Heat 1
The make up of the race suggests Ballymac Brogan (11-10 BET 365) (T5) should trap in front and lead. He runs a straight line to the bend. He ran his heart out in the second round and a repeat would surely be good enough. Old Joe Golden (T6) breaks reasonably but accelerates powerfully to the bend where he likes to cut to rail. He may not get that chance if Brogan is in front. Trouble looks inevitable on the inside and could involve all four runners.
Sel: 5-6-4
Heat 2
Jaytee Dutch (13-8 BET 365) (T1) seldom gets the red jacket, but he can crack out and make all as he has previously shown in Ireland. The biggest danger must be the other Irish entry Droopys Latina who was slightly hampered on the run-up and then took two lengths out of Ballymac Matt in the last round before posting a fine time. The question is, can he give Dutch a start and a beating? The consistent Droopys Turin may not get the rail this time and Bockos Bolassie looks the tricast choice
Sel 1-3-4
Heat 3
Although he would probably prefer the white jacket, not the worst draw for Ballymac Matt (4-5 BET 365) providing he can break with them and hold the rail to the bend. If he walks away, it could get messy. Calzaghe Billy (T2) will move to middle while Lenson Sanchez will probably go straight. Bubbly Turbo (T5) is improving and is capable of a surprise if ‘pinging’ though he would need to clear Lenson Sanchez to get a clear run.
Sel 1-4-5
Heat 4
On all known form, it is Southfield Jock’s (1-2 BET 365) to lose. He has been in exceptional form, is well drawn (T3), surrounded by slow trappers in one of the poorer qualifiers. He appears to be staying on better as a more mature hound. The three runs in a week may prove a bigger obstacle than this. The obvious danger is Holdem Chico who would have favourite backers shaking if he is within a couple of yards of the favourite coming off the second bend.
Sel 3-1-4
Heat 5
One of the great races of the night featuring the reprieved Jaytee Jet (T6), who was awesome in finding his way into a qualifying place. He looks capable of a 27.80 run, and at the same time looks vulnerable on this circuit. The selection is Domino Storm (6-4 BET 365) seeking her ninth win in a row. She is also vulnerable to early pace on her outside, (3&4) but has one of the slowest trappers, on all known form, on her inner, and should lead up. First bend trouble looks inevitable and red can slip around to qualify.
Sel 2-6-1
Heat 6
Hiya Butt (5-4 BET 365) showed superb early pace to overcome a shocking break in the last round. Assuming he doesn’t repeat the feat, he looks the one to beat. Shaneboy Freddie is the obvious danger having run a stunner after being lumped by Southfield Jock on the run-up last week, and then bouncing into trouble. Would be the selection but for the presence of Peregrine Falcon who may be an early obstacle. Five and six bumped into each other last time out, and may do the same again.
Sel 1-4-3
Heat 7
Possibly the race of the Derby to date featuring the two fastest dogs – according to the clock – over this course. Track record holder Eden The Kid (4-6 BET 365) has moderate early, seems to always face major obstacles in running, but has ability, track craft and class in equal measures. But much will depend on what happens on the inside. You Never Listen looks back to her best and can run the legs off anything for 400m. She is unlikely to concede the rail to Droopys Roddick who is probably the only dog to whom Kid may not be able to give a start and a beating. Just enjoy
Sel 4-1-2
Heat 8
A difficult one to call with very litter between the inside three on known form. Certainly Clondoty Alex (T3) would have been the selection if drawn in red. As it stands, Boyneside Fun (11-8 BET 365) is in great form, and another solo performance like his 28.44 run in the last round might be good enough, assuming there is crowding closer to the rail. Many eyes will be on Droopys Ambition who would appear lucky to still be in the event given her antics in the last round
Sel 6-1-3