Dundalk International Preview: UK raiders could be lively outsiders

Today sees Dundalk Stadium hosting one of the richest greyhound races in Ireland or the UK, The Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International.

The draw took place last week with three bitches and three dogs taking part in the one-off race worth €20,000, including two UK raiders. 

The Pat Buckley trained Ballinabola Ed has unsurprisingly been made the 10/11 favourite with BoyleSports following his tremendous form of late.

The son of Confident Rankin and Dolls Lady, he landed the €15,000 RPGTV Open 600 at Shelbourne Park earlier this year along with the €15,000 Race Of Champions at Tralee, so his form has been great. 

Raha Mofo has made the invitational line-up and was three lengths behind Ballinabola Ed in the Race Of Champions. She had been chalked up at 3/1 for trainer Murt Leahy, but has drifted out to 4/1.

Kingdom Derby winner Ballymac Whispa has also made the race for trainer Liam Dowling and is another runner unpopular with punters. Having opened at 8/1, she is now freely available at 10/1.

Pat Buckley is also represented by Bobsleigh Dream, the St Leger and Irish Cesarewitch winner. This versatile lady has come in for some support at 7/2, with English raiders Brookside Richie and Cochise completing a competitive contest with their chances rated at 8/1 and 20/1 respectively. 

Brookside Richie is one of the fastest canines in the UK and could pose a threat to the fancied dogs should he stay out of trouble at the first bend, thought it may not have the stamina to hold out to the finish line.

Meanwhile Cochise is another lively outsider, having finished third in the English Derby. He won the English Cesarewitch earlier this season too and with a prime rail draw may outperform his odds should he replicate his best from form form the earlier rounds. Both UK dogs  are decent options given the skimpy odds of the favourite.

Team UK won the title back in 2018 with Droopys Verve but it’s the Irish who have had the upper hand ever since and it should be a fantastic night of racing, with the BoyleSports Derby Trial Stake on the supporting card on Wednesday 12th July. 

Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “It’s fantastic to see two UK raiders coming over to take part in this race. It’s €20,000 for just one race and with three bitches versus three dogs, greyhound fans are in for a real treat.”

2023 Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International, (place terms: 1/4 the first 2)

10/11 Ballinabola Ed, 7/2 Bobsleigh Dream, 4/1 Raha Mofo, 8/1 Brookside Richie, 10/1 Ballymac Whispa, 20/1              Cochise