running at the top of the field here. Was down to run in the opening round of the Puppy Stake in Mooncoin, but never appeared. An interesting sort, could be a dark horse!

Barrow George (Kyle Leigh-Cillowen Stunner) January – Charleville

Reached the semi-final on debut in Liscannor, before doing the business next time out in Charleville, beating the highly thought of Lone Power in the final. Appeared out in the All Age in Glanworth since and put up a good show reaching the semi-final, before going down, in a tough battle with Drive On Smokey.

Blastoff Bingo (Coolavanny Bingo-Lively Gaga) April – Thurles

Winner second time out. Was vying for favouritism throughout the Stake and ran out a comfortable winner in the end. Has appeared out twice since but failed to impress. Will have to improve leaps and bounds to figure.

Clareabbey Flyer (Vale View Flyer-Kilcummin Lady) April – Miltown Malbay

Winner second time out. Improved in every round and ran out a comfortable winner in the end. Clocked on par with Cup winner Chicago Shuffle. Hasn’t appeared out since his win. Should improve with age.

Boyneside Swift (Razor Ashmore-Bank Perspective) March – Ballinagar

Won on debut for owner/trainer Davy Reynolds in Ballinagar. Beat Nenagh winner Wi Can Scurry in the semi-final. Appeared in the Cup in Dundalk over Christmas, but failed to figure getting beat in the first round. Lots of improvement needed.

Kyle Steel (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Steel) February – Castleisland

Had a lot of people talking after his display in Castleisland. This was his second outing. His clocks were impressive, wasn’t a million miles off the All Age winner Blades Of Fire. Is highly thought of by connections. Bred for both speed and stamina. Was installed near the top of the betting after his win. One to keep on the right side of.

Rapid Response (Newinn Wonder-Crossbound) March – Freshford

Was pulled out after winning two rounds in Liscannor on debut and won in fine style, second time of asking in Freshford. Trained by the one and only Gerry Holian. Ran in the Corn Na Feile in Abbeyfeale, but was beat in the first round by Granard Flash. A member of a top class litter which includes Corn Na Feile Oaks winner, Graigues Legacy!

Kyle Vivaldi (Adios Alonso-Lyrics) February – Limerick City

Winner third time out for the Field family. Was well supported on debut in Glin but went out in the second round. Made the trial stake his own in Limerick City, winning it comfortably. Ran in the Corn Na Feile, but was beat in round one by Granard Bolt. Is better than his Abbeyfeale form suggests.

Masterofdisaster (Needham Danger-Master Delight) March – New Ross

Winner third time out, was withdrawn in the 3rd round in Edenderry on his second outing when looking to be going as well as anything. Appeared out in the Puppy Stake in Mooncoin on his latest appearance, where he ran up to the bitch Bluehill Heather in the final. Highly respected by shrewd connections.

Blueview Trump (Adios Alonso-Foxhill Rio) April – Trim

Trim has proved to be a hunting ground for the Blueview team over the years. This fellow picked up his ticket first time of asking and then followed up by winning the Corn Cuchullain in Dundalk over Christmas. Looks as tough as nails and improved in each round in Dundalk. He is bred to fly up the hill in Powerstown Park.

Silent Whisper (Newinn Wonder-Silent Belle) February – Galway & Oranmore

Whisper stood out a mile in this trial stake, which was run in Glin. Was favourite from the outset and won with plenty in hand. Next time out he appeared in the Corn Na Feile in Abbeyfeale, where upset red hot favourite Outoftheshadow in the final. After getting away in front, he made the final his own holding off the jolly in a just up decision. This Mossy O’Connor trained runner is 10/1 for Derby glory.

Wi Can Scurry (Blueview Sam-Central Stardust) March – Nenagh

Took this fellow three outings to hit the back of the net. Was beaten in the semi-final second time out in Edenderry (by the winner). Was the outsider in the final but won like an odds on shot. Further improvement is necessary if he is to make it into the Derby picture. His owners Lars and Mats Wicander are enjoying a fine run over the past two seasons.

Ashmore Derby (Newinn Wonder-Central Heroine) January – Co Carlow

First of three Derby qualifiers in the litter. Owned by Derby sponsor John Boyle. Ashmore looked to come on a tonne from his debut outing in Edenderry, before collecting next time out in Carlow. Appeared out next in the Corn Na Feile, where he beat Ballyheigue winner Ballymac Billy in the opening round. Was beat a few lengths by Outoftheshadow in round two. Will be prepared for the Derby by Dan Brassil.

