*** College Causeway / Killahan Phanter Easter Cup, Shelbourne Park ***

took their betting down now, trying to make a fool of me (not hard mind)

Heat 1: Subway Gerry @ 14/1 (Right you'll like this. I don't like his draw, it's an awful tough race and he will have to trap better than he ever has at Shelbourne but 14/1? I don't think he is devoid of early and if he could trap level here i think he could surprise a few and make those odds look massive.)

Heat 2: Martinstown Snow @ 4/1 (Don't like Razldazl George's draw at all. He has pace on either side of him, Rockview Head runs off the bend while Coolard Chief rails on the opening bends and unless he gets away better or is behind i can see him getting trouble. Coolykerrin Imp should lead up the middle but if Martinstown Snow can lead up Airlie Impact which off a level break i think he will he can get first crack at the leader and can pick them up. He should come on bundles for last weeks run.)

Also has another 1pt on Martinstown Snow @ 14/1

Preview from Starbets.ie this week.....


Young bunnies are the way to go this Easter
By Robert Catterson

IT’S not that normal to have an ante-post look to a competition after it has started but that’s the approach I’ve taken to this year’s College Causeway/Killahan Phanter Easter Cup. And while most would agree that it may be slight cop out, it’s still going to be some feat to find the winner of this competition. Last week’s first round action was full of surprises and there were some big name casualties too. Out of the competition went Rockchase Bullet and Dear Pa while the first four to qualify rule managed to save Irish Derby hero Razldazl George. And just a glance over the updated outright betting shows just how open this year’s competition is.
It’s probably no surprise that Razldazl George is still top of the outright betting despite his lacklustre effort last week. He is the Irish Derby champion after all. But while a good deal of improvement is likely from Dolores Ruth’s canine, he must be a favourite worth taking on. There is no doubting that ’George’ is the type of competition dog that you need to win a big competition like this, as he showed in both last year’s English and Irish Greyhound Derbies, but he will have to improve an awful from last week’s effort and I think it’s beyond him. He tops the betting on that Derby winning performance last September but I think there’s a good deal of sharper, and perhaps better greyhounds, behind him in the betting. In fact, I think Razldazl Will could be Dolores Ruth’s best chance of winning the Easter Cup. Behind Razldazl George in the outright betting are Broadstrand Lad and Piercestown Sand, the Gold Cup winner, and on what we’ve seen over the past six weeks, I’d have thought Piercestown Sand should be shorter in the betting. He has been a remarkable greyhound since we saw him get to an Irish Derby semi-final last year and he must be the most in-form dog in training - he’s won his last four races and won 11 of his last 13 races too. At a general 7/1, he must offer good value and will surely go all the way to the final barring any mishaps. Broadstrand Lad is a bit more inconsistent and while he very rarely runs a bad race, there is the suggestion that he is better over 575 or 600 and the one night he misses the kick could be the night he makes his way out of the Easter Cup. We’ve mentioned Razldazl Will, who is a 12/1 shot with Bet365, and he is decent value at that but the next two greyhounds in the betting probably represent even better value. And they are two of the six first round winners in Tyrur Willyjoe and Airforce Frankie. The former looks the main hope of Conor and PJ Fahy, who won this with Tyrur Kenny (trained by Paul Hennessey), and this son of Hades Rocket was most impressive on the eye last week. He contests probably the easiest of the second round heats later tonight and being a greyhound who appears to have bundles of pace, he’s got a big chance of going all the way. Like Willyjoe, Airforce Frankie made all last week when clocking 29.65sec and he represents the very much in-from Owen McKenna. He’s got a much tougher heat tonight however and while he may not be suited by his trap 5 draw tonight, he’ll still be expected to go close. In fact, tonight is when we’re going to see whether ’Frankie’ can deliver on the big stage or not.  Of the rest in the outright betting, Swift Marathon may appeal to some at 20/1, with Paddy Power, given that Seamus Graham’s canine appears to have found the form he showed in last year’s Puppy Derby while Coolykereen Imp, a semi-finalist in the Irish Derby last year, may not be the worst ante-post bet either at 25/1 either.     
On the second round heat front tonight, I make Tyrur Willyjoe the best bet of the evening in the very first qualifier. Razldazl Will looks the obvious danger but Tyrur Willyjoe should have too many gears for ‘Will’ and can get us off to a winning start. Razldazl George has the ideal opportunity to bounce back in heat two but I’m not convinced that he can improve enough from last week to oblige here. Instead, I’m going for Rockview Head to get the rub of the green in his favoured trap one starting position and lower the colours of the ante-post favourite. The night’s third quarter-final is one of the most competitive of the session, with five, if not all six, runners capable of getting to this year’s final. Broadstrand Lad has a lot of ground to make up on Piercestown Sand from their recent Gold Cup final meeting and while he’s much better drawn this time around, it’s still hard to see him overturning the form. In fact, Uncle Eoin could be the main danger to the favourite but Piercestown Sand gets the nod to make it five wins on the trot. The last of the second round heats is another cracker and while Airforce Frankie is the shortest of these in the outright betting, Swift Marathon could be the value call. With Tyrur Big Mike likely to move out from his trap two start, Swift Marathon could get a dream run up here and on recent form, he’s probably the one to beat as well.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Shelbourne Park Bets

