Hurricane sweeps through Derby heats

Any questions over who was the fastest early paced runner in the 2018 Irish Greyhound Derby were well and truly answered on Saturday when Cabra Hurricane returned to winning ways in another stunning display of raw speed that reinforces his claims in the sport’s premier event.

Contesting Heat 4 in the third round, he appeared to face a stiff test from renowned fellow early paced favourite Whoops Jack but once breaking on terms, the Pat Guilfoyle trained speedster scorched a path to the opening bend and held a three length lead upon turning. Followed through by Coolavanny Gery, he extended impressively clear to a six length advantage passing halfway and although ceding ground late on, was never seriously threatened when posting 29.62 for the 550 yard trip when a length in advance of that same rival.

Not the strongest stayer over the Derby trip, Cabra Hurricane will remain vulnerable on the home straight at this exalted level but his early prowess has rarely if ever been matched, even at this highest level. Now at quarter-final stage, it appears wholly likely that the Paul Scally owned star can continue to advance for if breaking on terms, he cannot be prevented from leading. The Hurricane is increasingly looking more and more a realistic contender with each passing round.

 

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