WE’RE down to 48 in the race to be the 2024 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby champion with eight heats over 500m tonight (Saturday) making up the third round of the famous competition at Towcester.
In what looks a vintage renewal, we still have defending English Derby champion Gaytime Nemo competing for glory once again, as well as last year's Irish Derby winner The Other Kobe and an Irish Oaks heroine in Crafty Shivoo. Not too many Derbys in history can boast that sort of line-up heading into the third round.
Ireland's challenge remains typically strong, with Graham Holland's team eyeing an incredible three Derbys in a row for the Co. Tipperary-based handler in his bid to match Nick Savva's feat with the Westmeads Hawk and Lord.
Here's my look at heats one to eight - with three places in next week's quarter-finals up for grabs.
Heat 1 (18.35): We kick off with The Other Kobe's continuing bid to land an historic Derby double. The Shelbourne champion has been paw-perfect so far and another slick exit might always see Graham Holland's runner dominate. Kennelmate Clonbrien Treaty continues to run well and is a multiple big-race winner and therefore superb competition greyhound. He'll soon be handy, while the likes of Whyaye Man and Singalong Dolly both finish well. Wrighty needs to ping-start from T5, while expect better from Hawkfield Blue.
Sel: The Other Kobe
Heat 2 (18.35): Unlucky last week when just failing to reel in Edwards, Paul Hennessy's Boylesports Bob will again be powering round the outside and is good enough if close enough. The draw suits as the sole seed. Ballymac Finn is as tough as teak and well pitched, while Droopys Pivotel continues to impress as one of the youngest runners left in the Derby. Bramble Elvis's switch inside catches the eye if he ping-breaks, while Faypoint Sean's draw looks tricky as a railer. Aero Convey is due a better exit which would help.
Sel: Boylesports Bob
Heat 3 (19.10): The early pace and draw suggests Churchfield Syd might take the beating. Richard Rees's runner was just touched off by De Lahdedah last week but that was no disgrace and there is nothing of that class and quality here, it could be argued. That said Havana Top Note has cracking all-round speed, likewise maiden Coss Tokyo. Droopys Supply must trap as drawn, while Bockos Thunder starts well and pounces if stripes misses it. Bluejig Baron gets a rare start from the inside to catch the eye.
Sel: Churchfield Syd
Heat 4 (19.29): Pat Buckley is winding up for a great challenge this year after missing last year - and Superfast Gorden joined the party last week. His 28.71sec second round win was super-fast and impressive and the switch inside looks a help. He leads the likes of strong-running Maiden Derby winner Jaytee Etienne, who gets the forecast vote, and might always be clear of other strong types in Savana Jackpot, Never Say No and Beatties Sparkle. Droopys Doughnut is due a start and remains a dog with lots of speed.
Sel: Superfast Gorden
Heat 5 (19.47): There's really quality to come now and heat five will see the likes of speedsters Grouchos Duke, Edwards and Glengar Martha supported, along with Antigua Hawk who is developing into a serious player off the back of solid first and second round wins. The race to the bend will be absolutely key for that quartet and a smash break sees one of them escape in all probability. However, Mcneill and Ballymac Gizmo will both be powering through, no more faster than Paul Hennessy's dog against the fence.
Sel: Mcneill
Heat 6 (20.05): These next two heats befit a Derby final itself, they're that good! So many chances in heat six with Scaglietti coming to the party and showing the form which broke records at the sales. Likewise De Lahdedah is flying again and remains one of our leading hopes for outright honours - if the gaps open. Miracle flies to the bend and King Combs finishes fast. Which leaves us with the defending champion Gaytime Nemo against an Irish Oaks champion Crafty Shivoo - wow! Just going with the former on the draw.
Sel: Crafty Shivoo
Heat 7 (20.22): Another outstanding heat. Swords Rex has an unmatched record at Towcester and has been brilliant thus far, although will come off the fence which could make things tough for Newinn Syd (unless he ping-starts), but allowing King Memphis to utilise that devastating early boot to the turn. Liz McNair's dog could be away. Road Exile and Azurite are both flying, with the former a possible leader, while the powerful and resurgent Ballinabola Ed just continues to be one of the stories of the Derby.
Sel: King Memphis
Heat 8 (20.22): If lacking the overall class of the two previous heats, the night's finale is nevertheless hugely competitive. Cooliogold's superb early dash sets the tempo given the chance, although Druids All Go is due a start himself. Hawkfield Abbie, Ballymac Slick and Burj Khalifa will all be hitting top gear down the back. However, Unreal Bruiser has something about him. Diane Henry's dog showed huge pace behind rivals last week but is clearly best when dominating - and it's not beyond the realms off the second bend.
Sel: Unreal Bruiser
