Time Greyhound Nutrition Puppy Derby

Im Here gave further notice on Saturday night that he is going to be a force to be reckoned with going forward as he captured the Time Greyhound Nutrition Puppy Derby in the style of a real champion.

Shelbourne Park welcomed a big crowd and those present were treated to some exceptional racing but Im Here was the undoubted star of proceedings as he began to repay the faith shown in him by his handler Peter Cronin and owner, Hall of Fame member Aidan Comerford.

COLEY SENT OFF FAVOURITE

In the absence of Razldazl Loreal from two, the layers put in Kapuka Coley as the favourite to land the €25,000 prize.

The Karol Ramsbottom trained star was sent off a 9-4 chance ahead of his kennel companion Slick Sanctuary and the eventual winner Im Here, both of which were returned at 10-3.

Ballymac Scheff was next at 4-1 with Fahrenheit Ace the biggest priced runner in the line up at 5-1, highlighting the open nature of the contest.

A DOMINANT DISPLAY

But despite how open it seemed on paper, this was over as a contest within a matter of strides.

Fahrenheit Ace came away well from three but Im Here was at his very sharpest on the outside of the track. Breaking fast, the son of Coolavanny Hoffa and Clona Skye was in front from the first stride and he displayed massive early speed to better Fahrenheit Ace into the bend.

Behind the front two, Kapuka Coley sat third with Ballymac Scheff a close fourth. Slick Sanctuary stumbled from traps and was detached within a couple of strides.

Im Here hit the turn with a length in hand but as he edged across to the fence, he increased his lead with Fahrenheit Ace checking his stride slightly. Kapuka Coley moved second but Im Here hit the back straight with three lengths in hand.

It soon became four lengths and by halfway it was clear those in behind were running for minor honours. Im Here was relentless, posting a stunning 15.73 to the third turn and maintaining his merciless gallop to the line.

Kapuka Coley continued to run hard in second but Im Here would claim a first classic success by four and a half lengths in a sizzling 27.97. Behind Kapuka Coley, Ballymac Scheff finished fast to take third, a further length adrift.

There seems little doubt that Im Here is a rapidly developing youngster and his performance was clear evidence he could be very special. There seems no doubt he will improve for the step up to 550 yards and he will likely to aimed at the Derby for which he must be seen as a leading contender.  

Reference Ian Fortune