AFTER the somewhat phoney war of the first round, push comes to shove as the second round of an intriguing and high-class Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby begins at Towcester tonight (Friday) - with places up for grabs in next week’s one-night-only third round of the £175,000-to-the-winner Classic.
Here's my look at heats one to eight - with eight more heats to follow on Saturday:
Heat 1 (18.35): It's tough to oppose Swords Rex given Graham Holland's dog has such a good record at Towcester - eight wins from ten starts - including making last year's final. His trainer's own English Derby record is also none too shabby! A trap five draw tonight needs handling but his pace to the bend looks good enough, although expect better again from high-profile Scaglietti. He looks to have real scope and is well pitched.
Sel: Swords Rex
Heat 2 (18.51): Such was the impressive performance of Jaytee Etienne last week that Newinn Syd's own efforts might have been underplayed. His first run for almost three weeks, improvement is more likely than not and Mark Wallis's runner can pile on the pressure as the race unfolds, keeping tabs with the likes of Wrighty, and getting first run of strong-running Queen Dusty and Mcneill, who particularly caught the eye last week.
Sel: Newinn Syd
Heat 3 (19.10): There should be no stopping King Memphis. They are not machines but at least a level break can see Liz McNair's joint track record holder - he equalled the clock last week - soon in command after that devastating burst of early pace to main Derby favouritism. Druids All Go has lots of speed himself and, after a cracking run behind Swords Rex seven days ago, is given huge respect if out-trapping Droopys Priority.
Sel: King Memphis
Heat 4 (19.29): The defending champion is definitely back! Gaytime Nemo was hugely impressive last week and could go deep in the competition again - especially with a plum pitch inside in this heat four. Others might lead, with Ballymac Senan catching the eye after last week's runaway win. However, a handy slot might be enough for Graham Holland's star inside to get first run on powerful first-round winner King Combs.
Sel: Gaytime Nemo
Heat 5 (19.47): Pat Buckley will have been delighted with the performance of Road Exile in last week's first round as the Cork Supersprint winner tore to the front and was strong enough to withstand the challenge of those behind. Same again? Clearing the superb Cooliogold is key, but the Irish raider might be the one to catch, with improvement likely given not too much racing in the last month or so. We're on the right road, hopefully!
Sel: Road Exile
Heat 6 (20.05): Clash of the round now between King Capaldi and De Lahdedah. The former has lightning early pace, almost breathtaking at times - just like his brother King Memphis. However, Memphis is stronger overall and that could be Capaldi's undoing as the event progresses. Conversely, Liam Dowling's De Lahdedah is in top gear hitting the third bend and might always be too strong - if handling a tricky trap four draw.
Sel: De Lahdedah
Heat 7 (20.22): One of Ireland's leading lights, Clonbrien Treaty produced another masterclass of racing last week in the first round and might be tough to hold again once clearing his rivals into the turn. Graham Holland's dog has his favoured draw and might always be dominating, although Jaytee Etienne's own Derby campaign is building up nicely after a solid first round victory off the back of his KAB Maiden Derby success.
Sel: Clonbrien Treaty
Heat 8 (20.40): A good night for Team Holland could be completed with victory for The Other Kobe. Seeking history in his double Derby bid as the reigning Irish Derby champion, it was an impressive effort from the now-senior performer in the first round heats and, providing Savana Top Cat and Vixons Bagheera can be cleared early on, he might be away. Wolf Moon pounces if there is scrimmaging inside.
Sel: The Other Kobe
