Greyhound Derby First Round Preview – Saturday

The final evening of the three nights of heats and a big Saturday night in front of RPGTV is in order to close out the opening round of the Derby. Joining us once more are Dave Clark and Jonathan Hobbs from RPGTV to help cast an eye over the main protagonists on Saturday’s card. Naturally, our greyhound tips will be from Towcester once more this evening, but it isn’t too late to have an antepost bet, our Greyhound Derby Tips have a wealth of information.

Heat 19 – Droopys Biker

Myracing – Pat Buckley has said that there is little between Droopys Biker and Droopys Davy, though Biker has certainly taken to this track quicker than his kennelmate. He was impressive in a trial last Saturday night and should step forward plenty on that as he progresses through the competition.

Jonathan Hobbs – The form of the Kirby Memorial race at Limerick, where Biker have come from, is rock-solid when it comes to English Derbys. Of course, we are principally talking about the Wimbledon years when it comes to Droopys Roddick, but Biker’s trials have been impressive.

Heat 22 – Magical Bale

Myracing – An impressive return from five months off at the Trainers’ Championship over course and distance last month, that should’ve put him spot on for this competition. Winner of the Puppy Derby Final here in November, he has the tools to go a long way.

Dave Clark – Magical Bale runs the first bend very well and crucially looks very versatile with regards to the draw. He has already won top-class races from boxes 2,3 and 4, with so many railers entered that versatility is an attribute that could serve him very well.

Jonathan Hobbs – Magical Bale ticks all the boxes. A precocious talent last year, he showed on Trainers’ Championship night he’s trained on – and some.

Heat 23 – Bull Run Button & Dorotas Vic

Myracing – Bull Run Button is a bitch we have liked in the office for a long time. She caused a shock beating Droopys Expert in the Juvenile at Sheffield but was knocked out of the Scottish Derby in the semis. Her sole look here left a little to be desired, but she is unquestionably a Cat 1 hound on her day.

Dorotas Vic made the final of the Scottish Derby, missing the kick at the worst possible time in the final. His trial was solid enough, but once more his sectional wasn’t slick. A similar break could see him in trouble in the first round.

Dave Clark – Year after year punters come unstuck reading too much into the Racing Post Juvenile form, Bull Run Button is a tremendously exciting greyhound and was a terrific winner, however, there is no way Droopys Expert was fully revved up for that race at Sheffield. Such is the scheduling of the Juvenile, so early in the year, it is seen by many top trainers as a lucrative starting point.

I also like Charlie Lister’s Dorotas Vic, who has matured and improved for a winter rest he’s one who can go deep into the Derby at a big price.

Jonathan Hobbs – Bull Run Button is a likeable sort. She hugged the rails in a recent trial, so T3 on Saturday is tricky in what is a tough qualifier. However, that’s why three-figure odds are still available.

Heat 24 – Droopys Davy

Myracing – Davy won the Kirby Memorial in fine fashion, proving in the process that he has no problem with the rigours of a big competition. He didn’t look entirely comfortable on the track on his solo trial last Saturday night, but is clearly capable of much better than that.

Dave Clark – I have absolutely no doubt that Pat Buckley will win the Derby at some stage, the calibre of greyhound he travels over with every year is always top class and his Droopys Davy is very exciting. He won the €80,000 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake in fine style and rates a huge player if he handles the track.

Photo courtesy of Racing Post/Steve Nash