SIX out of eight winners landed last night, the pressure is on to match that feat in tonight's concluding batch of second round heats of the 2024 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby - with places up for grabs in next week's crunch third round of the £175,000-to-the-winner Classic.
The third round of the Derby - the last-48 stage - is always one of the best meetings of the year, but a place in the first three tonight is required to make the cut!
Here's my look at heats nine to 16.
Heat 9 (18.35): Having blown the cobwebs away last week, Mr Chelm could be ready to step up in this first of the night's second round heats. As Kildare in 2022, Peter Cronin's dog ran-up to Romeo Magico for the Classic so his Towcester form is rock-solid. Not the force of old, the Irish raider can pace up well and might always be a threat to Unreal Bruiser who impressed last week. The powerful Clona Curly will be finishing fastest of all.
Sel: Mr Chelm
Heat 10 (18.51): The best heat of the night also features one of original fancies. King Memphis and De Lahdedah got through last night and connections will be hoping Barntick Bear does the same. He showed pace and power last week, albeit is not sure to lead these top-class rivals to the bend. Irish raider High Trend won well last week and goes off the front again given the chance. Ballinabola Ed is another real player here.
Sel: Barntick Bear
Heat 11 (19.10): Another cracking and competitive heat, there are a host of chances here - topped by Ireland's Antigua Hawk, who flew off the front last week and same again does the trick. Compatriot Jaytee Craze has pace at both ends, while Faypoint Harvey was a smart winner of the Juvenile over C&D. However, Patrick Janssens' Droopys Doughnut is due a better exit and his speed could catch these cold outside. He is well housed.
Sel: Droopys Doughnut
Heat 12 (19.29): Rioja Joey will step up on his first run effort and hopefully continues to improve as a lively outsider outright. However, Irish raider Romeo Steel and Crafty Shivoo might just have the edge in race fitness to dominate this, with the Empress Stakes winner over C&D coming back to her best judged on last week. Her trainer Mark Wallis is bang-in-form just now and her Towcester record remains very impressive indeed.
Sel: Crafty Shivoo
Heat 13 (19.47): Heat 13 of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby but hopefully a lucky one for backers of Boylesports Bob! Paul Hennessy's Irish star was impressive throughout in the first round on his way to a slick 28.87sec and, getting a tow round behind the likes of Aero Convey, might prove too strong for that rival and fast-starting Edwards pitched inside. The latter could make things tough early for Ballymac Dapper.
Sel: Boylesports Bob
Heat 14 (20.05): One of Ireland's most consistent and classiest runners for a few seasons, Ballymac Finn could be another winner for Liam Dowling. He wasn't disgraced behind track record-equalling Derby favourite King Memphis last week and, set to pace up handily towards the inside here, might have the all-round speed to take this. Queen Leona and Hawkfield Abbie should both step up on their efforts in the first round.
Sel: Ballymac Finn
Heat 15 (20.22): One of the best drawn dogs of the night could be Ireland's Grouchos Duke in this heat 15, the penultimate of the second round. John Byrne's runner has pace to burn early and, catching the eye last week from a midfield pitch, looks better drawn inside tonight. Droopys Pivotel is clearly a pup with huge pace - note a super-fast time at Hove last month - and definitely pounces if others falter. Whyaye Man keeps on well.
Sel: Grouchos Duke
Heat 16 (20.40): The final second round heat with the last three places in next week's crunch third round up for grabs. A tricky affair, the eye is drawn to last year's finalist Cochise who runs Towcester really well - remember how he trapped so well 12 months ago? Rule him out at your peril. However, might Steve Anderson's Bramble Elvis get first crack at fast-starting Miracle next door? He showed pace last week and has huge scope.
Sel: Bramble Elvis
