General / Editor / 18 September 2009 / Leave a comment

The Betfair Derby semi-finals is where The Lord starts his round-up of open-race action - and there are only two dogs who can win Tuesday's live-on-Sky final . . .

"Trap one shoud be perfect and Jordansoilutions looks a real star - as we revealed he would be a few weeks ago when he was known as RQS Soilutions and was showing up well at Nottingham. You read it here first!"

Jordansoilutions showed a terrific dash up in his semi-final, putting Fear Zafonic well and truly in his place. And the fact that he ended up clocking the faster time of the two semis is amazing.

Farloe Reason, his kennelmate and other semi-final winner, had a straight line into the turn, while Jordansoilutions had to tack across from trap four to his preferred rails position. For me he was the more impresive of the two.

And what draw does Jordansoilutions have in the final? Trap one. It shoud be perfect and he looks a real star - as we revealed he would be a few weeks ago when he was known as RQS Soilutions and was showing up well at Nottingham. You read it here first!

The only other dog who can win is Glenroe Ginger. His unbeaten run in the event came to an end in the semis when he didn't break that well from one, but he almost got up on the inside of Jordansoilutions into the turn.

A trail-blazer when out in front, he checked his stride twice in behind, and again when challenged and passed by Fear Zafonic for second.

Barrie Draper's dog has trap five in the final and could break far better from the outside.

Sheffield's card on Tuesday gave The Lord more reason to cheer for 'dogs to follow' as Eye Onthe Flash and Honey Trampas both scored victories, but there were plenty of other efforts worthy of note.

Slick Robert ran a cracker in the heats of the Puppy Silver Collar, and the fact it was on debut suggests here is a youngster out of the top drawer. To clock the fastest time of the night was incredible.

Other pups to shine were Magna Chuckle who stayed on well in his heat; off-the-pace heat winner Aero Sherriff and the similar style of Markeys Ace. Also going in the notebook is Goldies Destiny after a real return to form and, win or lose in the semi-finals, should be back to winning ways imminently.

Glenagower Champ also ran well at a big price in his heat and catches the eye for the future.

Nottingham staged a number of heats leading to finals at the track on Saturday.

Beaten dogs that caught the eye included sprinter Watch The Wok, who paced up to the turn only to be cut off by Bandit Blue, and Hondo Lad, who had a troublesome run but looked to have lots in the locker as he chased home Farloe Rocket over 500m.

There is no obvious reason why there should be a form reversal come the final, but onwards and upwards looks likely for Hondo Lad. It could be over a trip also.

Tags: Farloe Reason, Glenroe Ranger, Greyhounds betting, Jordansoilutions, the lord's Dogs column