Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules
The first big competition of 2021 sees the Best Car Parks Gold Cup in Shelbourne Park taking centre stage on Saturday night with some of the best greyhounds in the country kicking off the year with a bang. Last year’s reigning champion Ballymac Anton was retired at the back end of last year so a new champion will be crowned.
With the Dowling Kennel winning two of the last three renewals of this competition, This year they are doubly represented with the talented duo of Ballymac Art and Ballymac Cashout. Both are hugely talented individuals but I am going to pick 4 dogs to keep an eye out for during the competition.
Deadly Samuri
My main fancy is Deadly Samuri, this dog runs in Heat 6 and I fancy him to run a massive race. He started his career winning the Champion Unraced in Kilkenny before moving to Shelbourne Park where he missed the kick on his first start but has managed to rattle off three wins on the bounce with his most impressive performance last time out when winning at the Winter Festival when blasting from trap 5 and making all, posting a very fast 28:15.
He will be tested by the likes of Clona Hawk and Iconic Rory but with that stunning early speed, he is my main fancy for outright honours.
Catchmeflying
My next fancy is Catchmeflying in Heat 3. This dog started his career a year ago when rattling off two wins back to back at Kilkenny for local trainer Thomas Bugg.
He then moved to Shelbourne where he managed to reach the semi-final of the Irish derby, but really found his feet a month later when posting a scorching 27:98. The last time this dog graced a track was at the winter festival when missing the break from traps hampering his chances and ended up a running on into second on that start.
He is up against it with the likes of Jaytee Japan running well the last few weeks but Catchmeflying has gone faster than any other greyhound in the competition and if he starts on terms with certainly make a bold bid at the current price.
Ballymac Art
The next fancy is Ballymac Art, running in the opening heat. This lady has ran in the last two major competitions for bitches, getting to the finals on both occasions. Just shy of her 3rd birthday, this lady has been a real superstar for the Dowling’s.
She won the semi-finals of The Oaks when blasting from boxes on that occasion and making all. Unfortunately, the draw wasn’t kind to her in the final but she is back wearing the red jacket and that should certainly aid her chances.
When last seen running in the Christmas Oaks she completely flopped from box’s and her chance was hampered thereafter. Cornerhouse Lady ran a super race last week to win and Laurels runner up Blastoff Fire will give her plenty to do but I think if she keeps getting her draw towards the fence I think this one could go well at the odds on offer.
Romeo On Fire
My final fancy and possibly the most exciting of the four is Romeo on Fire, this young dog only started his career three months ago and already looks a super prospect. This youngster started his career in Tralee when making the final of the unraced but finding trouble on the night didn’t help his cause.
Following on from this he went to Clonmel and scorched around in 28;41 winning quiet comfortably by 7 lengths. He ran his first race in Shelbourne last week stepping into open company he really showed his class when popping from traps and winning with some authority.
He is drawn in trap 1 which I am not entirely sure will suit as he possibly would prefer a middle berth. He has Ballymac Cashout on his immediate outside which I know is held in high regard by the Dowling’s, but if he can track the leaders I think this youngster will progress with each run under his belt and could land outright honours at a very attractive price.
Aoife’s tips for the Gold Cup at Shelbourne Park
Deadly Samuri
Catchmeflying
Ballymac Art
Romeo On Fire
Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules
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