JONATHAN HOBBS: Towcester stages the third round of the Star Sports/TRC Events & Leisure English Greyhound Derby 2021 tonight – a crunch evening’s action after which racegoers and viewers can say, after the split first and second rounds, that they’ve definitely seen the Derby champion!

The Anglo-Irish battle continues and, if anything, the gap has closed in that particular duel – and the home guard might actually have the overall edge tonight. But with runners such as Native Maestro, Ballymac Wild and reigning champion Deerjet Sydney in their team the visitors are still favourite to land a third straight victory in the famous event.

So eyes down for tonight’s heats – eight brilliant and classy contests, with possibly the best saved for last. Read on . . .

Towcester

7.17: Signet Ace is sure to be popular given his electric starts and he could easily get away – a 29.16sec last week was a top-class effort. Likewise Newinn Session can start at times and, should the white jacket be less than foot-perfect from lids-rise, a coming together with the blue-box is possible. Could that let in fast-starting Frankies Jet or well-drawn Kilara Lion? Maybe the latter is value. Patrick Janssens’ dog is still coming forward after a break and could make the rails his own if holding his position into the turn. Fancy odds will be available.

Play: Kilara Lion

7.35: The Irish hand is a strong one here with any of Ballymac Fairone, Toolmaker Sydney and Ballymac Ariel capable. The blue-box did us a favour last week but this time the trapping prowess of the white-jacketed runner could seal the deal. A 4.18sec split in the first round could be enough to cut loose and he stays well enough. Swift Cope ran a big race last week and is interesting against the fence given the likely odds, but timewise he has chunks to find with the Irish trio.

Play: Toolmaker Sydney

7.54: Tenpin is due a smash break and that could see a big performance from the Romford raider, but clearing Ballymac Wild – and vice versa – will not be easy. The latter has the edge on the clock, but still needs to get round the red jacket. Coney Wonderland might be a player here – but only if hitting the lids. Sean Davy’s dog needs to cope with the speed of Forest Gold but if he’s able to dictate terms could get away. Unlock Unlock continues to be a fantastic story and will be finishing fast.

Play: Coney Wonderland

8.14: Aussie Captain is shaping as a dark horse for the event, but he faces a stern test from two brilliant early-paced performers here in the shape of Native Maestro and Bubbly Magnum, both of whom are tough nuts to crack if dominating. The orange jacket is unbeaten but could be taken on now by the red jacket and the shortest route might do the trick for the Irish star. Beach Avenue finishes well as does Ballymac Kingdom.

Play: Native Maestro

8.34: Roxholme Sheikh was impressive off the front last week and, with the red jacket again in the third round, could follow up and maintain his strong challenge for the event. Hayley Keightley’s dog paces up well and, with a devastating burst of middle pace, could get away. Thorn Falcon is yet to be beaten at Towcester so huge respect is due, while Knocknaboul Syd is a class act who’s not quite come alight in the Derby but this wider draw could see him raise his game.

Play: Roxholme Sheikh

8.51: Heat six now and such was the performance of Jaguar Macie last week that Graham Rankin’s bitch gets a solid vote to win. She posted a good clock in closing down on Signet Ace last week and, if breaking well enough, should lead generally moderate breakers inside and out. Queen Beyonce could raise her game as drawn inside, but equally it might prove a handicap should she come off the fence. Cold As Ice rattles home at pace.

Play: Jaguar Macie

9.09: Adeles Duke could run amok on the outside and, given he’s unbeaten in the event, might always hold sway with one of his usual slick starts. However Bandicoot Sammy will also be on the premises early doors and runs strongly throughout. De Machine cannot be supported with huge confidence given he’s yet to really fire, but nevertheless gets the vote here. He has a huge run in him, you feel, and tonight might be the night Brendan Matthews’ exciting talent comes to the Derby party.

Play: De Machine

9.27: The eighth and final heat now and probably the best – certainly the most competitive on paper. It pits the defending champion Deerjet Sydney against new track record holder Bockos Belly and another unbeaten runner in Hilight Arkle. Any of the three can win – and Queen Dolly is no back number either. However Bockos Belly could out-trap Deerjet Sydney and his all-round speed would make him a huge player thereafter. Great race and whoever wins will go close outright.

Play: Bockos Belly

Good luck all.

@Hobbsy67