BoyleSports Coursing Derby 2019 – Preview

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

Gibmahs Dream (March Is On-Amys Jackpot) – March
Always looked ahead of the pack in Liscannor when winning. Beat in round one next time out in the All Age in East Donegal (by City Expert) but bounced back to form in Old Kilcullen where he ran up the puppy stake, not getting beat that far. (Heart Over Mind the winner). Now trained by Owen McKenna.

Tilford Tom (Timber House-Follow Ur Dreams) January
Gets the call up following the withdrawal of Guts And Glory. Hasn’t been seen out since which is a slight concern. His clocks in Glin were a bit off the likes of Boylesportsmagic, Huntingtown and Gut And Glory. Will need to have improved

Lone Tank (Crafty Gonzalo-Lone Ramble) – April
Winner first time of asking in Tradaree for Willy Keane, beat Im Not Waiting (Ardpatrick winner) along the way. Reached the final next time out in the All Age in Rathcormac (was withdrawn out of final against kennel mate and Champion Stakes runner, Lone Rocket). Made an appearance in the Corn Na Feile but was sent home by Ballymac Hugo in round one.

Bornbythesea (Adios Alonso-Clonreddan Molly) – January
Two runs this year, beaten in round one of a duffer in Liscannor on debut. Took a lot from that run and improved leaps and bounds in the Regional. Beat Borrisoleigh winner, Smokey Harvey, in the semi final and had a bye in the final itself. Now handled by Con Guiney.

Ballinveala Toro (March Is On-Ballinveala Wren) – April
Reached the semi-final of the reserve in Kilflynn on debut. Won with plenty in hand next time out in Cashel showing a fine dash of early pace which was perfect for this field. Next it was on to the Corn Na Feile where he reached the final, beaten by Picture House (a bye in round one, beat Guts And Glory in round two and a bye in the semi-final).

Ballymac Hugo (Coolavanny Bingo-Ballymac Town) – May
Has had plenty of running this season. Started off in Kilflynn (beat in round one). Collected his ticket in Ballyheigue in his second outing but ran well below par in the All Age in Ballyduff (beat in round one by Kerry Abu, and also beat in round one of the consolation stake by Picture House). Bounced back to form a week later in Rathkeale picking up the Limerick Cup. His last appearance was in Abbeyfeale (beat Lone Tank in round one and was sent home by Rumour Has It in round two).

Killucan Pocket (Pocketrocketben-Vim And Vigour) – March
Debut winner in Westmeath for Kevin Carr. Looked the pick from the start of the trial stake. Next up it was Old Kilcullen for the puppy stake where he reached the semi-final (beaten by the winner, Heart Over Mind). More improvement necessary.

Moonraker (Adios Alonso-Skellig Mania) – January
One run and one win this season in Fermoy. Was always clocking best over the two days, the form from here has worked out well. Three of the four semi-finalists have qualified for the Derby. Astounding (Glanworth) and Seaside Danger (Wexford).

Picture House (Mafi Magic-Chevalto) – January
Gained some experience first time out in Glin (beat in round two). Really took off second time of asking in Abbydorney and was put in at 16s for the Derby. Was very disappointing next time in the All Age in Ballyduff but changed hands after. Now under the care of Mossie O’Connor. A different dog appeared in Abbeyfeale as he romped through the Corn Na Feile Derby.

Rumour Has It (Adios Alonso-Duchess) – January
Won first time out for the Watchman team of Kevin Barry and Basil Holian. Went in originally at 20s for the Derby and was well supported (now 10/1). Was penciled in at 5/2 favourite for the Corn Na Feile Derby but was beat in the semi-final by the winner, Picture House. Still has to be respected.

Return Ticket (Newinn Wonder-Moat Matilda) – April
First time out winner for Gerry Holian. Started off favourite from the outset and won with little doubt. Form from the trial stake wouldn’t exactly blow you away. Was due to run in the Corn Na Feile Derby but was withdrawn before coursing started, mightn’t be the kennels number one Derby hope.

Upthemainroad (Needham Work-Cracking Doll) – February
Another runner we have only seen out once this year. Seemed to take to the hill very well in Crohane which is always a plus going to Clonmel. His form hasn’t been boosted at all since winning, might need to find a length or two to get involved.

Made Up (Killimor Matey-Outcast Snowy) – January
Picked up his ticket first time out In Mallow (form from here isn’t bad). Had another run after in Dungarvan where he reached the second round of the Cup before losing out to the winner and Champion Stakes runner, Ahamore Wonder.

