Betfair Official Blog

Greyhound Derby Betting: Previews for all eight heats this coming Saturday

Click here to view market

Darrell Williams is getting excited by the quality of the 2008 Blue Square Greyhound Derby. The third round of this great event hits Wimbledon on Saturday night where Barnfield On Air is amongst the dogs attempting to qualify

As the song goes 'only the strong survive'. In just eight days the remaining greyhounds in the Derby will race three times, and by next weekend we'll know the six finalists.

This Saturday's third round is undoubtedly the most exciting night so far as it gives us the chance to assess all those remaining in one session, and the draw has thrown up some not-to-be-missed clashes, with heat five undoubtedly the stand out.

Blue Jockey ran an amazing race last Saturday, given that he had shown nothing in the first round, but bearing in mind Fraser Black's dog has had so little racing he looks massively over-priced in that fifth heat (9.15). Express Ego did little wrong himself and if Blue Jockey does edge slightly middle again he could of course shoot clear, while Barnfield Slippy should get a clear run outside with Melodys Pat expected to cut in, which opens up the possibility of another fast run from the Sam Poots' runner. Plenty of possibilities, but at the prices I'm with the 'Jockey' in blue.

Heat eight (10.00) is also a cracker with four unbeaten records on the line, but if Barnfield On Air runs like he did last week he'll take some stopping. However, can he trap as lively again from red especially with course specialist and in-form Ullid Conor (too big in the betting) coming at him? Kryptonite can also trap, although he might just edge outwards again. Nevertheless, it all looks too congested down the fence which makes now wide seeded Droopys Maestro the value option. Pat Buckley's runner, also unbeaten, has shown plenty of guts in both rounds and gets my vote.

At this stage it's all about getting the right price and while Tyrur Kieran, impressive in defeat and now proven from off the pace as well, could comfortably win heat one (8.15), rival Rio Quando is the one to play at the odds. Admittedly 'Kieran' has the draw with Cyclers Lark a middle seed in trap two, but 'Quando' moved up a notch last week and is good enough to give the Scottish Derby winner a run for his money.

I was also taken by Loyal Honcho in round two who looks back to last year's form and should be too good against Kilkenny Lonjack in heat two (8.30), although I accept that if Seamus Cahill's dog breaks, which he could just do in this make up, it could set up a monumental clash.

Toosey Blue beat a hot field last week and is too tempting to resist in heat three (8.45). He can be in control by halfway and should prove too fast for Annual Scholes, a good winner for this column last week (and against the inside bias).

Heat four (9.0) looks up for grabs, unless of course Love Tiger gives the clock another rattle. Maxine Locke's runner was unbelievable last time, but I have to take him on at the odds, and if Splanc goes up quickly as well, it should be set up for Lenson Joker's strong finish.

Bubbly Totti looks the dot on the card if you don't mind a short price after last week's excellent display of track craft and is irresistible in heat six (9.30) with neighbour Lenson Express sure to give him bundles of racing room, while Machu Pichu, another to impress in round two can continue his winning run in heat seven (9.45).