Irish Greyhound Derby, plus Sky Dogs Tonight

I'm sorry to bump Dom's excellent piece on this year's Coca-Cola Championship from the top but there is some decent greyhound action to talk about with the Steel City Cup final from Sheffield on Sky Sports at 9:45 tonight whilst the Irish Greyhound Derby starts tomorrow at Shelbourne.

The Irish version of the Derby is run over 550y which equates to a little over 500m meaning it is a slightly longer race than the English version. It's a finalist in the English Derby that I've turned to with my money. Wise Thought made the final in great fashion but couldn't succeed in the final. He's looked good in July when racing at Shelbourne with decent early sectionals and a fast 29.61 last time out. It's a bit short at 16/1 but as usual I think I've found some really good value in this competition. Archaton Pine is available at 125/1 with Stan James and if you fancy it on the nose you can have some of the 160 available on Betfair. The dog is a bit inconsistent but can be very fast out the traps and has the ability to post low times. It's the best value I can find and I'm sure it can go well in this competition. I've also had a nibble on Greenwell River @ 100/1 and Tyrur Bomber @ 100/1. Can get bigger for both on Betfair.

Onto tonight's greyhound action on Sky from Sheffield and I said last week in the comments box that I'd be looking to back Gabba Gabba Hey again and I get the chance tonight in the 8:35 race. Last week it just failed to get up when losing by a head but it'll come on for that run and this race is slightly longer so I think the 5/1 quoted is an excellent price. Get involved. I'm also going to back Magna Flintoff in the showpiece race at 9:45 because although Bandicoot Tipoki is a great dog it is too short at evens and Magna Flintoff can ping out and make all.

Selections:

Irish Greyhound Derby

Wise Thought @ 16/1 (Various)
Greenwell River @ 100/1 (Various)
Tyrur Bomber @ 100/1 (Various)
Archaton Pine @ 125/1 (Stan James)

8:35 Sheffield 04/08/09

T3 Gabba Gabba Hey @ 5/1 (Ladbrokes)

9:45 Sheffield 04/08/09

T3 Magna Flintoff @ 10/3 (Stan James)

GL everyone,

Scott