YARMOUTH provides a real midweek boost for open-race fans with a whole batch of opens as the Click Competitions 78th East Anglian Greyhound Derby reaches the semi-final stage as we build up to a cracking night's racing - and a brand new broadcasting initiative - a week today (see below for details).
With supporting competitions - the MWD Partnership Derby Purse and MWD Partnership Sprint - also on the card, tonight and next Wednesday promises to produce some top-class action, a week on for some illuminating heats of the Yarmouth Derby as Druids Say Go roared to the top of the ante-post market.
Patrick Janssens' bitch was superb last week as the Coral Golden Sprint finalist posted the fastest heat clock. However, Millbank Boiler (9.04) could be the value against the favourite tonight as the pair look to secure places in next Wednesday's £15,000 final.
Gemma Evans' dog, who showed up well in the Puppy Classic at Nottingham, needs to come away to win but if doing so will be cutting across his field and might get away - albeit it is a case of all or nothing from traps-rise!
The first semi-final of the Yarmouth Derby can see Bramble Linton (8.47) escape the pack and put pressure on his rivals from the get-go.
Steve Anderson's sprinter needs a healthy lead to win and will be coming back to his field as was the case last week. However, faster conditions would suit the Newcastle raider who might steal a march, albeit John Mullins' pair of kennelmates Wrighty and Swift Depot will be piling on the pressure on the leader on the run for home.
The third semi-final, which features two runners from Carol Weatherall's in-form kennel in Newinn Sharky and Getup Me Son, looks the most competitive on paper but Ballymac John (9.23) looked a touch unlucky seven days ago and might always be bossing proceedings if trapping like he did last week.
Mark Wallis's dog looks on good terms with himself just now with some fine efforts at Monmore recently, although any mistakes and Craig Marston's Newcastle raider Lion Heart would need no second invitation, likewise impressive heat winner Beaming Panther for Belinda Green.
The supporting competitions are decent with Not So Slow (7.06) catching the eye in heat one of the MWD Partnership Sprint.
Patrick Janssens' runner has trialled well at the seaside venue and previously had been mixing in top two-bend company and should go well, while Pin All In (8.31) looks interesting in heat three of the MWD Partnership Derby Purse after some fine efforts at Towcester for Lauren Sawyer. She is open to improvement.
*YARMOUTH will host the first Gone To The Dogs - Live! outside broadcast on the night of the Click Competitions 78th East Anglian Greyhound Derby Final on Wednesday, September 18.
Presented by regular Gone To The Dogs podcast host Dani Jackson with Greyhound Star tipping and betting expert Joe Conneely in the betting ring, the three hour-plus show will see the first outside broadcast at a UK greyhound track since the days of RPGTV, latterly GTV.
Full coverage of all the races including betting analysis, interviews and features will form the core of the presentation. There will be special guests, but the greyhounds themselves will be the centre of attention on one of the biggest night's racing of the year.
Jackson said: "This is hugely exciting news for greyhound racing and hopefully is just a stepping stone to more regular extended TV coverage of the big nights. We're taking the Gone To The Dogs podcast on the road and I can't wait - Yarmouth Derby final night is one of the best nights of the year with a great atmosphere."
