IT’S quarter-final night in the 2024 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby at Towcester with connections of the 23 runners left chasing the £175,000 first prize - not to mention greyhound immortality - knowing they are less than a minute away for a crack’s at greyhound racing’s biggest prize. Catch the action via sisracing.tv
So four quarter-finals and the perennial UK versus Ireland challenge looking very much in the balance - although it might change at any time!
Looking at tonight's quarter-finals, honours could be evenly shared with two home-trained runners fancied to land the spoils and two Irish-trained stars preferred in their respective match-ups, although all owners and trainers involved will be concerned with is qualification. They want to finish in the first three - to make next week's semis!
Here's my look at the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby quarter-finals:
First quarter-final (19.10): A bitch winner of the English Greyhound Derby is a rare thing and there's still plenty of work to do. However, Crafty Shivoo is enjoying a brilliant campaign and her head-to-head last week with De Lahdedah (Liam Dowling) was arguably the race of the Derby so far and Mark Wallis's runner is tough to oppose. Her trapping remains key again but her early pace is superb and she has first-run potential over defending champion Gaytime Nemo. They met last week and there is no obvious reason for a form reversal, albeit the start is crucial - especially with Superfast Gorden (Pat Buckley) and Churchfield Syd (Richard Rees) rip-roaring to the bend.
Sel: Crafty Shivoo
Second quarter-final (19.29): Another home-trained winner? King Memphis is tough to oppose after again drawing the inside pitch. He is really yet to hit the boxes but that pace to the first bend is incredible and the red-jacket line affords him the space to unleash that burst which can maintain the unbeaten record in the Classic for Liz McNair's charge. Ballinabola Ed (Pat Buckley) looks the obvious forecast link with a plot draw outside and continues to impress and improve after a long spell off the track. Ballymac Finn (Liam Dowling) remains an evergreen talent and will be keeping on, along with kennelmate Ballymac Gizmo, Whyaye Man (Mark Wallis) and Hawkfield Abbie (John McGee).
Sel: King Memphis
Third quarter-final (19.47): If Ireland are behind the eight-ball heading into the third quarter-final - and they might not be! - chances are The Other Kobe gets the Irish back on track. The Irish Derby champion has been superb for Graham Holland with a series of paw-perfect performances and his crack at history as just the second greyhound to complete the Irish and English Greyhound Derby double is still alive, with space outside following the withdrawal of Swords Rex perhaps helping matters. Ballymac Slick is improving and strong-running and the pup will be picking up well, while kennelmates Edwards (Patrick Janssens) and Droopys Doughnut will both look to dominate.
Sel: The Other Kobe
Fourth quarter-final (20.05): After missing the break last week, Boylesports Bob looked in danger of going out. However, Paul Hennessy's runner stayed on powerfully to make the quarter-finals - and no greyhound is going faster off the last bend than the Irish raider, surely. As a wide seed in this year's Derby he again gets trap six and a solo outside looks assured. Cooliogold (Maxine Locke) looks set to lead up for a very much in-form kennel, although De Lahdedah (Liam Dowling) might also soon be on the premises after last week's cracking third-round buckle with Crafty Shivoo. Can Boylesports Bob back-run De Lahdedah if needed? I'm not sure, but stripes still looks the percentage call.
Sel: Boylesports Bob
Towcester Tips
King Memphis (19:10)
The Other Kobe (19:19)
Crafty Shivoo (19.47)
Boylesports Bob (20.05)
