King ready to overcome Irish Greyhound Derby quarter-final draw
Published:Kereight King’s tough Irish Greyhound Derby quarter-final draw may have swayed some away from the Pat Curtin-trained charge.
But the 11/4 shot still has plenty in his favour despite being drawn outside rapid railers, Tyrur Sugar Ray and Glenanore Dancer.
Former ante-post favourite and English Derby-third Ballymac Vic (7/2) has serious injury concerns and they threaten to overshadow what was an excellent performance to reach this stage of the competition.
Vic’s 29.55sec score in the previous round was seriously impressive.
However, a cut foot sustained when jumping against a gate in the paddock had cast doubt on his future participation despite the fact that owner-trainer Liam Dowling has now confirmed he will take in his place in the quarter-finals.
But even he is apprehensive about whether his charge will hold up to the rigours of more racing.
Dowling told the Racing Post: “The vet has looked at him again but can give no guarantee that the foot won’t open again. It’s a case now of hoping for the best.”
And while these doubts are troubling for the Vic camp, connections of Kereight King will be eager to take advantage of any weaknesses as the Irish Derby rolls on.
King’s 29.47sec victory was the best of the night in the third round and providing the son of Droopys Maldini can avoid trouble in a hot quarter-final heat the route to glory can soon open up.
Meanwhile, Droopys Jet remains a value pick at 6/1 and wearing the stripes in his heat may not be too much of a hindrance given his form out of the six box at Wimbledon.
Kereight King was seen off by Fraser Black’s Jet on that occasion but Shelbourne represents a different test and it’s one that the King has successfully negotiated from the middle before.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