Clonmore Droopy (March Is On- Kingstone Jessie) – April
First appeared in Tradaree (beat in round one) before going on to Miltown Malbay. Was an outsider all the way through the trial stake but he didn’t know his price. Caused a massive shock in the final against Jeru Ash. Was down to run in the Corn Na Feile but was taken out before round one. Will be available at fancy prices on the first morning in Clonmel.

Quivers Ant (Newinn Wonder-Rossmore) – July
Was beat in round two in the Regional by the winner, Bornbythesea, on debut. Won comfortably next time in Charleville (beat Galbally winner, Glanmore Den, in the final). Beat in the first round of the puppy stake in Old Kilcullen (by Im Not Waiting) but bounced back to form in Millstreet on his last appearance, reaching the final of the All Age (won by Colossal Image).

Toems Magic (Mafi Magic-Turbomegadanzack) – March
Beat in the first round in Cashel on debut, won next time out in Thurles, looked to be outsider of the party at the quarter-final stage but plugged on to victory. Appeared out again in the puppy stake in Mooncoin but was sent home in round one by the eventual winner, Boys Brigade.

Cruyff (Blades Of Hope-Might Be Magic) – March
Two appearances this season. Was withdrawn out of the second round in Ballyheigue on debut and then it was on to Castleisland where he put in a big performance. From the opening round he was up there with the best of them and really dominated from the second day. Is in very shrew hands and a massive player. Was withdrawn out of the first round of the Corn Na Feile.

Galtee Snow (Mafi Magic-Uptown Rosie) – April
Won first time of asking in Mitchelstown. Form from here isn’t the best, and we haven’t seen him out since this run. Was down to run in the puppy stake in Old Kilcullen but was a NR in round one. Needs to improve to get involved.

Drive Along (Timber House-Long Drive) – March
Reached the semi-final in Cashel on debut showing great early speed (Beat by the winner, Ballinveala Toro). Made no mistake next time out in Freshford, was jolly from the outset and won independently. Picked up a bit of a knock that day but word is all is good again. Early pace is his strong point.

Leading Hand (Tullamoy Master-Dale Rosin) – March
First appeared in Loughrea but was beat in round one. Took a lot from that run as he looked a totally different dog next time out in Trim. Seemed to get stronger and stronger with each run, his best run looked to be in the semi-final. Didn’t have to contest the final as Donard Star was withdrawn.

Drumtulla Magic (Mafi Magic-Rock The Boat) – March
Takes his place in the Derby following the withdrawal of Wise Flash. Has been seen out a few times since Limerick City. Beat in the first rounds in Lixnaw and Castletowngeoghan. Went to round two in Tralee (beat by the runner up Cryptic Hunter). Reached the quarter final in his final appearance in Clonakilty. Will need plenty of luck to get involved.

Downunder Wonder (Killimor Matey-Smokey Symbol) – April
First time out winner for Thomas O’Donovan. Was short priced favourite on the second morning and won like a jolly should. His clocks were up there with the best of the All Age runners (City Link won the Cup). He appeared in the Corn Na Feile, although beat in round one by Rumour Has It, he was an unlucky loser.

Somelittlerazor (Razor Ashmore-Somelittlething) – January
Took a while for the penny to drop for this fella. Was beat in round one in Glin, Ballyheigue and Abbeydorney before reaching the third round in Castleisland (beat by the winner, Cruyff). It all came together for him at the Galway & Oranmore meeting (run in Glin). Went unsighted in the opening round of the puppy stake in Mooncoin and was beat in round two of the Corn Na Feile by the winner, Picture House.

Chance Me Alonso (Adios Alonso-Chance Me Betty) – May
First time out winner in Nenagh, was well supported before the off. Beat Castletowngeoghegan winner, Navy Racing, in the final so the form is solid enough. Appeared out in the Premier Cup in Templetouhy but was beat in round by the speedy, Oola Prince.

Moat Manor (Newinn Wonder-Moat Matilda) – April
Winner first time out for Gerry Holian in Listowel in what looked an above average trial stake. Had to pull out all the stops in the final to over come Cooney (won after in Tubbercurry). Appeared out in the Corn Na Feile, had a bye in round one and was beat in the second by Incorruptibleman. Don’t let that run put you off him, he could have a big shout.

Badminton Bigben (Coolavanny Bingo-Chubbys Havana) – February
Another to win first time of asking. Looked to be well suited to the long stretch in Carlow, was red hot favourite heading into the final. Appeared out in the puppy stake after in Mooncoin (beat Somelittlerazor in round one) and was beat himself in the second round by the winner, Boys Brigade.