Tyrur Djokovic - Shelbourne Park (7.50pm)
Swords Star - Shelbourne Park (8.04pm)
Olympic Queen - Shelbourne Park (8.18pm)
Urban Artist - Shelbourne Park (8.32pm)
Cambushmore - Shelbourne Park (9.15pm)
Tyrur Willyjoe (NAP) - Shelbourne Park (9.30pm)
Coolykereen Imp - Shelbourne Park (9.45pm)
Piercestown Sand (NB) - Shelbourne Park (10pm)
Swift Marathon - Shelbourne Park (10.15pm)
Lisnakill Jack - Shelbourne Park (10.30pm)

OUTRIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS (EASTER CUP)

2pts ew Piercestown Sand @ 7/1 (General) EW ¼ 1,2,3,4
1pt ew Tyrur Willyjoe @ 12/1 (Stan James) EW ¼ 1,2,3,4

Here's the link......

http://starbets.ie/greyhounds/young-bunnies-are-the-way-to-go-this-easter/

If you have posted the preview, why does anyone need the link?

No good for my A/P bets, can't stop putting up losers but sure who cares, only 1 thing can be said about last night:

Tyrur Big Mike

back to his very best

Big Mike still 16/1 persuming last night was not just a flash in the pan and he is back to somewhat near his best surely that's massive?

16s - 12s - 7s Big Mike since prices went up yesterday night, only 5s with PP. Anybody get on?

Coolykereen Imp 4/1
Coolard Chief 10/1
Broadstrand Lad 2/1 fav
Pablo Supreme 10/3
Razldazl Will 4/1
Tyrur Willyjoe 5/1

Piercestown Sand 11/4
Airforce Frankie 3/1
Tyrur Big Mike 5/2 fav
Raldazl George 4/1
Kingo 12/1
Royal Patrol 6/1


Prices are from PP. I think the have the first semi pretty much right bar Broadstrand Lad who is too short in my opinon. Again i think they have the second semi not far off but i think Airforce Frankie is too short and Razldazl George is too big. In my opinion Razldazl George is the best value off those prices for the semi finals.

Think Willyjo is massive at 5/1 in the opening semi but the second semi is a pin job. If Mike leads and doesn't run as wide around the first two bends, he's the one to beat. But can we trust him to put two good runs together?

He's never going to run the bends properly, since his first race he was all over the shop on the bends and now at 4 years of age he is still the same. I'll take 3rd place for him now and any draw bar 1 in the final

Agree with your price assessments PF. Broadstrand has Chief to clear and George looks a big run waiting to happen. Nevertheless, wouldnt swop my 10/1 Piercestown Sand. Thought he ran a blinder against Broadstrand. Squeezed for room by Dmagio run-up, he never got any elbow room throughout. We all know its virtually impossible to catch Broadstrand when leading, but Sand nearly did it! If not already on Sand, would be looking at 6/1 George and 12/1 Imp ante-post now. Dont believe a dog taking the bends so gingerly as Big Mike can win an Easter Cup

Coolykereen Imp would be more of a worry to Broadstrand Lad backers than Coolard Chief, he will move straight to the middle of the track as he has the other times drawn inside.

Broadstrand Lad must be due a break after this, he's been on the go for so long now.

Chief very fast early doors too and even if Imp misses it, Broadstrand find it hard to get round, unless another flier like Quarters. He might be as well turning behind them, before asserting. Suppose qualification is the main thing though

Yeah but Pablo Supreme should keep middle so if Coolard Chief led and Broadstrand followed him around i know who i would want to be on, the main danger to him is Coolykereen if coming away like he usually does as he ends up miles into the middle of the track. Look at his runs from 1 mainly when beaten by Tyrur Quinn during the Derby and when beaten by Rockchase Bullet pre Derby.

I appreciate that PF. Only one winner if Broadstrand turns in Chief's slipstream. However, if Imp doesnt get him, i would be concerned about Broadstrand, the way he broke in the Quarters, getting round Chief, who wasnt far short of holding the flying Imp to the bend Saturday

Are you letting me have the final word for once then PF?

PF, I'm talking more about last Saturday night than anything else really. We all know Big Mike will never change but he looked very awkward around the first two bends last week. He's a remarkable dog but just wonder is time, and everything else, catching up with him.

Sure we're in agreement in not liking his draw if maybe for a little different reasons. I can't have him this week and only had him in JF with Pablo Supreme.

CI - 9/2
CC - 13/1
BL - 4/1
PS - 4/1
RW - 9/2
TW - 5/1

The 2nd i thought they where pretty much all draw ok bar maybe Razldazl George but sure you'd expect Big Mike out in front of him anyway so may not make any difference.