Long John Silver (Feel My Pulse-Fire And Silver) June – Cavan

This June pup was always held in high regard by John and Geraldine Doyle. Ran very green on debut in New Ross, but the couple of turns really woke him up. His next outing in Cavan was a winning one, he snuck under the radar throughout the trial stake, where he beat the favourite and subsequent Castletowngeoghegan winner, Dale Belmont, in the final.

Cooga Gamble (Adios Alonso-Outcast Snowy) April – Old Kilcullen

Gamble was beat on debut in Crohane in the third round. The shorter field on Kilcullen seemed to suit his early pace better, next time out. Beat the highly thought of Oola Prince, in a close final. Will be interesting to see how he handles the longer stretch in Powerstown Park. His pedigree suggests he will like it.

Fraggle Rock (Newinn Wonder-Rock Music) Feb – Ardpatrick & KIlfinane

Won the working members in Thurles, first time out, in late October. That outing really stood to him as he ran impressively throughout the trial stake, next time out in Ardpatrick, clocking consistently throughout. His best run was in the semi-final where he wasn’t clocking too far off the All Age winner Gold Duke.

Clon Eagle (Adios Alonso-Lineroad Bonita) March – Clonmel & Kilsheelan

This lad first came to our attention, when he was backed first time out to win in Glin. Surprisingly he was beaten in the opening round, next up was Mallow where he was beat in the semi-final by the runner-up and subsequent Glanworth winner Granard Bolt. The penny finally dropped for Eagle in Kilsheelen, where he was red hot favourite after two rounds. Trained in Skibbereen by Dennis O’Drisscoll.

Lone Rocket (Adios Alonso-Dublinfourdasher) May – Ballyduff

Rocket caused quite a stir with his display in Ballyduff. He just got the better of City Link in the quarter final (City Link won easily next time out in Bandon) and then ran away with the semi-final and final. Hasn’t appeared out in public since, but he has plenty of support in the outright market. Is on my shortlist for the Derby.

Mayfield (Adios Alonso-Gowayoudat) January – Listowel

Reached the final first time out in Ballyheigue (beat by Ballymac Billy). Started off a short priced favourite for the trial stake in Listowel next time and won like a hot pot should. Any improvement at all from his win should put him bang in the mix. Hasn’t appeared out since. Trained by Jonathan Best

Part Exchange (Adios Alonso-Live At Two) January- Knockgraffon

Came up against Outoftheshadow in the final on debut in Cashel. These two looked head and shoulders above the rest. Made no mistake next time out in Knockgraffon, winning all his courses comfortably, clocking better than the Cup dogs (Skellig Shane won the All Age). Continued support in the outright market forced us to butcher up his price. Could play a starring role in the Derby

Sorry Not Sorry (Newinn Wonder-Chiang Mia) February- Enniscorthy

Has had plenty of running so far this year. Reached the final in his first two outings in Liscannor and Castleisland, before having his day in the sun in Enniscorthy. Appeared again in the opening round of the Corn Na Feile where he met Outoftheshadow. Will need luck on his side in Clonmel.

Touchstone (Razor Ashmore-Boshski) January – Rathcormac

Bred to be special. Won second time of asking for owner/breeder Ailish Dilger in Rathcormac, looked the standout runner from the start. Beat the well punted Needham Rocket in the first round of the Corn Na Feile. Met eventual winner Silent Whisper in the semi-final and was beat two lengths. Is being prepared for the Derby by Clem Lynch.

Rathfort Wonder (Newinn Wonder-Areyoureadynow) June- R/U Rathkeale

Gets into the Derby in place of Portobanus. Rathfort divided the working members in Charleville early in the season before running up in Rathkeale. Reached the third round in Abbeyfeale on his penultimate outing, then was beat in the second round in Clonakilty on his final appearance.

Doingitforfiadh (Blueview Sam-Whytanyard Kay) January- Mitchelstown

Beat in the first round in Glin, by Abbeydorney winner Granard Breeze. Next time out he went out in round two in Mallow, before claiming victory in Mitchelstown. Was outsider heading into the final. Ran disappointing in the Champion Puppy Stake, in Mooncoin, on his most recent appearance.

Amazing Style (Adios Alonso-Call Her Dresden) February – Lixnaw

Winner on his fourth attempt. Had to be withdrawn out from the quarter finals in Ballyheigue, on his second outing. Beat by the runner-up in the quarter final in Ballyduff, next time, before striking gold in Lixnaw. Will appreciate the rising ground in Clonmel. Trained by Johnny Kelliher.

City Link (Timber House-Latest Gamble) May- Bandon

Has only appeared out twice this season. Wasn’t beat all that far by the winner (Lone Rocket) in Ballyduff, in the quarter final, before landing his Derby ticket, when winning in style in Bandon. Looked to really appreciate the rising ground and ticks all the right boxes for Clonmel. Is trained by the maestro Brendan Matthews.

