JONATHAN HOBBS: It’s semi-final night in the Star Sports & Arc Greyhound Derby at Nottingham, with connections less than 30 seconds from a shot at greyhound immortality.
They say semi-finalists are never remembered, but hopefully that’s not the case this year in what has been a surreal experience for those at the track – in the grandstand restaurant only – or watching at home via RPGTV with no crowds.
Nevertheless the racing has been top notch and the battle between the home-trained runners and the Irish visitors has been intriguing. The Emerald Isle certainly had the edge early on, but honours were even in last week’s quarter-finals.
It should be the same tonight on another fantastic evening of top-class canine action, with the Derby supported by the Derby Plate semis and the heats of three other competitions – all great quality. The stayers, especially, is different gear.
Let’s have a look at the pick of the races with my plays on the BETDAQ Betting Exchange.
Nottingham
6.26: The night’s opener is a heat of the RPGTV Puppy Trophy and, while the other heats are trappier, this should be straightforward for David Mullins’ Tenpin. The Romford Puppy Cup has trialled well at Notts, although keep an eye out for debutante Cold As Ice.
Play: Tenpin
7.51: Heat two of the British-bred The Westmead Legacy In Memory of Natalie Savva Trophy can go to Agincourt Xena. The draw looks good for Mark Wallis’s runner, already a regular winner, to get first run Acomb Winston who impressed at Newcastle recently.
Play: Agincourt Xena
8.06: The Derby Plate semis now and an early paced battle looks on the cards between Hopes Bullet and Doolin Duke. The vote goes to the Wallis runner in the midfield after his 4.99 split in the heats which might edge the Irish challenger in the dash to the turn.
Play: Hopes Bullet
8.21: It might be worth chancing Bower Luke again. Pat Rosney’s dog is the All England Cup champion and an excellent front runner. Key will be out-trapping Waikiki Lad and Catunda Logan, both of whom won their heats in all-the-way style last week.
Play: Bower Luke
8.36: We’re into the Derby semi-finals and the start again looks crucial, especially given chef protagonists Southwood Jet and Knocknaboy Syd are both unbeaten in the Derby – in fact in the UK! Both have superb early pace and the best trapper likely wins the day, although the inside line for Richard Rees’s Southwood Jet might help him nip clear. The outside battle between Distant Village and Churchill Chick looks interesting – the latter has done nothing wrong herself and is flying. Deanridge Rapid could ping-start and might be interesting if holding his position into the turn. Ballydoyle Valor probably needs the red-box to miss the kick but remains a capable sort. A cracking contest all-round.
Play: Southwood Jet
8.53: The second Derby semi-final now and the Irish look set to dominate with Deerjet Sydney given the vote to dominate from the get-go. Pat Buckley’s dog had shown good trapping ability in his first and second round heats, although showed a marked preference for the rails – diving across. He missed the break against the fence last week but should trap quickly from the four-box here, although cuts across Wolfe next door. If clearing that rival, he could be away, with the latter set to soon be in full flow in behind – he’s flying. Troy Firebird is due a break but can he clear Smurfs Machine, and vice versa? Churchill Holly paces up inside and has been a local star and could hold up Lenson Whelan.
Play: Deerjet Sydney
9.11: The next three races are some of the best six-bend contests we’ve seen this year. Heat one of the RPGTV Stayers Trophy might go to Mark Wallis’s Avastorm. She has the draw and scope for better after a recent break. Riverside Honey is the chief danger.
Play: Avastorm
9.26: Three major six-bend winners do battle here with Zascandil (Regency), Smallmead (Champion Stakes) and Roxholme Kristof (3 Steps To Victory) all in – what a race! Hayley Keightley’s Roxholme Kristof could still be anything. Potentially the next star of the track?
Play: Roxholme Kristof
9.41: The Notts finale sees a true six-bend debut for Blue Tick George. He ran great during the Derby and looks well drawn, although what for a decent start outside for Ballydoyle Bee. The Keightley runner could be a tough nut to crack off the front in the closer.
Play: Ballydoyle Bee
Good luck all.
@Hobbsy67
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