A fortnight after Taylors Sky's riveting Derby victory, Sky Sports cameras pay a first visit to Belfast for the Northern Irish Derby
Sky Sports Greyhounds break new ground this Saturday evening when Drumbo Park plays host to the programme's first ever visit to Northern Ireland, and in Graham Holland's Leeview Jet favourite backers have a strong candidate ready to do the business for them.
And just like the Wimbledon Derby winner, Leeview Jet has been setting new benchmarks for the 550 yard trip with track record-breaking runs in both the quarter and semi-finals to send him into the final with a perfect seven from seven record at the Belfast venue.
With a big race record that already includes victories in three major competitions, including the Tennents Gold Cup over 525 yards - where he also holds the clock - at Drumbo back in October and more recently the 'Larry Dunne' at Shelbourne last month, he will obviously take plenty of beating.
But with odds of around 1.7 there's little leverage for punters looking for a one-off bet on the big final, especially when you factor in possible concerns about both his trap one draw and the unlucky short-head defeat of his main rival Loughview Gem in their first round meeting.
Leeview Jet has a more than satisfactory record when drawn in the red jacket (four wins from seven starts), but efforts so far suggest he is far from suited to running the rail.
Value seekers are therefore directed towards Loughview Gem 6.5, whose defeat in the first round might easily have been reversed with just a shade more luck and has been followed up by good victories in the two subsequent rounds. His trap three draw holds no fears, although he will need to avoid rails seeking Rafas Wee Pet on the run up, but that is more than reflected in his generous price.
Cian Abbey, probably best drawn of all in trap six, has a verdict over the favourite from last month's 'Larry Dunne' semi-final - he then chased him home in the final - also makes some appeal at an attractive 11.0
At home viewers are also treated to a bonus with live coverage of the Irish Oaks final from Shelbourne Park in Dublin where Droopys Twirl and Mozzletoff look set to dominate proceedings. And it's Droopys Twirl, already the winner of the Puppy Oaks, and who won't turn two until August, that gets the vote to end to continue her rapid progress through the ranks. It won't be easy with Mozzletoff currently on a four race unbeaten run over the CD, but John Linehan's bitch is getting better with every run and is taken to upstage her more established rival.
Castlegore Star (20:15) makes plenty of appeal in the marathon. She got within seven spots of the 836 yard track-record last week, which appears to give her plenty to play with, especially with former favourite Pretty Nicola seemingly out of form. Twice raced puppy Fane Dollars might be worthy of a saver if the market so indicates
In form Lemon Velvet, bidding for her fifth win in six starts, should have too many guns for Glenbane Air (20:35) over the 575 yard trip where she has posted the two best times of 201l in as many efforts.
Yes Boss clocked the best time so far this year for the 335 yard distance last week, and the recent Cork Category Two winner, with verdicts over most of his rivals, can go in again in the opener at 19:40.
Useful prospect Cracking Man, another recent Cork competiton winner, can further enhance his glowing reputation by making it six wins from eight outings in the 'International 525' at 20:00, having trialled in encouragingly at the track last week.
Selections (in order of preference)
Castlegore Star 20:15
Lemon Velvet 20:35
Loughview Gem 21:45
Droopys Twirl 21:15
Yes Boss 19:40
Cracking Man 20:00