City Expert (Timber House-Latest Gamble) May – R/U East Donegal

Gets into the Derby as the winner, Budore Leg, is a notified non-runner. Has had a few outings since running up in East Donegal, but failed to make it to the business end of things. Will have to improve plenty to get involved

Granard Bolt (Adios Alonso-Granard Storm) January – Glanworth

Fourth winner from this litter. Bolt made his debut in Kilflynn reaching the second round, then it was on to Mallow where he hit the cross bar, he was slight favourite heading into the final but was beaten by Hilight Warrior. Done the business next time out in Glanworth winning impressively. His latest outing was in the Corn Na feile, where he reached the semi-final (beat Kyle Vivaldi and Barrack Bruce along the way) and was beat by Outoftheshadow.

Bedford Rambler (Newinn Wonder-Nina For Out) April – Newcastlewest

Got his lodge car park ticket on his third attempt. Beat on debut by the runner up (Sorry Not Sorry) in Castleisland, reached the semi-final next time out in Listowel. Made it count next time out in Newcastlewest. Appeared out in the first round of the Corn Na Feile, but was beaten by Tin Man.

Dale Arrogate (Tullamoy Master-Come On Vivienne) April – R/U Rathdowney

Gets into the Derby as the winner here, Ballarue Eagle, unfortunately, had to be withdrawn. Dale has had three outings, twice a beaten finalist (Rathdowney and Carlow) and reached the semi-final on debut in Westmeath (beat by the winner Fingal Salmon). Bred more for speed, than stamina.

Clash Bruno (Timber House-Moat Anah) May – R/U Gorey

Gets in instead of Meenagh Master. Bruno only had two outings this season; reached the semi-final of the trial stake in Knockgraffon (beaten by the runner-up and subsequent Ballymena winner Needham Yippee). Wasn’t beaten far in the decider in Gorey. Going to have to up his game to get involved.

Thats My Man (Newinn Wonder-Blue Abella) January – Borris-In-Ossory

His first appearance in Knockgraffon was a decent effort, where he went to the semi-final before going out to the highly regarded, Part Exchange. Appeared out less than three weeks later in Borris In Ossary, where he impressed in this 16 runner field. He beat Moanroe Wonder in the final. (Wonder reached the final next time out in Templetouhy before being withdrawn injured).

Dale Belmont (Newinn Wonder-Youkon Glory) June – Castletowngeoghan

Appeared out first in Trim, reaching the third round (getting beat by the winner and Corn Cuchullain winner Blueview Trump). Was red hot favourite in the final next time out in Cavan, but was over turned by Long John Silver. Made it count next time in Castletowngeoghan in a 16 runner field.

Oola Prince (Newinn Wonder-Rock Music) February – R/U Westport

One of the seasons talking dogs. Only had two outings this year, running up in both Westport and Old Kilcullen. If returning to his very best he is well capable of putting in a few rounds. Could prove to be a handful early!

Cobra Commander (Newinn Wonder-Late Drama) June – North Kilkenny

This fellow first appeared in public in the opening round of a duffer in Carlow and was withdrawn from the second round. Next time out was Enniscorthy, where he went down in the final to Sorry Not Sorry. Looked to be head and shoulders above the rest in North Kilkenny, and won easily. One for the notebook as he’s only a June pup.

Shine A Diamond (Adios Alonso-Class Attraction) June – Dungarvan

You couldn’t but be impressed by this fellows win, first time out in Dungarvan. There was plenty of confidence beforehand and he duly obliged. Bred to win the Derby, he is trained by his owner/breeder Con Guiney. Only a June puppy so expect plenty of improvement.

You Amaze Me (Newinn Wonder-Central Heroine) January – Roscommon

Another bullet to fire at the Derby from the Holian camp. Winner first time of asking, clocking very well throughout. His style of running suggests he will like the surroundings in Powerstown Park. This is the third qualifier form this amazing litter! Would be a very popular winner.

Always Inthe Run (Timber House-Moat Anah) May – Mooncoin

Three runs so far year, for the son of Timber House. Reached the final on debut in Crohane (Winner Crohane Hilltop), went to the semi-final next time in Kilsheelen (beat by runner up). He got the job done on his final appearance in Mooncoin, beating the reserve winner from Johnstown, Graigues Heyday, in the final and the Clonakilty-winner, Mingdrum Tank, in the semi-final. Has solid form behind him.

Goodbye Venice (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Steel) February – Borrisoleigh

Winner fourth time of asking for Con Guiney. Had been knocking on the door all year before this. Semi-final on debut in Tradaree (beat by winner Tin Man), next up a semi-finalist in Charleville, again beaten by the winner (Barrow George), and then a beaten finalist in Cappoquin (winner Creggane Magic). Second qualifier in the Derby from this litter.