PS - 10/3
AF - 6/1
TBM - 10/1
RG - 7/2
K - 14/1
RP - 8/1


and before somebody posts the usual i'll have some of this and that, i am not laying a 100% book

Are they your projected outright prices?

TBM - 10/3 that should be

I thought he looked his best in ages COM, he early pace was stunning (must have been 3-4L clear of Swift Marathon at the bend), yes he ran the bend rubbish then but he showed more middle i thought then he has in a long time. I'd be worried this week though that Piercestown will slip up his inside on the bend and be close or level into the back and he has better middle than Swift Marathon

They are the 2 semi final priced at 100% what i believe there "true" chances are.

Was put off a little bit by the 10/1 TBM - Really think Willyjo has the winning of this comp and is in the easier of the semis too. There could be carnage in that second semi

Airforce Frankie is a NR

im on the imp

Big Mike still has blinding speed and think he could give Eden Star a race in a straight line over 200m but negotiating the bends prove his downfall, imo

I would of rathered Frankie ran and think it would have been of benefit to Big Mike. Once he breaks level with any field over here he destroys them for early so i'd rather have 5 dogs in behind than 4.
I know having a vacant trap beside is good but i think it favours Piercestown Sand and Razldazl George a lot more and why Spoilsports have pushed George out to 11/2 on the back of the withdrawal is a mystery to me.

Academic, but something to ponder PF. Who would you have out of Eden Star, Drumcove Lad or Big Mike in one of those dog races up the Cheltenham hill?

Only said academic, coz dont know how to spell hyperthetically!

1st Semi

Broadstrand Lad produced just about his best ever start in the previous round and needed it to hold Piercestown Sand. Has Imp and Chief to avoid here but if doing so, should be hard to contain. The other 3 are smart on their day too and it would come as no surprise to see any of the 6 in the final, should be a great race.

2nd Semi

Piercestown Sand will benefit from the vacant trap next door and is expected to have mown down the trail-blazing but wide-running Big Mike off the final bend, if not before. Last year's Derby hero Razldazl George is always capable of producing a near record breaking run without warning and looks booked for a place in the decider.

Earlier on the card, Sand's litter brother, Piercestown Con, could get first run on his rivals in the Jackie Bailey Memorial. Very competitive, but this striking blue dog should have too many early gears for, imo, main danger Slick Seattle, who is as fast as any of these over 525m but ideally prefer further and needs to avoid traffic, may come a shade too late.

The 9.30 could be a 3-way go between useful Bling Bling Buzz, on the comeback trail, Ardkill Star, finishes well and in-form Fridays Carroll. Good race but wouldnt like to call it.

Dont think i would bet on anything. Whole night hinges on Piercestown Sand qualifying for me and i must be supremely confident he can finish in front of Kingo and Patrol, at least. Really could do with a large 10/1 oi oi come the final next Saturday!

I'd be laying Broadstrand Lad at the price tomorrow night, wish i could as i think he is no value with what is drawn inside him.

I think Piercestown Sand will probably win the 2nd semi final and 2/1 is not that bad but i don't think i'll be playing that race either unless something looks big.


I put Bling Bling Buzz in fav due to his trial last week but being off a year is a big worry. Also i don't like Ardkill Star's draw. I had Fridays Carroll, Ardkill Star and Daretobe Shy (great draw) all in joint 2nd.

In that final you mention i have Cambushmore in fav, he isn't always away that fast from traps but his early and middle pace is stunning and if trapping level would go clear and i doubt he'd be caught. I have Slick Seattle and Piercestown Con in joint 2nd, Seattle will have to turn in front of Charlie if he is too win and Con has to lead which in i think he may struggle too if Cambushmore traps with him.

See that pig Casanova is racing again tomorrow

Wouldn't call Casanova a pig - Think T1 will suit him and he'll mow them down close home

Surely trip too short for Casanova. Correctly named as pig anyway, oink oink!

There are plenty of other names i could call him 'a dirty cant' etc........ but i thought p'pig' was the nicest way to put my point across, hopefully if you back him he puts it all in and doesn't use his breaks.

He easily has the pace to win that race

I'm gonna have a few quid on Razldazl Will @ 5/1, i could be following this lad over the cliff but i thought he ran better last week after getting baulked on the bend and finished a lot stronger than he had been recently. I want to take all the inside on and think he may just represent slightly the better value ahead of Willyjoe and if he can trap as he has been since coming back and finish the race like last week should go close, if what i expect happens on the inside.

Will throw a few quid on St Louis Charlie @ 8/1 too, he has a length and a half to find with Piercestown Con (who i think is a fair price at 4s too) but i'm hopeful once leading up Slick Seattle beside him he can do so possibly. That is the key to his chances so we'll know early as he won't come from behind Seattle. There is loads of early in the race in 3,4,5 and 6 and if one of them does not get loose they could set it up for either the top or the 2. I think Cambushmore is the likeliest leader if trapping level and is the once to beat.