Im Not Waiting (Newinn Wonder-Central Stardust) – May
Another bullet for team Holian to fire at the BoyleSports Derby. Beat first time out in Tradaree by the winner, Lone Tank. Got his ticket next time in Ardpatrick winning comfortably. Was hot favourite to win the Puppy Stake in Old Kilcullen after but went out in the semi-final to Gibmahs Dream. Had one more run in Abbeyfeale (beat in round one by the winner Picture House).

Cryptic Hunter (Kyle Basil-Kerrykil Lass) – January
Gets the call up following the withdrawal of Slipalong Razor. Reached the final after in Tralee (beat by Never A Lie). His best running all year looked to be in Tralee which shows us that he was improved through the season. If he can find an extra length or two he can get involved.

Undersupervision (Killimor Matey-Meghans Diva) – March
Will be one of the best supported runners in Clonmel. His form is rock solid, won first time out in Kilsheelan and gained his second success of the season in Cappoquinn. The form of that cup is good, he beat a few winners along the way, the one that stands out is against Champion Stakes runner, Lone Rocket.

Flagfield Star (Newinn Wonder-Flagfield Dash) – January
First appeared out in Trim, getting beat in round two. Next it was on to Dungannon where he made no mistake. He beat Westport winner in round three which is his best line of form. Appeared out in the Cup in Donegal after and was beat in round two by Budore Leg. Improvement needed.

Durango Johnny (Adios Alonso-Tobar Na Molt) – January
One run and one win for this John Mulcahy trained runner. Took well to the hill in Enniscorty clocking consistent throughout. He beat Seaside Danger in the final who has since come out and won in Wexford. Plenty of money for him in the ante-post market. Will have to step up on his trial stake form to get involved.

Incorruptiblemen (Howdododo-Calm And Cool) – June
Comes from the powerful stable of Kevin Barry. Won second time out in Knockgraffon when coming in as a reserve. Went into a few shrewd judges’ notebooks after that win. Reached the semi-final in Abbeyfeale after (had a bye in round one, beat Moat Manor in round two and was withdrawn out of the semi-final). Age suggests that natural improvement is there, if so keep him on side.

Ballymac Bingo (Coolavanny Bingo-Ballymac Town) – May
Had a few outings this year, beat in round two in Glin, withdrawn out of the final in Ballyheigue (against kennel mate Ballymac Hugo) and beat in the semi-final in Galway & Oranmore (by winner Somelittlerazor). Got the business done in Rathkeale on his last appearance. Has been well punted in the Derby market, on paper however he looks to be the kennels second string.

Count Eguren (Blades Of Hope-Leigh Snowie) – March
First public appearance was in Ballyheigue where he went out in round two to the winner, Ballymac Hugo. Next up it was on to Mitchelstown where he went out in round three. Got his head over the line next time out in Rathcormac. Had one more run in the Corn Na Feile but was beat in round one by Guts And Glory.

Dresden Vale (Vale View Flyer-Call Her Dresden) – March
Has had a number of outings this year, Ballyheigue (round one), Castleisland (round two), Galway & Oranmore (round one) and Ballyduff (round two). Came out on top in the long stretch in Lixnaw in what didn’t look the strongest trial stakes on paper. Improvement needed to get involved.

Bundor Moat (Mafi Magic-Moat Missy) – June
Only had the two outings this season, made his debut in Dungannon getting beat in round one by Prudent Conman. Came up against the same runner again in the final of the Trial Stake in East Donegal and reversed the result. Looked really at home in the longer stretch in Donegal.

Rocking Music (Mafi Magic-Chevalto) – January
Gets his place in the Classic as the runner up in Bandon (Business Card a NR). He is possibly one of the fastest runners in training, has put in some fantastic clocks throughout the season. His Achilles heel is he has a tendency to go unsighted, is one runner some of the big guns will hope to avoid in the early round.

Astounding (Blades Of Hope-Bathed Breath) – March
Two runs this season. Went all the way to the final in Fermoy on debut (beat by Moonraker). Next it was on to Glanworth where he waltzed to victory, was doing most of his running at the top of the field he is sure to love Clonmel. Any further improvement can see him challenge.

Bexhill Liam (Adios Alonso-Bexhill Mandy) – January
First came to our attention in the Glin Derby. Connections saw something they liked so they sent him to be trained under a Newry sky. He seemed to settle into his new surroundings very well as he hosed up in Newcastlewest next time out. He is currently a 16/1 chance for the Derby, I cant see him being this price on the opening morning.

Oakview Leigh (Kyle Leigh-Feede Blond) – June
A first round defeat in Dungannon was quickly forgotten about when landing a blow in Gorey on his second appearance. Beat Yippee Assassin(winner after in Tubbercurry) in the third round which looks his best line of form. Will need to find another length or two to be in the mix.