Hydepark Bingo (Coolavanny Bingo-Summer Skellig) April – Dundalk

Had three unsuccessful outings, before claiming the golden ticket in Dundalk. He was beat in the opening rounds in both Westmeath and Gorey. He was withdrawn from the second round in Edenderry. He will have to improve a bit on his Dundalk form, to trouble the big guns in the Derby.

Fine Old Chap (Adios Alonso-Gowayoudat) January – Cork

A second Derby qualifier, for dam, Gowayoudat. Beat in the first round in both Cashel (by Outoftheshadow) and Glanworth in his first two outings. Looked to improve bundles for these outings, when going favourite in Cork, after one run and won like a jolly should. The further up the field they go, the better for this fellow.

Coolavanny Juno (Coolavanny Bingo-Leigh Smokey) May – Abbeyfeale

Comes from the Derby winning kennel of Noel Browne. Had plenty of runs before he collected in Abbeyfeale, his best effort before he collected his Derby ticket, was as a semi-finalist in Bandon (beaten by the runner-up Optimistic Jack). His sire improved when he got to Clonmel, will it run in the family?

Honey Smokey (Bexhill Eoin-Alone We Stand) February – R/U Wexford

Got the call up following the withdrawal of Steady Rise. Smokey won the reserve trial stake in Waterford, on his second outing and went in as reserve D. He went to the third round in Newcastlewest, after winning In Waterford. Following that, he was beat in the first round in Mooncoin. His final appearance was in Wexford, where he had no answer to the winner Steady Rise

Half A Moment (Adios Alonso-Uptown Dawn) January – Galbally

This fellow had a few decent efforts before collecting in Galbally. He reached the semi-finals in both Glanworth and Mallow (beat by winner Highlight Warrior). Had to be withdrawn from the third round in Ardpatrick in his only other outing. Dogs seems as tough as old boots.

Central Rocker (Newinn Wonder-Central Heroine) January – East Donegal

One run and one win for this son of Newinn Wonder. Was always clocking with the best on the field over the weekend. He really seemed to appreciate the long and tough Greenbrae stretch, so should take to Powerstown Park, like a duck to water.

Spin The Whip (Newinn Wonder-Away She Goes) February – Millstreet

Had five attempts at trial stakes before he managed to bag his ticket! He picked up his win the first time he ventured outside Kerry. His best effort before winning, was to reach the last four in Ballyduff (beaten by runner up Cill Ide Wonder). No doubt all the experience will stand to him.

Ahamore Wonder (Newinn Wonder-Areyoureadynow) June – Templetuohy

This fellow didn’t appear in public until Abbeyfeale (beat in the second round). Being only a June puppy, connections took their time, which paid off. He was highly fancied in Templetuohy, clocking well throughout. Didn’t have to run a final here as his opponent was withdrawn injured. Open to more improvement

Needham Yippee (Needham Danger-Gadget Girl) January – Ballymena

Had a few attempts before striking gold, in the West. His previous best effort before scoring, was the runner-up berth in Knockgraffon (beaten by Part Exchange). He got to the semi-final on debut in Regional (beat by the winner Granard Flash). Yippee was red hot favourite to win in Ballymena and won duly obliged with minimum fuss. Plenty of confidence behind this fellow and has to be respected, coming from shrewd connections.

Roquefort Teddy (Timber House-Mad Moment) June – Kilcreevin/Ballmote

One of the seasons talking dogs. Appeared in the draw in Nenagh, but was withdrawn before the first round. He arrived in the Kilcreevin trial-stake, with a huge reputation and didn’t disappoint his supporters. He put big distances between himself and his opponents throughout, and fully justified the hype. Has been pencilled in at 10/1 for the Derby. A litter brother to the jolly, Outoftheshadow.

Bagsy The Front (Newinn Wonder-Blue Abella) January – Tubbercurry

Winner third time out, beaten in round three in Glin, on debut. His next public appearance came in Borrisoleigh, where he was withdrawn after two rounds (clocked up well both times). Made the long journey to Tubbercurry from Nenagh, worthwhile for the Kelly family. Plenty of dough around for him before the opening round and they didn’t have a moments worry.

Mingdrum Tank (Thomas The Tank-Lacken Pippy) June – Clonakilty

Won on his fourth attempt. Reached the semi-final in the reserve trial stake in Waterford on debut (beaten by the winner Honey Smokey). This was followed by a third round defeat in Gorey and he lost out in the semi-final in Mooncoin (beaten by the winner Always In the Run). Upset a few fancied runners along the way in Clonakilty, including, Crafty Destino, in the final.