Dundrum Master could be worth a bet if a price in the 20.48, he has a brilliant draw i think and should lead up on the inside. He ran a cracker behind Tyrur Willyjoe in the first round of the Easter Cup and that run would be good enough to win this. I think the main danger is Assasin Blue but if he leads him or turns close i still think he beats him. If Airforce Liberty got a flier i'd be worried but i think she needs one.

I had E50e/w at 25/1 1/4 odds.. on KINGO in laddies this morning, ok he has a very hard heat but i cant  see  the other 4 runners getting there way in which case KINGO being one of the best finishers has a fair chance of making the final.  just over 6/1 a place seems to be a very fair bet on one of my fav dogs in training.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1-cFIz91pw&feature=plcp&context=C4364b79VDvjVQa1PpcFNR1K6enHWf5K1tu20xGWno3W6ndIWyd8Y%3D



Vud for Big Mike

tx BJ, ANY NEWS ON THE DRAW

FINAL TRAP DRAW



1 TYRUR BIG MIKE

2 RAZLDAZL GEORGE

3 KINGO

4 PABLO SUPREME (m)

5 TYRUR WILLYJOE (w)

6 RAZLDAZL WILL (w)

TX M8.

Worst draw for Big Mike. Hard to beat on the clock but still couldnt bring myself to back this dog nowadays. Nothing between the rest, no bet now Piercestown Sand flopped. Very surprised Broadstrand not in final and Imp looked set fair to qualify in running too but the phrase of the moment is, they are not machines. Well done with Razl Will by the way PF, time nothing though

p_r_e_m_i_e_r__f_a_n_t_a_s_y 03 Apr 12 21:00 
He's never going to run the bends properly, since his first race he was all over the shop on the bends and now at 4 years of age he is still the same. I'll take 3rd place for him now and any draw bar 1 in the final


I'm getting a pain in my ballacks with trap draws at this stage pretty much got everything right last night and then get stuck with Mike in 1

Pablo looks a big price at 5/1 for the final, I'm thinking he could get first crack at Big Mike or could even lead up if Big Mike has a mare at the lids from that terrible draw

Unless Big Mike falls out being drawn 1 probably will make no difference, it's impossible to see any other leader in the race. My main worry is that George follows him around and then it's really race on.

Think you said the 10s put you off Big Mike, then it shortened. Did you end up backing it ante-post then PF? No bet race for me but if Big Mike wins, will hold my hands up and say inspired not to retire him, although still not the dog he was

ReimerpYsatnaf 01 Apr 12 20:35 
Big Mike still 16/1 Shocked persuming last night was not just a flash in the pan and he is back to somewhat near his best surely that's massive?

That was last Sunday, i bet him at the 16s and 12s and then again at 7s. He is my only real winner in the competition but he's a big winner now, i also bet Razldazl Will at 14s and had Pablo Supreme at 14s from the start. Both of them will turn me a profit but only pennies adding in the losing bets on Martinstown Snow, Paradise Martini and Subway Gerry. I've thrown enough bloody darts at the competiton but looks like i may come out of it in profit and it could still turn out to have been a very good result if Big Mike wins.

I think the last 2 weeks have proved Conor and PJ right in allowing Big Mike to continue his career.

Good luck with Big Mike PF. When McGuig beat him in the Derby, it cost me big time, then remember lumping on in his next competition but sure he was out first round. Tried time and time and time again to recoup but he always lost. Coz of his peak runs, i know he was a superstar and cant hold financial loss against him, so hope it's a big one for you, with me interest-less anyway

Thanks, money aside though i'd just love to see him win a big comp.

Similar for me with Boher Paddy but seems to have two ways of running

I have not seen those semi finals but most i've heard say he ran a shocker

Paddy turned 2nd. In the slipstream of Allstar off the 2nd bend and looked set to mow him down and go on for a comfortable win, just like the previous round. However, he made no headway, even overtaken approaching the third bend, dropped back, seemed to rally with a chance of qualifying for 3rd entering the home straight but very surprisingly seemed to run out of gas close home and stone-cold last. Usually stays strongly. Maybe it was the track on the night or something amiss. Only got Mill Bling now but hard task, he looks temperamental, despite his obvious speed. Glad Cristian though, did say under-rated at the start. Did me a very good turn in the Harry Holmes Memorial at Sheffield and if as expected big price, might have a little go

He's had  more come backs than rockey, been rehome more times than yids TBM seems back but wouldnt say its that derby best but good to beat a ok bunch in this Easter cup, 29.70 a good time and will win the cup if he runs the same next sat for sure!
Is there any chance he could run in the English derby ???? Would love to see it!

Seen as they have sent Cabra Noel to Charlie i'd guess that means Conor will not be going over to Wimbledon this year, Big Mike will just have to win the Irish Derby i guess at 4 1/2 years old

Having gone through the final for the last hour or so i've come to the conclusion that Tyrur Big Mike is the value at the prices. Bar making a right mess of the start how does he not lead? I'm finding it hard to see anything else leading, maybe Pablo Supreme but he'd need an absolute flier and i'm not keen on him drawn outside Kingo who has a habit of drifting right on the run up. Once Big Mike leads up the next possible problem is the 1st bend and how he takes it from the inside but seen as he took it alright (to an extent) from 2 and 3 the last 2 weeks why should he not run it fine (fine in relation to how he usually runs it). Once he stays ahead into the 2nd he can pull away again down the back as he has the previous weeks and he is staying the trip fine so it will be hard to pick him up.

