1. Belvedere Champ: N/A Has managed to sneak all the way into the final despite not winning in this year's Classic. The draw won't affect him as he won't be mapped early on. Does motor home but will find it near impossible to come from last to first in this high class field. Will bid to be the first greyhound since Rathgallen Tady (1987) to win his first race of the Irish Derby in the Classic final.
2. Oran Classic: N/A A thoroughly consistent sort who, after being eliminated in the first round last year, has made it all the way to the final. The likely leader early on and has led to halfway in each of his last three races. Will be tying up though from the third bend and with so much stamina in the race, hard to see him hanging on.
3. Faypoint Man: N/A Does take his place after being an injury doubt earlier in the week. On his opening two rounds' wins, he would have a massive chance but it's a concern that he has been beaten three times since. Will be bidding to give Owen McKenna his second Derby success and don't be put off by his recent injury doubt as Razldazl Billy overcame a similar build-up to win the 2006 Irish Derby final.
4. Cashen Legend: N/A The oldest of this year's Derby final line-up. Has been one of the stars of this Classic though in winning three of his five races. Will probably play second fiddle to Oran Classic early on but should take over from halfway. Is a very hard dog to pass and has a major shout of landing his second Classic. Will try and emulate the great Spanish Battleship in being the only other greyhound to win the Irish Derby after capturing the Irish Laurels.
5. College Causeway: N/A After dominating the track scene for the past 18 months, it appears as though the 'People's Champion' has saved his very best for this year's Irish Derby. Smashed the seven years standing track record in the opening round and hasn't looked back since. His track-craft has been a major advantage so far but has a tough draw to deal with. However, has overcome worse draws in the past and given luck in-running, will be this year's Derby champion. Will bid to join the likes of Eyeman (1998) and Judicial Pride (2000) in going through the Classic unbeaten.
6. Shaneboy Lee: N/A One of the ante-post fancies and started off with two impressive wins. However, has been turned over in his last three runs, twice by College Causeway, and hard to see him reversing those placings. May come out worst if there is any first bend trouble too.
Comments