Just three runs to crown the 2023 Derby champion but at this stage it is all about qualifying.

Six of the top eight in the betting are Irish based, four from Graham Holland including the 11-4 favourite Swords Rex, one of only three unbeaten hounds still in the event, with Ballymac Marino (11-2) and Romeo Command (7-1).

Rest of the ante post: 15-2 Clona Duke, 16-1 Ballymac Finn, 18-1 Brinkleys Magic, Gaytime Nemo, 20-1 Romeo Hanzo, 25-1 Distant Podge, 28-1 Boylesports Gift, 33-1 Burj Khalifa, Fabulous Azurra, Savana Beau, 50-1 Ballyhimikin Leo, Cochise, Jacktaven Bella, 80-1 Untold Zloty, 100-1 Drive On Lad, Ninja Kerry, Romeo Top Gun, 125-1 Mystical Mario, 150-1 Aero Arran, Hopes Rhino, Signet Otis.

(Supporting card form can be found beneath the Derby heats)

Latest betting: 11-8 Romeo Command, 2-1 Boylesports Gift, 4-1 Burg Khalifa, 14-1 Savana Beau, 25-1 Aero Arran, 33-1 Hopes Rhino

Selection – Paul Hennessy’s BOYLESPORTS GIFT can smash out a make all from trap 3 in the first quarter final.  There are some strong runners in this race non least last years finalist Savana Beau but Hennessy’s greyhound is no slouch and doesn’t exactly stop in front.  Brendan Matthews Burj Khalifa went under the radar with many last week but not with his shrewd connections who obliged the sponsors amongst others of their kind offer of 20/1 plus.  The touch never looked in doubt as he routed a good class field and from a super make up on the outside he should once again not be too far away.

Latest betting: 7-4 Clona Duke, Romeo Hanzo, 13-1 Ballyhimikin Leo, 8-1 Mystical Mario, 19-1 Cochise, 14-1 Signet Otis

Selection – Kevin Hutton’s SIGNET OTIS has finished second in all three starts during the Derby so far but he can land the second quarter final at what should be fairly decent odds.  He’s more than capable of a better break than we’ve seen so far and if he does make the bend in front he’s going to be far from easy to reel in.

Latest betting: 8-13 Ballymac Marino, 5-1 Brinkleys Magic, 11-2 Gaytime Nemo, 10-1 Jacktavern Bella, 14-1 Ninja Kerry, 25-1 Drive On Lad

Selection – Liam Dowling’s BALLYMAC MARINO has emerged as the most likely contender from the Kerry man’s team to land him English Derby success for the very first time.  He’s been flawless during the first 3 rounds of the competition and can make it 4 from 4 as he attempts to land a place in next week’s semi finals.

Latest betting: 4-7 Swords Rex, 6-1 Ballymac Finn, Distant Podge, 8-1 Fabulous Azurra, 20-1 Romeo Top Gun, Untold Zloty

Selection – Liam Dowling’s BALLYMAC FINN has disappointed so far.  Sure there have been one or two valid excuses but there appears to be question marks as to whether Towcester is his track.  That said he is becoming a bigger and bigger price with each passing week and with it his appeal on value grounds if little else grows.  He will need to step up and he will need to do so massively but he is in more than capable hands and a big run would come as little surprise.  Swords Rex is the obvious danger his ability isn’t in question but is opposed solely on the grounds of perceived value. Carol Weatherall’s Untold Zloty has been showing immense promise and whether his potential is fully realised during this year’s Derby he is another product of the Sean Conway rearing academy who looks to have a huge future.

Selection – Mark Wallis’s RAPIDO LADY could quickly assert in the first heat of the Greyhound Trader event and that could well be enough to see her home.  Frank Gray’s locally trained Makeit Magical looks the danger but she will have to come away a little livelier than she has been in trials so far if she’s not to get tangled up with the inside pair at the bend.

Selection – On paper a race which looks to be between Jimmy Fenwick’s BROOKSIDE RICHIE and Liz McNair’s Fromposttopillar.  Preference is for the North East raider who needs less to go right for him to emerge victorious than McNair’s greyhound who though obviously extremely talented often needs things to fall perfectly to see him at his best.  Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Joey is a talented sort but will need a flier and possibly a missed break from Richie if he’s to win this.

Selection – Anything like a level start from Chris Hamblin’s SAVANA TOP CAT and he will prove very difficult to beat on what is without doubt a drop in class.  Peter Harnden’s Salacres Blake has been performing well in top grade company at Henlow and at what could be double figure odds wouldn’t be the worst piece of advice from a value perspective if the selection was to falter.

Selection – Another on paper match up between Mark Wallis’s Whyaye Man in red and ARKADY for David Mullins.  The selection might just have been livened up a little with the two trials at Oxford and from a good looking make up he can secure first run and with it the race.

Selection – Paul White who this week announced his intention to quit training can land this with his ONE DAY SCOOBY.  A pacey sort and capable of some big runs off the front or from just off the pace he’s trialled well here at Towcester having also originally been purchased from the Greyhound Trader sale here early in March.  He can pop out and lead all the way for his likeable Stoke based trainer who will be a huge loss to the sport.

Selection – Nathan Hunt’s DROOPYS GOOGLE has a massive engine and is well capable of some huge runs.  He is at times let down by his trapping but in a race where just a moderate enough start should see him laying handy he’s selected over the likely main market rival Ballymac Bronze trained by Liam Dowling.  The race should be between the pair but preference is for Hunt’s greyhound to secure first run.

Selection – This is a huge step down in class for Mark Wallis’s BALLYMAC JOHN and it will be a big shock if he isn’t to land the spoils in dominant fashion.  Frank Gray’s Makeit Epic has been trialling well and along with Richard Yeates Swithins Teejay who is potentially well drawn if he can find a break rate the main dangers to the selection if he under performs.

 


Selection – Kevin Hutton’s RIOJA JOEY was eliminated at the first round stage of the Derby having lost all chance when stumbling shortly after leaving the traps.  He’s had a short break and then won a small open at Swindon in good style.  He will take a world of beating in the evenings finale if he can poach an early lead and though he’ll be priced short enough is a confident selection to send punters home happy.