Razldazl George is the danger to him in my opinion as the market suggests and i'd say he's the right price. He is better drawn in the final and with Kingo staying middle or wider he has a chance to get a lovely run up and quite possibly follow Big Mike around. If he does so it could be a brilliant race but he will have to trap and go up better than he has been in the competition to date.

(clever ain't it?? i think the fav will win and the 2nd fav is the danger )

I'm not really worried by the others to be honest. I'm struggling to see how Kingo wins the race, i can't see him leading and can he come from behind these? Pablo Supreme needs a flier and he must clear Kingo early, even at that can he lead Big Mike and then hold the finishers? Tyrur Willyjoe will struggle and i can't see any reason he should reverse form with Razldazl Will who back ran him Saturday night and will Razldazl Will be able to turn close enough and will he be able to clear Willyjoe?

Anyway i priced it as follows:

Tyrur Big Mike 13/8
Razldazl George 3/1
Kingo 28/1
Pablo Supreme 8/1
Tyrur Willyjoe 10/1
Razldazl Will 13/2

I think two as a plot here one come out move little off the fence, beat two easy for ep  how he runs the first bend god knows from that inside Beth,
two auto get some sort of run at tbm, good race!

Yeah while i would never totally write off any of the runners i'm really seeing this between the inside 2

I THINK your 13/8 on mick is a bit skimpy pf,  raz george is about right , for whats is worth here goes  mich 9/4 , george 3/1, raz will 11/2, pablo 13/2,willjoe 13/2,and kingo16/1 i would.nt mind having a bet on your book P.F on willyjoe 10/1 and kingo 28/1 e/w, I think its a race made for trouble, im happy with my 50e/w on Kingo at 25/1 1-2-3 with laddies at the s/final stage...after all its all about value

Of course you would like to bet on my book, it's a 100% book. Without wishing any harm to any of the dogs trouble would suit me fine, the more the better as if i'm correct i can only see 1 dog leading and if there is trouble well that will be that.

As ive said, hope Mike wins for you PF, but regarding his chances, youve hit the nail on the head, he needs to run off the first bend more than usual. With his steering problems, could be troublesome. He's in fine form though, has it on the clock and if staying consistent, should be "the one" really

PS, No bet but just hope Mike doesnt run straight off

i agree about the harm bit P.F. we dont want good dogs injured early in the season [or at all] I had a look at oddchecker just now and the best price i can see about Mike is with boyles at 9/4 ...seems about right.

In theory, if Mike has handled the bend wearing blue, trap 1 may not be too much bigger an inconvenince. What do you say about Mike moving off at start into the T2 dog though? If Pablo or Willie led, could be hard to catch?

im just looking at Mikes form lines and i cant find him running out of Trap 1 in any of them , STRANGE  .. He has run out of 2box 3times and lead twice, ..this could be a bit of useless info but for a dog 4years old and over 40 plus races but i thought i throw it in anyway.  he will probably piss up by 5-L.

He has never ran from trap 1, however from trap 2 he has gone straight to the bend and only on the bend drifted middle to wide hence why i believe he will go up straight again. Anyway unless he misses it he will surely be in front of George so he will be able to go where he wishes.

Pablo leading i think he would win but struggle to see him leading unless he gets some freak break. Willyjoe led on Saturday night and Will went by him like he was standing still in the straight, where ever Willyjoe finishes i expect Will to finish in front of him.

Slight cause for concern to my mind for Big Mike on what you say then if he goes up straight from T2. If he goes up straight from T1, it will be more of a wrench on his joints drifting wide on the bends. Would rather him ping, edge off slightly then it would be easier to ease round the bend. Probably just splitting hairs though, could depend how tight that Shelbourne first bend is. Like i said before, if he's gone up straight and bang on the rails at the bend, he could check wide, rather than ease round? Hope not but sorry PF, im warming to Pablo now. At 5/1, if Mike not ping and edges right from the traps, the race could be set up for him. Pablo can lead Razl Will and Williejoe with a decent break, keeps going and can clock a fast time as seen in the past. Wouldnt discount Willie either. Might have led in semi, but he too can stay better and go faster

Anybody else care to price the race to 100%, i'm just interested in your opinions seen as i gather most think i've made a balls of it.

Cant remember how you went but as requested and for what it's worth, here goes my guesstimation:

9/4  Mike
10/3 George
9/2  Pablo
6/1  Will
8/1  Willyjoe
33/1 Kingo

I get it to 100.37% but you never get a fair book on Shelbourne races, unlike some Sky dog races where pick of bookies' prices are sometimes over-broke.

