PLATE TO SERVE UP THRILLING RACING

Ian Fortune

The 2023 Michael Fortune Memorial Plate gets underway this evening and there should be some exceptional racing with a number of high-profile trackers taking their chance in the competition after making an early exit from the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby.

DUKE TO REIGN

Daleroad Duke has gained plenty of admirers in recent weeks and he has the draw to return to winning ways in the opening heat.

The son of Good News can hold his position into the turn along the fence before asserting. Millroad Bolger, Sogna In Grande and Da Bold Freddie can offer the most resistance but Daleroad Duke is a confident selection.  

BAILEY AND RUN GO HEAD TO HEAD

Ballymac Run was desperately unlucky to make her exit from the Derby last weekend, challenging Trinity Junior to the final turn where she was kept wide before losing out by a short head for third.

She is in tremendous form at present and looks certain to make a bold bid in Heat 2.

Annagh Bailey is a notable rival, however, and may have the better of the draw. Much will depend on the start, but slight preference is for Anagh Bailey who is guaranteed room to race in the early yards from trap five with Ballymac Run likely to edge inwards from four.  

MAESTRO CHOSEN TO PLAY THE RIGHT TUNE

In terms of overall strength, Heat 3 is perhaps the hottest of the round with Gaytime Hugo, Good Maestro and Magical Kuba all capable of producing a big run.

Good Maestro was one of the fastest opening round winners in the Derby only to lose out by a short head for qualifying a week later.

If he can hit the ground running, he will be hard to stop, although his kennel companion Magical Kuba would be a huge danger if returning to anything like his best. Gaytime Hugo posted 29.26 in his penultimate start and is clearly one to consider also.

LARIAT TO HOLD JOHNJO

Beepers Lariat has the draw to land Heat 4, although his supporters will be taking a glance back off the second turn to see how close Ballymac Johnjo is.

It’s far from a two-dog affair but could end up that way if Beepers Lariat finds a way to turn in front.

From an ideal draw on the fence, Beepers Lariat should have the early speed to hold his position into the turn and that could make the difference. Ballymac Copper, Kapuka Warrior and Press Unlock will also look to turn close but picking up Beepers Lariat wouldn’t be an easy task. Ballymac Johnjo will finish at speed and can emerge as the main danger.  

ROCKO TO MAKE ALL

Heat 5 is another competitive affair, although the bookends have the best of the draw.

Champion Unraced winner Carrick Fergie got little chance to run in the opening round of the Derby but has a far better draw on the fence this time.

If he were to turn close, he could make a bold bid or glory. The most likely pace-setter is Clona Rocko, however. He was very close to leading around in a red-hot second round heat in the Derby only to be badly baulked.

From his favourite draw in the stripes, the Michael Taggart trained star can dictate on this occasion and would take some catching if doing so. Carrick Fergie is nominated as the main threat, although Cheque For Sir is also respected.

CHICO CAN POUNCE

In terms of pure pace, Optic Chico is perhaps the fastest dog in the Plate although he is vulnerable to the opening turn.

He stands out as the one to beat in the final heat, although he may have Pape Di Oro and Deadly Showtime to pick up.

With a clear passage on the outside of the track, Optic Chico might have too much pace and strength for his rivals and is chosen to emerge on top at the expense of Pape Di Oro.