Wiseguy Ally (Mafi Magic-Turning Pace) – June
Has been seen out a few times this year. Beat in the final of a duffer first time out in Kilflynn, this was followed by two second round defeats in Freshford and Galway & Oranmore. Won a three course duffer on his penultimate start in Lixnaw before going on to pick up his lodge car park pass in Rathdowney. Trained by Paudie Lyons.

Mulboy Bhuna (Kyle Basil-Mulboy Emma) – April
Winner fourth time of asking in Borris-In-Ossary. Beat in round one first time out in Glin, reached the final in New Ross next time (Downunder Wonder the winner), ran below par next time in Enniscorthy but came back to life in his last appearance in Borris-In-Ossory. Looked to go the best from round one and was fav all the way.

Boyneside Buster (Coolavanny Bingo-Killacolla Kiwi) – May
Picked up his trial stake second time of asking. Looked to go unsighted first time out in Donegal, really took to the field in Old Kilcullen in his second outing. Always held in highest regard by shrewd connections, his speed figures are off the wall.

Please Harry (Blades Of Hope-Mountain Maeve) – June
Reached the quarter final on debut in Cashel (beat by runner up), next up was Freshford where he reached the semi-final (beat by the winner, Drive Along). Collected the gold medal next time out in Dungarvan. Wasn’t clocking too far off the all age runners at the meeting.

Navy Racing (Coolavanny Bingo-Dale Asgard) – January
Two runs this year, reached the final in Nenagh first time out (Chance Me Alonso the winner). Over turned the odds to land the blow in the final next time out in Castletowngeoghegan, looked the better of the two Derby trial stakes held at this meeting. Needs to improve further.

Annual Craft (March Is On-Coshair Sunset) – May
Beaten by the winners in his first two outings, Freshford by Drive Along and Dungannon in round three by Flagfield Star. Dominated the trial stake in Westport form the outset, his early pace is his strong point. Further improvement is needed however to be involved on the main stage.

Needham Ougham (Needham Danger-Ougham Ellen) – January
Made his debut in one of the top trial stakes of the year in Listowel, went down to the runner up, Cooney, (winner after in Kilcreevin) in the semi-final. Made no mistake next time out in North Kilkenny, beat Scuba Steve (Dundalk winner) on his way to victory. Another bullet for the Matthews team to fire at the Derby.

Itstheonlyway (Newinn Wonder-Moat Matilda) – April
Disappointed when favourite on debut in Old Kilcullen, you can put it down to inexperience. Improved leaps and bounds for the run when taking the trial stake at Roscommon. Was hot favourite from the off, gave his supporters a shock in the final but got there in the end. Is a member of team Holian.

Smokey Harvey (Newinn Wonder-Smokey Zara) – April
Brings the famed Smokey prefix back to the main stage. Reached the semi-final on debut in the Regional (beat by the winner, Bornbythesea). Was well fancied going to Knockgraffon next time but was sent home after round two by the runner up. Really hit the high notes in Borrisoleigh proving his trainers confidence. As tough as nails this dog is.

Skellig Skinner (Blades Of Hope-Skillig Side) – January
Representing the Oaks winning team of Dennis O’Driscoll and Timmy O’Driscoll. Had two appearances before eventually getting his ticket. Beat in round two at both Abbeydorney (by winner, Picture House) and Glanworth (by runner up, Colla Sam). Was well supported going to Cork at Christmas and victory was never in doubt. Another who is likely to be well supported before the opening round in Clonmel.

Never A Lie (Adios Alonso-Big One) – May
Made a promising debut in a duffer in Castleisland, connections saw a lot of promise here and withdrew him out of the semi-final. Next it was on to Listowel for the derby trial stake, he got to the quarter-final (beat by Needham Ougham). He ticked all the right boxes on St Stephens day in Tralee, starting off 2/1 fav for a hot trial stake, he never gave supporters a moments worry. He beat some highly thought of runners along the way. Could be a dark horse for the Derby.

Steady On Fergus (Howdododo-Moat Hannah) – May
Had three outings before finally getting the job done in Mooncoin. Reached round two at both Glin and Thurles in his first two outings. Had to be withdrawn out of the third round in Carlow on his penultimate start. Showed us all is well again over Christmas with his win in Mooncoin, will have to find a few lengths though if he is to play a part in the Derby.

