EASTER CUP CONTINUES IN DUBLIN

Ian Fortune

Just six greyhounds will be eliminated from the Shelbourne Park Bookmakers Easter Cup this evening with four to qualify from each of the three second round heats but there is little room for error with each of the heats packed with talented trackers.

Lennies Tank will start a hot favourite for the opening heat from an ideal draw in the stripes. He was a warm favourite last week, only to lose his balance briefly after an opening bend bump. Those that got their fingers burnt last week may be apprehensive about doing so again but he is a worthy favourite and can atone for his latest defeat.

Blessed with outstanding early speed, the wide draw could be the key to his success this evening. With nothing on his outside, he can run a truer bend to turn in front. Of his rivals, Callaway Five stands out as the main threat after a career best effort last week.

He actually went some three lengths faster than Lennies Tank last week, albeit he never saw another rival in a virtual solo. Tonight he lines out in trap one and will again look to get loose into the opening corner. If doing so, he would quickly emerge as a leading player.

His kennel companion, Callaway Knegare, is drawn in three and will be hoping to return to his very best form. He has a big engine but needs to produce one of his very best starts to threaten in the opening exchanges.

Lemon Hidalgo has been running well and Tom Lennon will be hopeful he can finish in the top four. Zenith Gizmo and Hackney Tango will be available at big prices and need to be at their very best to get involved.

Lennies Tank gets the vote but requires a clear passage at the opening turn. If trapping on terms, that seems likely as early speed is one of his greatest strengths. Callaway Five can emerge as the main danger with Callaway Knegare likely to force his way into the frame late in the contest.

KATHLEEN TO DELIGHT AGAIN

Droopys Kathleen is set to dominate the betting for Heat 2 after returning to winning ways last weekend.

Robert Gleeson reports her in ‘great shape’ ahead of her appearance. A trap four may not look ideal but she relished the longer run to the turn last week and may do so again.

Certainly, if trapping on terms, the sensational daughter of Droopys Sydney can assert into the bend before again emerging a superb winner. Tom O’Neill is responsible for her two main rivals this evening, Ballyhooly Bruno and Lemon Orla.

Both ran extremely well last week, showing great strength in their respective assignments. Lemon Orla came from lengths back to lead late in a 29.63 success, while Ballyhooly Bruno actually went one spot faster when a close second to Droopy Faithful.

Miami Hyland is also respected. He missed the start last week, suffering his first defeat in the process, but is likely to trap better and turn far closer this evening. Moorstown Knight and Lennies Madge are also very strong but in a race of this nature will need to turn closer to the pace to worry the judge.

In short, Droopys Kathleen reminded the greyhound racing world of her immense talent in the opening round and she can do so again. Ballyhooly Bruno and Lemon Orla can chase her home.

STAY FAITHFUL TO DROOPYS

Droopys Faithful has achieved much in her relatively short career and is set to follow up on her impressive opening round success in Heat 3.

Daniel O’Rahilly’s star shook off the attentions of Lennies Tank to get loose down the back straight in the opening round and,despite tiring in the latter stages, held on to score by a half length.

Expect her to strip even fitter this evening and again make a bold bid. The Michael O’Donovan trained duo of Hackney Mati and Coosane Pickles are perhaps the greatest dangers to Droopys Faithful, although the early speed of Miami Hans should allow him to get involved also.

Hunters Pilot and Boylesports Blue complete the line-up and both will need to do things right in the early exchanges.

Droopys Faithful has a great draw and should comfortably lead up those on her flanks, Boylesports Blue and Coosane Pickles to turn in a prominent position. Hackney Mati is very fast and will bid to turn close on the fence but Droopys Faithful can get first run and is chosen to bring her tally to six wins from thirteen starts, all in the very best company. Hackney Mati and Coosane Pickles are chosen to chase her home.

COMPETITIVE ACTION ON UNDERCARD

Elsewhere on the Shelbourne Park card, the opening round of the Shelbourne Park Bookmakers A0 550 opens up proceedings and expect some fine displays.

The opening heat is wide open but slight preference goes to the lightly raced, but clearly very promising Aulton Cash.

Maiden Derby champion Shanahee Boomer ran very well in last year’s Derby and is set to come home in front in Heat 2, while Gallant Captain can make the most of an ideal draw on the fence in Heat 3.