Greyhound Derby Betting: It's not that far away

Derby Betting / Jonathan Hobbs / 29 December 2008 / Leave a Comment

The holidays are a time to reflect, but also to look forward - to the Greyhound Derby, says Jonathan Hobbs.

It might seem a lifetime away, but it's not. Once again, the Classic stretches across the whole of May, so April will see a host of trial stakes, which means that March should see trials sessions at Wimbledon gradually become full of Classic contenders. So as February arrives, handlers will have a good idea of whether they are likely to compete for the sport's biggest prize. See, it's not that far away!

Of course, Betfairians were able to punt on the 2009 Derby not long after Loyal Honcho crossed the line in glorious isolation some seven months ago. But a glance at the latest odds shows no real clear-cut favourite.

Wise Thought and Boherna Best top my Classic short-list at this stage.

The former has already showed himself adept round Plough Lane having won the puppy race on Derby final night last, while Boherna Best's mix of speed and stamina looks tailor-made for the track.

However, I doubt anything will ever travel faster than Fear Zafonic's 'track record' 27.17sec in a recent 460m trial at Wimbledon. He really is something special, but more than any greyhound in training covets the rails. And trap one and Wimbledon have always been dreadful bedfellows.

You would have to fear anything that Paul Hennessy sends over from Ireland. He had a terrific run with the Tyrurs, Kieran and Laurel, reaching the final this year. He is almost following the path of Seamus Graham with finalists now in the past two years, and would dearly love to get his hands on the trophy. Keep in touch with the Irish form, and particularly Hennessy's early-season speedsters.

Ballymac Ruso's claims are obvious and he has looked in fine fettle of late. The experience gained at Shelbourne is a real help, and he would just shade Ninja Jamie for me. Certainly fast enough, the latter's tendency to miss the kick can be heavily penalised at Wimbledon. But along with Fear Zafonic, he possesses more than enough speed to be a Derby winner.

Deanridge Fury catches the eye lower down the list. If you are looking for a cast-iron leader, Dean Childs' dog fits the bill and ran well at Wimbledon recently. That run alone augurs well for his claims in a few months' time.

In terms of dogs to watch for over the coming weeks, Killough Belles remains one to keep on the right side of after back-to-back Monmore wins where, it seems, any draw comes alike to her.

Keep tabs also with Swift Jade. There was a return to form on Boxing Day for Caroline Gomersall's bitch, who has changed kennels since her Dorando Marathon victory.

Westmead Keawn was another to return to his best over the Xmas period and, after such a long injury lay-off, Nick Savva's one-time Romford Puppy Cup winner should continue to improve.

Others to note include the stayer Dazzle Special, who caught the eye at Hove recently and then followed up at Nottingham. Teresa Hunwicks's bitch has only had 11 races and only turns two in a few days time. Who knows how far she could progress.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and here's to an even Merrier New Year. Happy punting.