Scuba Steve (Coolavanny Bingo-Dale Ashgard) – January
Five outings in total this year. Started the year off on a winning note when winning a duffer in Westmeath. A few defeats followed in Carlow, Borris-In-Ossary and North Kilkenny after this then it was on to Dundalk. Held his clock through the stake, had a bye in the semi-final and defied the odds in the final.

Hollyhill Miley (Crafty Gonzalo-Lone Ramble) – April
Is giving his connections a year to remember (their second qualifier of the season). Was beat in the first round in Donegal on debut (by Yippee Assassin who collected after in Tubbercurry). Next stop it was Balbriggan (held in Dundalk). His best run seemed to be in the quarter-final where he put in a massive clock. Could be connections number one hope of success.

Boylesportsmagic (Mafi Magic-Ballymac Adelpha) – February
Made a huge impression before being withdrawn after four runs in Glin when known as Ballymac Whisper. Didn’t appear out again until Abbeyfeale in what looks to be the best trial stake of the year. His clocks were better then the Corn Na Feile runners, he beat Huntingdon (winner in Ballymena after) in a thrilling semi-final. Was snapped up after the win by the Derby sponsor John Boyle. He is your current Derby favourite.

Seaside Danger (Needham Danger-Trusting) – April
One of the most deserving and popular winners of the year. Had three outings before his victory, Glin (round one), Fermoy (semi-final beat by the runner-up, Astounding) and was beat in the final in Enniscorthy (Durango Johnny the winner). Returned to the same field again for the Wexford meeting and made no mistake. Looked to get stronger with each run, he used his runs over course and distance to his advantage.

Impact Factor (Newinn Wonder-Flagfield Dash) – January
Three runs so far this season, beat in round two at the first meeting in East Donegal, next it was on to Castetowngeoghan where he was beat in round two again. Victory came at the second meeting in East Donegal, he used his experience over course and distance to his advantage. Was favourite heading into the second day and duly obliged.

Glanmore Den (Blades Of Hope-No No Hawkeye) – April
Has had five outings all season, his best runs before finally getting over the line were in Charleville (beat in the final by Quivers Ant) and Newcastlewest (beat in the quarter-final). Won what looked a wide open trial stake in Galbally, was slight outsider heading into the final but landed a blow. Needs to find a length or two.

Clever Jack (Adios Alonso-Late Drama) – April
Two runs and two wins for trainer Jack Buckley. Won a duffer in Doon on his debut, didn’t appear out again for almost two months but showed no sign of being rusty. Was well backed to win here and never gave his supporters a moments worry. Should come on a tonne for the run, if so he could surprise a few.

Crestofawave (Central City-Loyal Leader) – June
Winner on his fourth attempt. Beat in Miltown Malbay on debut in round one, round two in Listowel and was beat in the final in Milltown Malbay by Colina Sharper (reserve trial stake). Won tough 64 dog trial stake in Templetouhy, only negative from this win is he had to go an extra time up the field as both runners went unsighted in the final. Won the re-run handy. Looks to be as tough as old boots.

Big Hero (Blades Of Fire-Big Tilly) – April
Three runs this year, beat in round one in Listowel on debut, next it was on to a duffer in Lixnaw where he was beat by subsequent trial stake winner, Wiseguy Shane, in the final. Found his feet in Clonakilty taking this 48 runner trial stake, went favourite heading into round three.

Huntingtown (Adios Alonso-Bexhill Mandy) – January
Is this fellow the main contender from the Matthews kennel? Betting says yes! Made a lasting impression on debut in Glin reaching the quarter-final, next it was on to Old Kilcullen where he had to be withdrawn out of round two. Started off favourite for the hottest trial stake of the year in Abbeyfeale and looked to fly. Was beat in the semi-final by the winner and current Derby favourite, Boylesportsmagic. Skated through the trial stake in Ballymena starting off the shortest price ever for a pup at 1/3.

Cooney (Razor Ashmore-Tory Eille) – April
Reached the final on debut in Listowel, led all only to be collared late by the highly thought of Moat Manor. Disappointed next time out in Glanworth before reaching the semi-final in Tralee (beat by winner, Never A Lie). Clocked in Tubbercurry, for such a big dog he has a lovely dash of early pace. Had to beat a few fancied ones along the way to victory. Interesting to see how he handles the extra few yards in Clonmel.

Yippee Assassin (Newinn Wonder-Jamica Jenny) – April
Got his golden ticket on his fourth outing. Beat in round two on debut in East Donegal, round two in Gorey (by the winner, Oakview Leigh) and the third round in Wexford (by the winner, Seaside Danger). Tubbercurry was where he really took off, his run in the quarter-final was as good as what was up there. Bred in the purple.

Get the latest odds for the BoyleSports Coursing Derby here.