Bottom line is you should be very pleased with the prices you got Big Mike, as i am with 10/1 Meadowbank Owl and 20/1 Farloe Kyle tonight!

It has no bearing on this race what price i have Big Mike backed at though when looking at the race, all i'm trying to work out is who is overpriced and i will be backing Big Mike again as i believe 9/4 is overpriced. In simple terms do i believe he would win this race over 3 times out of 10? I believe he would.
I think you may be right with Kingo, i found him hard to pin down to a price.

Not sure why you always complain about the Shelbourne bookmakers, the SP on the 2 semi finals was 115.42% and 123.66%, however every single dog would have been available at bigger at some stage on course. The off course books price up usually to 122% (obviously their opinion differs though hence the best % being shorter) so there is not much difference.

I see where youre coming from PF, but dont you rue not having more on at 16s, 10s and 7s? I got Owl at 10s but wouldnt entertain it at 5/2 now. Still think it can win and is a fair price but the ship has already sailed, so just see what happens. If i miss a price, would tend not to bother. Maybe that's why i'm not a real gambler, more in it just for an interest and a small profit where possible

I didn't miss a price though, i got as much as i could at 16s and 12s and then played what i wanted at the 7s. I thought those prices where overpriced at that stage and where value hence backing him. You have to look at the race separate to your ante post bets and ignore them and not be biased towards them. Looking at the race now i again think he is overpriced.

If you believe Meadow Bank Owl is overpriced at 5/2 you should be backing him again in my opinion, regardless of whether your on at 10/1 ante post or not.

Yes PF, i can see that would be the professional way to gamble and i take your point about having as much on as possible at the bigger prices. What you stand to win ante-post, would surely be far greater than a huge play at 9/4 now though? Obviously, your convinced of your judgement and prepared to lump on, hope youre right for your sake. I'm just small fry when betting is concerned.

I see track betting at Shelbourne not too bad then, unlike Belle Vue and probably other tracks in England, where they could open to 140%, making tiny drifters, so over 90% of the time, sp, which is still poor, is a dog's best ever price. Well, it used to be when i monitored markets.

Changing the subject but sure you already know, but our old friend Bubbly Capel, aka Wonder Wag, runs in a non-Sky race at Sheffield over 720m tonight. Still cant believe it caught Droopys Casanova last Derby final night to deprive us of a small fortune, after Hills stuck their neck out, drastically over-pricing Casanova. Saw Capel runs at Donny last November and was virtually the luckiest winner i have ever seen, when miles behind but coming through after horrendous carnage at the final bend. Monitored her and the kindest description i can give is a paceless oink!

I don't think she is paceless but she certainly has wrecked my bloody head. She ran 2 crackers in the Corn Cuchulainn quarter and semi finals and then when turning handy in the final proceeded to go backwards. Then we had Derby night as you've already mentioned. There is talent there if the Giftkins can get it out of her but i wouldn't be putting much trust in her.

This is the starbets preview last weekend. He hit the bar in both semis.....

Semi-final showdowns dominate Saturday session
April 7th, 2012 by Robert Catterson

