Juvenile Derby Fav Skywalker Canny Shortens Further

Shelbourne Park hosted yet another wonderful BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final just over a week ago, but HQ doesn’t have time to rest as the Juvenile Derby is now heading into it’s third week.

Skywalker Canny, who is yet to win a heat, is the 4/1 ante post favourite, cut from 6/1 for trainer Michael J. O’Donovan.

Bred by a previous Derby winner, Laughil Blake, and out of Noelles Swiftco, Canny won his first race at Curraheen Park in a blistering 28.03 back in July this year followed by winning his Dublin debut in 28.29 a few weeks ago.

He hasn’t been showing that same early pace in this competition but there is more to come from this youngster with the support remaining steady despite his performances in the early rounds when a beaten 4/6 and 1/2 favourite respectively.

The second favourite is the talented Ballymac Cooper for Liam Dowling who is 5/1, a slight drift from 4/1. This speedster has already won eight races in his short career and made it to quarter-finals of the Derby this year when denied by a neck to make it through to the semi-finals.

Cooper’s form has mostly been over 550 yards, but he won the first round of the Juvenile Derby in 28.51 showing nice early speed in a four-dog race. He is not the fastest dog from the traps, but his wonderful pace can see him progress through the rounds.

Deanridge Sirius trained by Ian Reilly is 6/1 from 8/1 after showing powerful pace in the second round from the first bend to finish second to Brinkleys Kid who hung on by a head after having a huge lead.

Brinkleys is now unbeaten in this competition with his odds slashed in half from 20/1 into 10/1 and remains a key player for Pat Buckley.

Another big mover in the market is Antigua Boy who is now 20/1 from 40/1 following his 28.21 display on Friday evening at 7/1 to finish four lengths ahead of the second favourite Ballymac Cooper.

Antigua Boy caught the eye of many earlier this month when winning in 28.66 coming from behind but his recent victory saw him improve at the traps with his fastest sectional to date of 2.02 and looks a really nice prospect for Michael Donnelly.

Droopys Hunch is a cracking bitch and she won her second-round heat in a sizzling 28.16 which was the fastest of the night and of the competition.

She is now 8/1 from 10/1 and impressed in the opening rounds of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby clocking 29.43 over the 550 yards trip. She has beautiful early speed and is one to keep a closer eye on with just three wide seeds remaining.

*Prices correct at time of publication