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Farloe gives plenty of reasons for Derby backers to pile in...

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Greyhound journalist Jonathan Hobbs reports on the action from Sunderland

There was some fantastic fare on display at Sunderland on Thursday where Farloe Reason undelrined his credentials as a Derby dog for 2008.

The winner of the Northern Puppy Derby, he made it four from four and Ian Openshaw, his owner, is unlikely to accept any more offers for him! One for £70k was accepted after the heats but didn't go through after the cheque bounced and now Ian and 'Derby King' Charlie Lister can eye cracks at Shawfield and Wimbledon next year, Charlie definitely feels he is an English Derby dog more than anything.

Farloe Reason fairly flew to the bend after trapping the best he'd done in the event and never looked likely to be beaten, even when Westmead Keawn loomed large off the second bend. Chances are that these are two very good dogs, while connections of Barnfield Mike also felt their dog was unlucky not to nab a lead, and a return to Romford for the Puppy Cup could prove successful.

Looking at the rest of the card, the sprint which kicked off proceedings (off camera) saw Rhincrew Simba strike and Charlie's evergreen two-bender is firing again. He destroyed an admittedly weaker field in some style and fears he could need the run were soon allayed as he raced away. He will go close in a far more decent sprint at Sheffield next.

Blonde Becks went into the notebook after his second to Toosey Blue in the British-bred. The winner did it well on his first look at the north-east venue, as tough a track to run first time as any, but it was the same for the runner-up and Elaine Parker's dog can go in next time. A young dog with terrific early pace, he is one to keep tabs on too.

Pond Gallileo will probably not get the credit he deserved for his puppy stayers event after the unfortunate injury to Westead Naomi. It is almost churlish to wonder what would have happened had she not broken down, but I would venture a guess that Harry Williams' dog will have pushed her close, and this looks good form.

Droopys Tops did have a great draw in the 450m event, with so much pace on the inside with Killieford Brave, Mahers Boy and Meenala Crusier, but he outpaced them down the far side, although Mahers Boy still emerged with great credit after being chopped for room and staying on for second.

Miss Dark Eyes ran an absolute stormer against Boherash Patriot in the stayers event and trainer Dave Smith will have great fun placing her. Mill Monty also made a lot of ground up the home-straight, and is clearly on good terms with himself. Again, another likely future winner.

Give Boherbradda Mac another chance after his third place in another 450m event. He came out awkwardly, bumped Fear Whitesox out of the boxes, roared to the bend, and checked wide and into trouble. Not absolutely comfortable when behind, he nevertheless showed huge pace and will run amok from the front soon.

The invitation six-bend was well won by Go Edie Honda, and the fact that a 10-1 shot beat a 6-1 shot (Romford Car Two) must frustrate those who had watched the pair finish first and second in the Sunderland Grand Prix, and not backed them to repeat the dose over the same course and distance. One that got away!

Not too much to take out of the marathon. 1-20 shot Bubbly Kate played up to the cameras by messing up the start but still coming through to win. But the runner-up Kilnascully Girl will continue to give her trainer Peter Harnden a great run. He is mapping out a similar campaign to his former stayer Cybele Fields, and will win a few races with her.

With the St Leger ongoing, and the new £22k Blue Square Classic at Coventry on the horizon, the open-race scene is abuzz at present. The Racing Post Festival is also looming, as is the All England Cup at Newcastle. Plenty for fans of the sport to get their teeth stuck into over the coming weeks.