The 2023 Greyhound Derby final draw will take place at Towcester at around 1.30pm on Monday afternoon.
Trainer Graham Holland will be represented by half the field including Swords Rex (5-4) who will be looking to complete an unbeaten run through the event.
The opening semi final went to kennelmate Clona Duke (5-2) who reduced his own 500m track record by four spots with a 28.69 run. He was followed home by the Holland third string Gaytime Nemo (8-1). Third over the line was the year’s first Category One winner Cochise (33-1), successful in the 712m Cesarewitch and looking to become a third generation Derby winner for the Rees family.
Rex was followed home by Romeo Command (5-1) seeking a second consecutive win for Leicestershire owner/breeder Dave Firmager and a second win in three years for trainer Patrick Janssens.
Completing the field as the only middle seed is the reigning Sussex Cup winner Ninja Kerry (66-1) who will not be burdened by the 66-1 betting; he has got this far on odds of 3-1, 14-1, 6-1, 20-1, and 22-1. It is yet another fabulous landmark for his popular young trainer Belinda Green, who has already sent out three Cat One winners this year.
CLONA DUKE leads early on his way a new Track Record 28.69 in the first Star Sports & TRC Derby semi final Photo: © Steve Nash
Derby second semi final – approaching the turn: SWORDS REX (t5) in overdrive as Ninja Kerry (t6) chases the unbeaten Derby favourite, followed by Savana Beau (t2) Photo: © Steve Nash
