With just 18 of the initial 36 entries going into the semi-final draw, there can be little argument that the best greyhounds have been chosen for the Boylesports.com Champion Stakes. The remainder of the field battle it out for honours in the Boylesports.com Champion Plate, which seems like an intriguing competition too.
Following the semi-final draw, Wise Thought N/A has been introduced the 7/2 favourite and on the back of his recent 29.54sec win over the 550 yards at Shelbourne Park, he'll be the one to beat in the third semi-final. The fact that he's avoided the likes of Shelbourne Aston and Skywalker Queen N/A, there's little doubt that he's drawn the easiest of the three semi-finals.
Skywalker Queen has been in sensational form over the past month and in last Sunday's Boylesports.com International, she proved that she has what it takes to beat the best around. She faces an unbelievably tough draw tough against the likes of Shelbourne Aston N/A, Slip The Lark N/A and Advantage Johnny N/A and she may not offer the best of value at 11/2 on the basis of that draw.
Shelbourne Aston is third favourite at N/A and he was slightly unlucky when involved in the mini-melee at the first bend in last weekend's Boylesports.com International. He loves it around Shelbourne Park and as he showed in last year's competition, he has what it takes to win this Classic.
Faypoint Man N/A has been very much the talking dog this year and while he's been doing great clocks in trials, he's yet to deliver on the big stage. He'll do well to qualify for Saturday week's final on what he has shown in his recent races.
Fatboyz Nodrog N/A returned to winning ways in comfortable fashion last Saturday and on his best form, he would be one very much for the short list. However, he is prone to underachieve when so much is expected of him and he faces a tough semi-final.
It's hard to see Advantage Johnny doing the business as he's been given plenty of opportunities, without delivering, by now while Oran Classic N/A can be very hit and miss and it's hard to see him putting up back-to-back top quality displays, which he'll need, to win this prize.
Of the outsiders, Slip The Lark is a huge price at N/A on what he achieved in 2008 and he recorded an eye-catching 28.63sec in a recent trial. He disappointed earlier this year but things may just be about to come right for Pat Buckley's canine.
And Ballymac Bondi N/A is another greyhound who is overpriced. Last year's Puppy Derby runner-up showed his wellbeing with an all-the-way win in 31.03sec at Harolds Cross last time out, a run which was just six spots outside the track record for the 570 yards trip. At N/A, he is definitely worth a second look.
ref faypoint man coments by micheal fortune
faypoint man has not yet delivered
he went through the oran stakes unbeaten
clocking 29.55 for 550 mts he has only had 18 races winning 9 coming 2nd 5 timse he has now reached the final of the champion stakes against
the best ireland & england can produce & i
belive he will go a long way in the derby
with a bit of luck he has always given his surporters a run for there money what more would
micheal require to realise faypoint man is a top class greyhound
regards
chris flanagan