Derby Betting / Editor / 24 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Form and results point to Matt Dartnall's speedster, says The Lord.

You have to fear (!) a number of things, more of which later, but there really is only one greyhound that can win the Derby at Wimbledon on Saturday - and that's Ballymac Ruso ([3.7]).

It's the only scenario that form students can have after the quarter-finals and semis, because Matt Dartnall's dog has been faultless from the boxes and set the fastest time in the event in both races. That's some feat considering it was a third run in eight days for the last 12.

But that's also not to say that it won't be a cracking race. Far from it. Farloe Reason ([7.6])is running brilliantly, will be suited by a middle pitch and the way he closed down Ballymac Ruso in the quarters suggests that, in a clean-run race, he will be bang there. But can he get the jump on Ruso? That's the question.

So to the other possibilities. Trap one for Fear Zafonic ([4.7]) has been yearned for by connections since day one. Even with trap one having such a poor record in the Derby, they want red. And it's clear to see why.

He can't win on his last two performances. Lacking nothing in courage, his sparkle has been dimmed by tough draws. And it will need all of Charlie Lister's powers in the week ahead to galvanise this warrior. He should be twice the price he currently is, but it's the Lister factor, you know.

How do you factor that in? That's the puzzle for punters, but it wouldn't be the greatest surprise to see him go whoosh out of the boxes. But on what we've seen, it's Ruso first, Reason second, Wise Thought ([3.65]) third. With the last-named ready to swoop if they pile up on the inside.