The final of the Irish Greyhound Derby takes place this Saturday night at Shelbourne Park. It’s been quite a remarkable return for the Ronny Wuyts trained Rockchase Bullet who suffered an injury forcing him out of the Clonmel Produce Stakes last April. His comeback in this competition has seen him not only make it to the final but actually do so as the 2/1 favourite to be crowned 2011 Irish Greyhound Derby Champion.
Favourite for the for this year’s title at the start of proceedings was Dolores Ruth’s charge Razldazl George. Having won his first three rounds convincingly, Razldazl George has since suffered two defeats at the hands of Rockchase Bullet. Having finished fifth in this year’s English Derby, and having clocked the fastest time in this competition thus far, it’s not out of the question that Razldazl Geroge can turn the form around.
Dolores Ruth’s other runner in the final is Razldazl Bugatti. This runner’s only defeat so far en route to the final was at the hands of Dream Walker at the quarter final stage. If he can make the good early start that he is capable of, Razldazl Bugatti wouldn’t be without a chance of landing the big prize and upsetting kennel mate and namesake Razldazl George.
The Fraser Black trained Krug Ninety Five finished third in both last year’s English and Irish Greyhound Derby and arguably deserves to win this race. Unfortunately, the veteran will probably find one or two of these opponents just too good but the way he finished fast in the semi final behind Razldazl Bugatti suggests Krug Ninety Five has a slight chance of going two places better than last year.
If 10/1 chance Dream Walker can reproduce the form of his win in the quarter finals when accounting for Razldazl Bugatti, he’d come right into calculations, while Peter Cronin’s runner Rockview Head has a victory over Rockchase Bullet in the second round. That piece of form would also give him a chance.
Looks like we are in for a very exciting 2011 Irish Greyhound Derby Final, we just fancy the third favourite Razldazl Bugatti to get away quickly and prove too tough to peg back.
2011 Irish Greyhound Derby Betting
(Prices from Victor Chandler)
Rockchase Bullet 2/1
Razldazl George 9/4
Razldazl Bugatti 3/1
Krug Ninety Five 8/1
Rockview Head 8/1
Dream Walker 10/1
Click here to get a £25 free bet on the 2011 Irish Greyhound Derby from Victor Chandler