NEVER has a major stake competition at Shelbourne Park produced two open semi-finals as the ones which face us in the College Causeway/Killahan Phanter later this evening. Two cracking semi-finals and the bookies can’t even agree as to what to make favourite. Early indications are that in tonight’s opening semi-final, Broadstrand Lad will go off favourite after his quarter-final win seven days ago. John Linehan’s charge clocked his best sectional yet when making all last week and it’s hard to get away from him given his consistency around the Ringsend circuit.
The draw looks ideal for Broadstrand Lad too and he’s the likely leader given a half decent start. However, he’s a 9/4 shot with Paddy Power to win this and even after everything went his way last week, he still only managed to hold Piercestown Lad by half a length. And there could be one or two surprise packages in this first semi-final too. Pablo Supreme is another with fine early pace and there is the suspicion that we haven’t seen the best of Owen McKenna’s canine yet either. He looks well housed in trap 4 as well. Razldazl Will is probably the most enigmatic greyhound left in the competition.
A renowned stayer more than anything else, he has failed to deliver in the races when he’s flown from traps. And then, he appears to stay on better than most in the races when he misses the kick. Tyrur Willyjoe is the most interesting greyhound in this line-up however. A hugely impressive winner in the opening round, the son of Hades Rocket didn’t fire last week in what was a messy quarter-final heat. There’s also the possibility that trap 4 didn’t suit him either and back in trap 6 tonight, he can get the run of the race.
At 4/1, best-priced with Paddy Power, he’s taken to get the better of Broadstrand Lad and Razldazl Will. As competitive as that first semi-final is, the second qualifier is probably tougher to call. And throw into the argument that there’s only five runners in this after the withdrawal of Airforce Frankie. **** make Piercestown Sand favourite to win this at 7/4 while Paddy Power can’t split him and Tyrur Big Mike. They make them their 2/1 joint favourites. Tyrur Big Mike is just an extraordinary greyhound.
Just when you start to write him off, he throws in a masterclass like he did last week in making all in 29.73sec. His sectional that night was only second to the one he recorded when winning his 2010 Irish Derby semi-final and the second best of his career over the 550 yards trip at headquarters. The absence of Airforce Frankie will make no difference to ‘Big Mike’ as he’ll move slightly to his right on trap rise and he’ll lead all of these around the first two bends too. In fact, he may well hold a commanding lead.
However, we all know Tyrur Big Mike’s tendency to run off his bends and the way he cornered the first two bends last week has to be slightly worrying. Especially with the fact that he has such a fine all-round pacer in Piercestown Sand in opposition and he’ll be a massive threat to ‘Big Mike’ if he’s close going down the back straight. The Tote Gold Cup winner ran a fine race in defeat last week, when very little went his way, and he’s the one to beat in this second semi-final. Razldazl George is improving steadily but not enough to clock the 29.70sec required to win this while Royal Patrol and Kingo look slightly out of their depth.
Piercestown Sand is probably the most in-form greyhound in training right now and he can take a step closer to completing the big early season double of the Tote Gold Cup & Easter Cup with victory tonight.
There are three finals up for grabs earlier on tonight’s card at Shelbourne Park and despite getting beaten in his semi-final, Droopys Casanova is still the one to beat in the Droopys Noel A1 525 final. Ian Reilly’s canine was an unlucky loser last week but trap 1 is a much better starting position here and he’ll be flying home.
The Droopys Noel Open 525 final, the sixth race on the card, looks ultra competitive, but early pace will be the key here and should Ballymac Button get on top to the first bend, then Liam O’Rourke’s son of Premier Fantasy could be hard to catch. Piercestown Con and Cambushmore will dominate the market in the final of the Jackie Bailey Memorial Open 525 and with the more improvement likely to come from Cambushmore, he will be very hard to beat. Graham Holland’s flying black could be a greyhound to follow over the next few months.
Robert Gleeson’s Ardkill Star can provide the answer in the SIS Open 525 while in the semi-finals of the College Causeway/Killahan Phanter Open 600, Oneco Cool and Heady Days are the greyhounds to follow here. And finally, the semi-finals of the Better.com Scottish Derby take precedence in Shawfield tonight too and expect Barefoot Allstar to keep the Irish flag flying high. Paul Hennessy’s charge hasn’t been at his best so far in the Classic but has done well to qualify and is expected to improve greatly from his quarter-final run last Tuesday. At 11/2 to win his semi-final, he’s excellent value and it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world either to have an each-way tipple at 12/1 with Paddy Power in the outright betting.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Shelbourne Park Bets

Holborn Mac – Shelbourne Park (8.04pm)
Droopys Casanova (NB) – Shelbourne Park (8.18pm)
Ballymac Button – Shelbourne Park (9pm)
Cambushmore (NAP) – Shelbourne Park (9.15pm)
Ardkill Star – Shelbourne Park (9.30pm)
Tyrur Willyjoe @ 4/1 (Paddy Power) – Shelbourne Park (9.45pm)
Piercestown Sand @ 2/1 (Paddy Power) – Shelbourne Park (10pm)
Oneco Cool – Shelbourne Park (10.15pm)
Heady Days – Shelbourne Park (10.30pm)

Shawfield Bets

Barefoot Allstar @ 11/2 (Bet365) – Shawfield (9pm)
Mill Bling Bling @ 11/8 (Bet365)-  Shawfield (9.15pm)

ALREADY RECOMMENDED (EASTER CUP)

2pts ew Piercestown Sand @ 7/1 (General) EW ¼ 1,2,3,4
1pt ew Tyrur Willyjoe @ 12/1 (Stan James) EW ¼ 1,2,3,4

http://starbets.ie/horse-racing/semi-final-showdowns-dominate-saturday-session/

Some amount of variety on the card Saturday night, 350y, 525y, 550y, 575y, 600y and 850y. Just missing a 750y but sure we have what could turn out to be a brilliant one of those tonight

get ur head in that form book for thursday pf. found the winner of the 2 finals need help with rest of card. see u in bar if u r there

Just starting Thursday night now, plenty of time for me to pick a load of losers

Spoilsports have priced a good bit of the card, some interesting prices

I hear the connections of BB Buzz in the 9.00 think he would come on a bundle from last week, wouldn't be backing him odds on though.
I thought Lolos Joe looks a tad big at 4/1 9.15, possible leader.
Can anyone spread any light on Royal Patrol's run last week, he went out like a light imo?
The more I look at it, George will get a solo in the final, the 3/1 available now won't be in the ring tonight
Any thoughts lads?

Lolos Joe is too big yes, last week he outtrapped Kilbarry Rover on his inside but Kilbarry showed slightly better early and led him due to being drawn inside him. Lolos Joe took a bump on the bend and then when challenging into the 3rd was forced to check. Drawn inside him this time i'd take him to reverse form. I had him in at 3/1 to 100%.


