Hi °C | Lo °C The season moves on apace with the SIS Live Gold Cup starting on Saturday at Shelbourne, where some of the really big guns are going to be unveiled.
The indications yesterday were encouraging, with more than 25 names in the book before lunchtime and with a number of top kennels yet to confirm their plans.
The trap draw for the 525-yard competition is likely to be made tomorrow.
As of now, the top contenders are Camas, Kereight King, Ardfert Thunder, Priceless Sky, Cabra Millie and Cambushmore.
Other interesting names in the book include Ashfield Impact, Lolos Joe, Uncle Eoin, Coolykereen Imp, Tinas Nova, Isabels Boy, Camas Crash, Refuge of Sinner, Priceless Rumble, Money Talks and Hot Pursuit.
No decision has yet been made regarding Joe Dunne winner Slippery Robert, while beaten favourite Oran Maestro was given a trial in advance around Limerick in preparation for the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake.
Entries for that closes on February 22; the first round will be run on March 1.
The top trial at last Saturday's Shelbourne session was the 28.53 from Gary Silcock's Puppy Derby runner-up Isabels Boy, while there were other smart runs from Uncle Eoin 28.67, Farloe Klein 28.77 and Montos Kraft 28.79. The unraced puppy Coolavanny Shane was most impressive when clocking 28.78.
Meanwhile, the finals of both the Feramo D Open 525 at Limerick and the Guinness Trophy at Cork will be run this weekend, and they promise to be fascinating affairs.
Of particular interest will be the running of Dear Pa in the Feramo final at Limerick. He looked one of the brightest young stars on the horizon a year ago until injury struck.
On last Saturday's evidence John O'Flynn may have him back at his best and he is clearly the one to beat.
• Entries will close next Tuesday for the GMHD Juvenile Classic at Tralee, which carries a winner's prize of €15,000. That event kicks off on Friday week
Ear to the ground
'Ear To The Ground' on RTE 1 on Thursday will feature the Clonmel track. The cameras visited the venue recently as part of a general greyhound feature and the finished product will make for interesting viewing. It goes out at 8.30pm.
Pick 6 jackpot
The Pick 6 Jackpot eluded the punters last Saturday so the pool is carried over to next weekend, when it will operate again between Limerick and Shelbourne.
