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HAYLEY O'CONNOR |
Weblog: Irish Derby view from the sponsor's PR
Pepsi Billy's the choice of the new generation
I faced somewhat of a mission to get to Shelbourne Saturday evening for the third round of the Ladbrokes.com Irish Derby, wading through what appeared to be a sea of grim reapers dressed in Irish rugby jerseys.
It was, in fact, deflated fans leaving the close by Aviva Stadium, but thankfully once safely inside the walls of the track, the mood was swiftly lifted . . . no gloating French people were anywhere to be found.
Making my way outside to the on course bookmakers, the plan was to try and get a few feelers of where to have my money. One of the first people I bumped into was the Racing Post's very own Johnny Ward. He gave me a few jibes about my knowledge of the dogs, but judging by the wad of cash he collected from Ted Hegarty, he'd be far better off tipping greyhounds than his horses.
Last week I had the pleasure of acquainting myself with the Ferrybank boys, here to cheer on their dog Hey Gringo. I backed him last week when they warned that the outside draw might not suit him. He still managed to qualify for the third round and I took note when I did the draw then that he came out with trap 1. I'm glad to say he's still in the running and, being the lovely gang of gents that they are, I hope they’re still standing for a while longer.
The buzz around the track is amazing and the pitches outthe front resemble a Wall Street trading floor. It's extremely reassuring to see the crowd here for the third round, providing a fantastic atmosphere to go with it.
One of the highlights of the night for me was Pepsi Billy in heat 5. I just love when an underdog tastes victory – last week he was 14-1 - not because I’m a bookie, but I think it makes sport all the more interesting and he proved Saturday, winning again when more generally fancied this time, that he's no flash in the pan. A former winner of the Longford Derby, I can see this contender lasting the distance.
Two of the leading dogs in our event, defending champ Tyrur Mcguigan and Razldazl George, justified their position in the betting winning heat 3 and heat 6 respectively.
The main casualties of the night were Colorful Champ, Tyrur Quinn and English-owned Meadow Bank Owl.
The competition is certainly tough this year and the truth is that it is only going to get tougher. But I feel our final might prove a good mix of talent, both new and old, which is helpful as variety is the spice of life.
Onto the quarter-finals, see you again Saturday next.
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QUARTER FINAL DRAW
QUARTER FINAL 1
1. BALLYMAC MITSY
2. RAZLDAZL BUGATTI
3. NIKITAS SCUT
4. DREAM WALKER
5. HEY GRINGO
6. MELODYS ROYAL (W)
QUARTER FINAL 2
1. DROOPYS TWIRL
2. CROOM STAR
3. KINGO
4. PIERCESTOWN SAND
5. TYRUR MCGUIGAN (M)
6. OHIO RUMBLE (M)
QUARTER FINAL 3
1. MAKESHIFT
2. RAZLDAZL GEORGE
3. ROCHCHASE BULLET
4. AIRFORCE ROGER
5. PEPSI BILLY
6. COOLYKEREEN IMP
QUARTER FINAL 4
1. KRUG NINETY FIVE
2. RAFAS WEE PET
3. ROCKVIEW HEAD
4. TYRUR BIG MIKE (M)
5. RAZLDAZL JAYFKAY (M)
6. SHELBOURNE GEOFF (W)