The prices on the 600 final are even more bizarre, how is Pool Hawk 5/1 and Heady Days 9/4fav?? Pool Hawk is perfectly drawn outside of Future Boy who crawls to the bend and Heady Days had no excuses at all last week. I also think Future Boy at 6/1 is big, their is a slight possibility that Barefoot Machine, Oneco Cool and Pool Hawk who hold each other up and in that case it would play right into the paws of Future Boy.


21.15 - Lolos Joe @ 4/1
21.30 - Pool Hawk @ 5/1 -- Future Boy @ 6/1


There are others i will be backing but i will be taking on Bling Bling Buzz, both the 2 and 3 are overpriced in my opinion due to him being underpriced.

Premier, what's your view on last week's run by Royal Patrol,he is too short for me anyhow in a race of that make up but is he hurt?

Don't know what to make of it to be honest, i actually wasn't impressed with him the previous week either when he won as i felt leading he should have gone quicker. Last week he went from 2nd turning for home to not qualifing, i know George and Kingo are strong but so is he. If you could erase the past 2 weeks from my memory i probably would have near made him fav on the draw but i just can't be with him now. I like the top in the race and think the 3/1 is more than fair at the moment. He didn't really come away running last week and if he traps like he usually does i think he will go clear, once he leads he will move middle and they will all have nowhere to go to the bend.

It doesn't look like anybody else is pricing up the supporting races like Spoilsports so time to go (fair play to them, let's hope we can get on)


PFwise

21.00 - Droopys Cain 2pts @ 4/1 -- Piercestown Con 1pt @ 3/1

21.15 - Lolos Joe 2.5pts @ 4/1

21.30 - Pool Hawk 1.75pts @ 5/1 -- Future Boy 1.75pts @ 6/1

21.45 - Coolykereen Imp 2.5pts @ 3/1

Do you have any other opinions about tonight's card, I'm heading down for a punting bonanza

In the 1st i'd maybe play the 5 dog if he is 4/1+, i think he can trap better than last week and if doing so could lead or follow the 2 around and blown him away 2 to 3. I'm not sure Holly And Berry wants to be on the inside, can't see her leading 2 and she seemed to run off the bend last week. If she's close she'd win but i'd say she will be short and in that case i want to take her on.

I suppose from the draw Fridays Carroll could be a play too but i'd want 11/4+ to play. It's a tough race and whatever goes around will probably win but he's definately won the draw stakes anyway.

I don't like sprints so avoid them, the 850 is tough i thought but 4 deserves to be fav on her racent form but she's mad for the rails, the 5th is impossible, the 11th is a good race but one i'd rather just watch and Bullet really ought to win the last but i make him pretty short.


Right off out to place some bets

Have you seen any prices on Cain for the Irish Derby?

I think he can make up into a serious contender.

Have not seen any quotes yet Bassanio, he is a seriously fast dog but needs to learn to come away better

Sorry to be a turncoat PF, but go Pablo go!

Well done Big Mike. Well deserved.

Few porkies on this thread tho

I had my e/w at 25/1 on Kingo at the s/final stage pay devs but if he had not let george up on his inside in the back straight i think he would have won ...but a great race and welldone to a great dog in TYRUR MIKE.

Droopys Cain crazy price, Piercestown Con huge too clowns doing prices, Coolykeeren Imp different gear. How unlucky where we with Future Boy 1.10 beat at the last bend.


Never the less, it took 2 years but we got there TYRUR BIG MIKE = LEGEND

Not sure about LEGEND PF. If he had beaten McGuigan that year, maybe. One of the fastest dogs ever when 100%, agree

one of tbm,s best races, you would of laid him at any part of the race

Showed great courage to fend off all challengers, a superb dog

Agree with mesi, i wasn't happy at any stage of the race bar crossing the line

Just watched the race kingo came away for it's life lead out of second might of got in George way a little but fair play to TBM, stuck to it landed a prize the owner must of wanted  to bring him back more times than ricky in eastenders!
Do think TBM  should come over for the English can't see his other runner doing much on Saturdays performance!

I backED kingo at 25/1 e/w 1st 3 at 1/4 the odds before the s/final of the Easter cup with Ladbrookes ..i walked in to collect my money this evening only to be told that there was nothing coming back because Kingo was only 3rd in his s/final in a 5 dog race , i explaned to the girl that my anti/post bet was for the overall result but to no avail, P.F and CO where do i stand with my bet? T.Y.

If you backed him outright before the semis, which i persume you did as i can't remember any 25s for his semi final then you should be paid the each way part. It doesn't matter if only 3,4,5 or 6 ran in the semi final it's to finish in the top 3 in the final that you bet him to do.

The shop staff are not trained well enough over here and they quite frankly have not got a clue either. You should be paid.

I don't know what the best way to go is but i'd be on the phone to their headquarters and give them a piece of your mind.

tx for that PF , I explained  to the girl that if ladbrookes were right and Kingo won the final that they would,nt have to pay out on a winner on an anti.post bet [sounds crazy]i will get on to h/q in the morning