Greyhound Derby First Round Preview – Thursday

Tonight is the first of the three nights of the English Greyhound Derby heats. Once more we have some phenomenal insight from both Dave Clark and Jonathan Hobbs to guide us through the big players from tonight’s heats. Our greyhound tips will also be coming from Towcester tonight, the Derby starts here!

Heat 2 – Droopys Expert

Myracing – Litter brother to our own syndicate hound Droopys Dazzle, having Expert going a long way through the Derby would be a great buzz for all our owners! He has the raw talent if he can trap out consistently.

Dave Clark – The Derby has long been the target of Droopys Expert, who has been expertly handled by Angela Harrison and partner Jimmy Wright. Along with kennelmate Droopys Verve, they are flying the flag for the north-east – make no mistake, they are both are big contenders!

Jonathan Hobbs – I’d love him to go well. Remember this is the dog whose runs during his All England Cup win produced incredible times – the greyhound who has gone closest to breaking the ‘unbeatable’ Droopys Shearer’s Newcastle track record.

Heat 4 – King Elvis

Jonathan Hobbs – That burst of pace he’s got into the bend will serve him well at Towcester – and to the third bend he’s in the top two or three fastest ever at the track! That speed always gives you a chance, and supporters can only hope he gets stronger as the Derby unfolds – and that summer conditions will suit. Of course, given the weather of late, that is no certainty!

Heat 5 – Slippy Cian

Myracing – One of the outsiders that we put up for the competition at 66/1. He was third in the Final of the Kirby Memorial, a huge run after finding early trouble. His pace from the second bend is exceptional, he looks the perfect type to keep doing enough to keep qualifying.

Dave Clark – Graham Holland’s Slippy Cian was defeated by Droopys Davy in that big final (Kirby Memorial), I think he will relish the 500m and is one to watch at a big price.

Heat 7 – Calico Brandy & Power Local

Myracing – Power Local is a massive price for this competition and doesn’t have the easiest first round heat. That said, he has some very smart times at the big galloping Doncaster track as well as trialling very well here. Unexposed, he’s the type who can progress through the competition.

Dave Clark – There is no way Calico Brandy should be three-figures. Overshadowed somewhat by talented litter brother Calico Ranger so far in his career, this son of Holdem Spy is very strong and is a greyhound who will be tough to knock out.

Heat 8 – Rising Brandy & Dorotas Wildcat

Dave Clark – Dorotas Wildcat is a super fast greyhound and if he drew trap one in all six rounds of the Derby he would go very close. The negative with him, as was proved to a degree last year, is his dependency on an inside draw.

Rising Brandy is in great hands trained by Matt Dartnall and the Monmore Puppy Derby winner has impressed me with how he has run the track. He starts and stays, no doubt he will appeal to many as an each-way play.

Jonathan Hobbs – Dorotas Wildcat remains a greyhound that can take your breath away. If you could guarantee a slick exit – plus give him his beloved red jacket (hugs the rails!) throughout – you are talking about the Derby winner. The word ‘if’ prevents us getting carried away.

Rising Brandy lacks experience perhaps, but that’s understandable given his age, and he defends an unbeaten record in the heats. He won a Trial Stakes well, but heat eight on Thursday is a humdinger!

Picture courtesy of Steve Nash/Racing Post