Betfair Official Blog

Pall Mall aftermath: Dogs to watch in the Derby bettting....

Click here to view market

Jonathan Hobbs highlights the top hounds to get on following the Oxford event

Looking at the line-up beforehand, it struck you that of the Pall Mall finalists at Oxford, only one would likely have Greyhound Derby potential - and Spears Tarquynn duly waltzed off with the spoils.

The Pall Mall has traditionally been a stepping-stone to the Derby and, while this year's event cut up quite badly with a number of favourites falling by the wayside, the best dog came out on top and that is huge credit to his terrific trainer, Claude Gardiner.

Gardiner lost his Derby champion Allen Gift just a fortnight ago, but life moves on and in the February 2005 whelp Spears Tarquynn he has a talented open-racer. Over three-years-old, he is running better than ever.

He showed great courage to overcome being the meat in the sandwich out of the boxes to then reel in Conker All. And remember, he was the dog who beat Barnfield On Air on the superstar's return at Hove. That the second-placed dog was Arc second Kilkenny Lonjack is beginning to put that race in perspective. Perhaps it wasn't a disastrous run after all!

Spears Tarquynn should go well in the Derby, he has the pace at both ends if things go wrong in a race and he needs to qualify.

Star Of Twilight showed great pace up in the opening four-bend event and lost nothing in defeat to be outstayed by Yahoo Commander after not too much running of late. He will go in next time, provided he gets the rails again!

Perrys Tango consolidated his position in the top bracket of sprinters with an easy win, while staying-on Clover Captain and resolute Shadayid caught the eye behind winner Lockdale Diamond in the puppy race.

Primitive Way's middle pace was ultra-impressive in the 645m event, but his stamina even more so as he broke the track record. He could just a Grand Prix or St Leger dog, and most certainly stands a great chance in the Cesarewitch, back at Oxford.

Barnfield Joe looked back to his best in the supporting 450m and perhaps the Pall Mall came just a couple of weeks too soon. But Julie Luckhurst should have some fun with this dog in the summer at places like Oxford and Peterborough. The Derby will push his stamina but he could go for a few rounds with that speed. Black Taxi caught the eye in behind.

Bower Turbo looks good for a few Romford 575m races, the middle pace he showed to keep Genesis Dream at bay was sensational, but he was probably all out to hold on over 595m, while the jury is out on Keljo Keane after he checked at the sough in the marathon.

He stopped almost to nothing down the far side and made the race a muddling affair. But the way he cruised past Genesis Alix caught the eye and, if they try the trip again, take a chance.